Hilton London Wembley

This expansive property lives up to the standards expected from the Hilton brand. And, as it opened in 2012, it still feels new and fresh to boot. The nine-story hotel makes an impression even from the outside; it's a striking and imposing modern building shaped into a sharp, pointed wedge, with plenty of glass for extra effect. The high-ceilinged lobby has large floor-to-ceiling windows, shiny tiled floors, and a cascade of suspended glass baubles. There’s a long and modern high-fronted reception desk, and a sports-themed zone with framed football shirts paying tribute to its Wembley location. The stylish Icons Bar has more floor-to-ceiling windows, and impressive street and stadium views at the very front of the building, plus parquet flooring and elegant brown retro Chesterfield sofas. The sleek curved bar has a titanium-colored front, and clusters of modern drum pendant lights add further style.

On a pedestrianized stretch just 230 feet (70 meters) from Wembley Arena and 650 feet (200 meters) from Wembley Stadium, the Hilton London Wembley is the closest hotel to both attractions. Wembley Stadium tube station is a seven-minute walk or three-minute drive from the hotel, and Wembley Park tube station is a 10-minute walk, four-minute bus ride or four-minute drive away. Both connect travelers to central London within a half hour. The London Designer Outlet discount shopping center is a minute’s walk from the hotel, and there are shops, restaurants, and cinemas in the vicinity. Hyde Park is a 22-minute drive or 41-minute tube ride away, while London Zoo is 25 minutes away by road or 47 minutes on the tube. It’s a 29-minute drive or 31 minutes on the tube to Oxford Street. Buckingham Palace is 30 minutes away by car or 42 minutes by tube, while the hotel is a 31-minute drive or 37-minute tube ride from Leicester Square. It takes 31 minutes to reach Piccadilly Circus by road, and 33 minutes to Big Ben; both are a 33-minute tube ride away, while the London Eye is a 34-minute drive or 43-minute tube ride away. Heathrow is the closest airport, a 26-minute drive away or 43 minutes by public transport. London City Airport is a 50-minute drive away, or just over an hour by public transport; Gatwick Airport is over an hour away by taxi or public transport.

Rooms at the Hilton London Wembley are spacious, comfortable and quiet, sporting stylish contemporary design. Simple, dove-gray walls provide a neutral backdrop for large comfy beds, which are backed with mauve leather headboards and topped with built-in reading lights. Smoky glass modern lamps on bedside tables provide more lighting, and there are freestanding floor lamps as well. Floor-length gray curtains are divided by gold stripes echoing yellow accent walls, a vibrant splash of complementary color. Large dark-wood desks provide work stations, while small glass tables paired with purple slipper chairs give a spot to recline. Views from some rooms are blocked by unattractive walls, while pricier rooms have stadium views. Standard amenities include individual air-conditioning, large wall-mounted flat-screen TVs with personalized interactive features (and a good range of sports channels). There are also multiple phones, and hairdryers, irons and ironing boards, safes, minibars, and coffee- and tea-making facilities. Executive Rooms and suites add Bose sound systems, bathrobes and slippers, free drinking water, and access to the Executive Lounge. There are often extra charges for in-room Wi-Fi (it’s free in public areas), and the connection is poor.

Spacious modern bathrooms are equally design-conscious; white wall tiles have black trim, and glossy black subway tiles adorn the bathtub' bases. There’s black-and-white checked floor tiling, and large black marble vanities with chic vessel sinks. Bathroom amenities include partially heated mirrors that prevent steaming, along with Peter Thomas Roth toiletries, scales, and power showerheads in the shower/tub combos. Suites have walk-in showers in addition to separate living rooms.

This Hilton has an impressive range of features, especially when it comes to wellness. It includes a bright and modern 24-hour gym (there’s keycard-restricted access from late evening), complete with an extensive range of free weights and weight-lifting and cardio machines. The heated indoor pool is attractive, with striking pillars decorated with multicolored mosaics; it has a hot tub, too, but the pool itself is on the small side. There’s also a steam room and sauna.

The cooked and continental breakfast buffet, served at the sleek Association restaurant, offers great variety but isn’t included in all rates. The restaurant has a British menu and is open for dinner, while attached Icons Bar and Grill is open for light snacks during the day as well as for dinner; room service provides good quality, too. The top-floor Sky Bar 9 has an outside terrace and stadium views, and serves food, drinks and afternoon tea, but it’s not open every day. Guests in Executive Rooms and suites have access to the Executive Lounge, which offers free drinks and snacks, free continental breakfast, and its own terrace with great views.

A spacious and elegant business center offers a full range of office services, and there are 10 well-equipped meeting rooms plus a large ballroom with its own private terrace and capacity for 900 guests. There’s free Wi-Fi access in public areas, but with a few exceptions there are extra charges for in-room use -- in any case, guests report that the connection is poor throughout. There’s a safety deposit box at the front desk, and currency exchange and laundry services are available. Discounted parking is available at a neighboring garage with 200 spaces.