The Hilton London Met is a huge hotel. I mean really huge. This is a big hotel for international conferences from everything to defence (yes, guns) through to sex toys. It is also a big group hotel with a large number of school parties.
This is definitely not the hotel to visit if you are looking for individual attention and service – it’s simply too big. The hotel is located pretty close to Paddington and is handy for the Heathrow Express if, like me, you can’t afford the Hilton London Paddington (£200 plus per night). The London Met is a 15 minute walk from Paddington station (or less than £5 in a cab). The nearest tune is Edgware Road which is a five minute walk from the hotel.
Check in here can be tricky simply due to the size of the hotel – Gold and Diamond HHonors members can check in in the Exec Lounge which is located upstairs. I checked in at 8am and as there was no queue I used the main reception desk. I was given a choice of upgrades and opted for a Queen Deluxe Deluxe (yes I meant to say that twice). This gave me a room with two Queen beds which was handy as one of the Junior Travel Freaks was visiting me later in the week.
Room was standard Hilton affair (with a well-stocked mini-bar) however the décor was a little tired. This is not a stylish property but does have a lot of services; the lobby bar stays open (and busy) pretty much 24 hours a day. It’s a little like an airport hotel in the City.
The Exec lounge here is always busy so get there early if you plan on spending the evening there. Table service is offered but I would advise you have a look at the every changing nibbles – sometimes they are exciting. Beer stocked here was Heineken; do not under any circumstances touch the Red wine.
The Hilton London Met is the sort of hotel that you can easily get lost in and become just another guest; sometimes that can be a good thing.
Weekend rates can be had for around £100. Midweek rates vary a lot and if a big conference is in the hotel the rates rocket. Do a Google search for the dates you want and the name of the hotel; often you will find the conference advertised and sometimes there is an Event code online.
Hilton London Metropole, 225 Edgware Road London, W2 1JU. Website
