When walking into a hotel like the London Hilton on Park Lane, you expect a certain level of luxury and I can safely say it doesn’t disappoint in the slightest. Fans of the Channel 5 series Inside the Hilton: Park Lane, which aired in 2024, might recognise a few familiar faces from the show’s behind-the-scenes look at the daily operations of the hotel.
The bustling reception immediately draws you in; it’s impossible not to people-watch and wonder where everyone’s heading for the day. We dropped our overnight bags upstairs and had a good nose around. The room is contemporary and stylish, with a walk-in wardrobe, and a deluxe marble bathroom. Everything feels new, thanks to the hotel being completely revamped last year. There’s even a clever window between the bathroom and bedroom, letting you relax in the bath while gazing out over London.
The attention to detail extends far beyond design, with a real focus on those unparalleled panoramic views. And wow, the view is outrageous: Battersea Power Station, Buckingham Palace, Wembley – you name it – all visible from the cosiness of your room. Imagine waking up to the autumnal colours of Hyde Park, or, if you time your stay closer to the festive season, watching Winter Wonderland sparkle at night. We sat fascinated by what we could spot, grazing on the welcome tray of fresh fruit and macaroons.
After drooling over our pinch-me-moment room for the night, we got the lift up to the 28th floor. If you ever thought restaurants on a Monday evening would be quiet, think again. Shanghai Me is the place to be, absolutely buzzing, with a glamorous crowd dressed head-to-toe in designer labels galore. This is the place to wear that dress you’ve been saving for a special occasion.
Shanghai Me, a pan-Asian restaurant, feels like stepping back into the art deco opulence of 1930s Shanghai; elegant, atmospheric, and full of character. The menu is exciting, with so many dishes to debate over. It would certainly be rude not to start with the truffle dim sum. After a recent trip to Mexico, shrimp tempura has become a must-order for me everywhere I go and it didn’t disappoint. Crunchy, softly fried prawns, just as they should be. The wagyu dim sum was a flavour sensation. The chicken xiao long bao was delicate, bursting with a rich, peppery broth that melted in the mouth.
Cocktails tailored to your star sign were another true highlight. The waiting team were attentive but not in-your-face – not that feeling where you’re being stalked the moment you put your cutlery down.
For mains, the slow-cooked braised beef with rice was exactly what your body craves on a drizzly autumn evening. Anything with miso gets my vote, so I went for the cod and it was absolute perfection, ticking every box for moist and flaky. My husband and I were hungrier than usual that evening after skipping lunch, so we also opted for the roast duck. I mean, isn’t it basically the law that if you go to a an Asian restaurant, you have to try the duck? Perfectly crispy skin, juicy meat heaven.
The courses here are rich and filling, so you probably won’t need dessert, but our dining neighbours swore by the gigantic fortune cookie – a playful matcha mousse and almond crunch concoction.
As we ate, the view overlooking Hyde Park transformed into a twinkling twilight scene…step out for a view between courses for that wow factor.
After what felt like the most satisfying overindulgence, the idea of simply stepping downstairs to bed was heaven. But, in true us style, we decided to walk to Selfridges…as you do at 9 p.m. on a Monday – to stock up on Christmas baubles while it was quiet and walk off dinner. On our way back, we stopped at Revery Bar for a nightcap – a hidden gem. The menu features a playful range of cocktails as well as the classics, with the latest menu, The Daydream Collection, inspired by those who dream with their eyes open. From nostalgic memories to imagined adventures.
Being tequila fans, we went for the Unknown Destination – Patrón Silver Tequila, mango and pineapple shrub, a dash of citrus, and a fiery chilli twist. Easy to sip and light… so much so that another round was ordered.
Afterwards, we headed straight to bed, which felt like sleeping on a cloud – the softest bed on the 19th floor. Our own bed at home is comfy, but this one is a serious contender. Waking up to those sweeping Hyde Park views was something else. Who needs a TV when you have that skyline? There’s a reason this place has such a loyal fan base…and I feel like I’ve just joined the club.
22 Park Lane, London W1K 1BE
