Our Verdict: “Classic charm meets tired edges in London’s theatre district.“
With a name like The Waldorf Hilton London, expectations run high. An historic icon in the heart of the West End, it promises old-school glamour with modern comforts. But does it still deliver, or is it merely basking in its own reflected glory? It’s a bit of both. From check-in to the mysterious case of the disappearing waiter, we experienced it all – so grab a cup of tea (hopefully with better service than we got at breakfast) and read on for the full breakdown.
The Waldorf Hilton London leans into its historic grandeur, but beneath the Edwardian charm, it’s showing its age. While comfortable, it competes in a saturated market of London 4-star hotels, where a sharper level of service and modern upkeep would help justify the price. It’s clear it’s not in the same class as Hilton’s other Waldorf Astorias, which likely explains why it doesn’t carry the Waldorf Astoria name.
In this review:
- Hotel Summary
- Location
- Check-in
- Our Room
- Facilities & Services
- Food and Beverage
- Check-out
- BG1 Verdict
Hotel Summary
Name: The Waldorf Hilton London
Location: Covent Garden, London
Hotel Class: ☆☆☆☆
Chain: Hilton
Loyalty Programme: Hilton Honors
Room 639: Astor Suite
Price bracket: £300 per night (£££)
Good for: Short stays in London
Location
A prime spot for theatre lovers and Covent Garden wanderers. With London’s cultural and dining scene just outside, it’s an ideal base for a West End visit. That said, with so many hotel options in the area, it’s worth asking: what makes this one the right pick for you?
Check-in
Pre-stay emails teased upgrades, but none materialized despite Hilton Diamond status. However, upon asking at reception, we were swiftly upgraded to the Astor Suite—proof that sometimes, all you have to do is ask. The check-in staff declared, ‘I’m going to upgrade you to the best room in the hotel, as this is your first time staying here.’ Had we used the digital key via the app, we might have missed out.
I was given an envelope with details of the hotel.
Room
The Astor Suite sounds grand, with its name proudly displayed on the door. The space itself is large, clean, and attempts an art deco aesthetic, complete with vintage-style telephones (which, surprisingly, work).
Step inside, and the suite immediately impresses with its sheer size. A separate living room provides a comfortable lounge area, perfect for unwinding after a long day in the city. The main bathroom is generously sized, featuring a well-appointed setup with sleek finishes, while an additional guest bathroom ensures convenience for those staying as a pair or hosting visitors.
And then there’s the champagne fridge — a detail that hints at luxury but also feels slightly at odds with the otherwise tired furnishings. It’s a lovely touch, though, for those who prefer their bubbles at the perfect temperature.
Elsewhere, service gaps continue. The in-room tea and coffee stations are oddly separated, and there’s no water near the coffee setup. Amenities are minimal – just cotton wool, and soap dispensers were empty.
But the cracks – both literal and figurative – show. Lights didn’t work on entry, suggesting maintenance neglect. The bed, creaky and lumpy, is due for replacement. The bathroom, at least, is a highlight, feeling fresher than the rest of the room after a recent refurb. With a little more attention to detail, this suite could be something truly special.
Perhaps a unique touch, the Astor Suite at the Waldorf Hilton offers several “Press for Champagne” buttons. This quirky feature harks back to the hotel’s history of opulence, where guests could summon a glass of bubbly at the push of a button. It’s a nod to the glamorous past and an indulgence for those who enjoy a little luxury at their fingertips. The buttons don’t work today, but champagne is available in the wine fridge in the room.
Facilities & Services
The hotel’s main bar, Good Godfrey’s, offers classic cocktails in a refined setting, perfect for a pre-theatre drink. The in-house restaurant, Homage, serves a mix of British and European cuisine, though the service can be slow, particularly during peak times. Afternoon tea is also available, though with so many excellent options nearby, it doesn’t stand out as a must-try.
The gym offers cardio machines but feels abandoned, and the business centre is an uninspiring space, seemingly unused.
The Waldorf Hilton London Executive Lounge
The Executive Lounge on the first floor provides an intimate space for guests. Happy hour runs from 6-8 PM, featuring cava, beer, a couple of wines, and an automated cocktail machine. Initial disappointment at the lack of snacks was short-lived as olives, nuts, and a round of cold canapés appeared—though not via self-service.
Breakfast at The Waldorf Hilton London
Breakfast offers a decent spread in an elegant dining room, but service falls short. There’s a solid selection, including cereal, hot dishes, fruit, and cold meats—everything you’d expect from a good breakfast. After being seated and eager for a coffee, I was left waiting. Ten minutes later, I flagged down a passing waiter, only to be met with a dismissive response: ‘I’ll ask my colleague to come over.’ Another five minutes passed with no follow-up, so I took matters into my own hands and went to the reception to request my coffee.
Check-out
A straightforward, speedy process. A quick signature and an emailed receipt – no complaints. Equally, no chit-chat about how my stay was… but that’s fine, as not sure I’d be coming back for the price.
BG1 Verdict
The Waldorf Hilton London isn’t a bad stay, but with so many alternatives, it struggles to stand out. A solid option for location but there are many options in the area for the price range.
Don’t forget to sign-up to our newsletter to get our latest updates delivered straight to your inbox. Why not also follow us on TikTok!
Leave a Reply