The Trafalgar Hilton Hotel London - Review

The Trafalgar Hilton is the perfect blend of something old and something new.  Staying true to its era, the exterior walls offer years of history while the interior entices you with cutting edge technology, post modern chic decor and the perks of fine living through accommodations and around the clock service.

The Trafalgar is centrally located in Britain's infamous Trafalgar Square.  Standing on the steps of the building front in the early evening, you will be enchanted by a vision of luminous splashing fountains, Admiral Nelson's column, the Statue of Sir Charles James Napier and much more. While many historical sites are but a walk across the street, I found The Trafalgar to be out of the direct line of tourist traffic.  This location is great as there is something for everyone. If you enjoy shopping, places like East End, Piccadilly Square and Covent Square are but a short cab ride away. If its history you want, you will find Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and London Eye just around the corner. And for fine dining or the perfect bar setting you can ask the concierge for a list of London's 'Hot Spots'

You will be pleased to know that among that list is The Trafalgar Hotel's renowned Rockwell Bar. In the very convenience of the hotel lobby, guests are greeted with open arms, in an atmosphere set to lounge by day and socialize by night.  The architectural design of the building offers a historical chic' yet subtle glimpse of what lies behind the doors.  While locals know it as a guaranteed good time, intrigued passer bys stop in to check out one of London's ranked 'Top 10 Bars'  

Downstairs from the bar resides the well known Rockwell restaurant. Where you have your choice of specialty's ranging from Lobster Orzo Paella, Soya & Honey Glazed Duck to a traditional Black Angus Beef Fillet.  All prepared by the hands of chef Diego Jacquet.  A guaranteed, a fine dining experience for even the toughest critic. Or you can enjoy the simplistic continental breakfast buffet, to seize your early morning appetite with a taste of all that breakfast has to offer. 

The Trafalgar has 129 rooms that are comfortable by design and well equipped for all of your traveling needs.  You will find plush terry cloth robes with matching slippers in your bathroom. Upon your pillow, aromatherapy delights of lip balm, soothing eye cream and soaps.  Each room comes with a DVD/CD player, satellite TV, mini bar, ironing board and iron, blow dryer, the list of amenities goes on.  There are four different layouts for room options and accommodations to suit your needs.

For those traveling on business, you will find comfort in two accessible phone lines, direct high-speed internet access from each room and a desk with good lighting in case your work carries you into the night.  If you wish to do business out of your room, you can invite your colleagues to meet you in one of the boardrooms located inside the hotel. Each room is equipped with four phone lines, high-speed internet access, a television and six extra outlets which always come in handy for recharging laptops and cell phones.  The room's decor is 1930's refurbished English Heritage mixed with good lighting and great views for a perfect balance of comfort.  The bragging rights on these rooms come from the use of them, in filming The Ipcress File starring Michael Caine and James Bond: Dr. No.

After work, you can relax and cool down in the state-of-the-art gym that is exclusive to hotel guests, which keeps the machines accessible and the space quite.

If you prefer to find relaxation out of the gym, then you must ascend to the roof top, Roof Garden. Where you will find a champagne bar ready to serve you, as you get lost in the stunning view that surrounds you. While snacking on fresh strawberries or the Roof Garden's famous oysters.

Every attribute of The Trafalgar has been noted and recognized through out London, with endless 'Best of' and 'Top 10' titles across the board.  Below are just a few.

Roof Garden - Bar of the Week - Observer Magazine July 2005
Rockwell - Top 10 Bars - Cool Bars in London - viewlondon.co.uk 2005
Rockwell - Top 10 Bars to escape the heat - viewlondon.co.uk 2005
Rockwell - Top 50 Bars in London - Bar Secrets Evening Standard 2004
Rockwell - ABTA named within the Top 25 Bars Worldwide in 2004
Roof Garden - Listed as one of six favorite places to be seen in London - Highlife Magazine 2003
Rockwell - Listed as one of London's hottest venues - Evening Standard Essential Guide 2003
The Trafalgar - Annual Hot List Conde Nast Traveller 2003
Rockwell - Evening Standard - Bar of the Year 2002
Rockwell - Time Out Bar of the Year 2002
The Trafalgar - Top 10 New Hotels- Wine and Food 2001 

To read more of my experiences at The Trafalgar read my articles Travel London - Game of Life - Postcard 2, Travel London - Game of Life - Postcard 3 and Travel London - Game of Life - Postcard 4