Travel cat George
January 5, 2026
My stay from 31 December to 3 January was unfortunately not a very pleasant one. I had hoped to enjoy a nice New Year’s break at the hotel.
The property has a long history and, although it has been renovated, there were several comfort issues. The central air conditioning was extremely noisy, and the windows did not insulate well against the cold or wind. The room felt slightly warmer only when the curtains were fully closed. A portable heater was provided, but the room was still cold unless the noisy air conditioning was left on.
There also appeared to be an air deodorising device in the room, which produced a high-pitched mechanical sound and emitted a strong disinfectant-like smell that was quite unpleasant. In addition, possibly due to ageing plumbing, there was occasionally an unpleasant odour from the bathroom if the toilet lid was left open.
The room was on a low floor. Although described as facing Hyde Park, the actual view was mainly rooftops of nearby buildings. The room was positioned in a narrow gap in this buildings, meaning there was very little privacy — with the curtains open and lights on, it was easy to see into neighbouring rooms and vice versa.
Unfortunately, I also left behind a new limited-edition white Hello Kitty hair band which recently purchased during another trip at check-out. I contacted the hotel within a few hours, but it could not be located despite several follow-ups. As it was white and left on the bed, it may have been overlooked during housekeeping.
None of these issues were the fault of the hotel staff. The hotel was extremely busy over the New Year period, and there were no alternative rooms available.
Hilton, of course, cannot be compared with five-star or ultra-luxury brands, and perhaps my expectations were too high to begin with. That said, you do get what you pay for. The pricing is relatively reasonable for the area, and the location is excellent. From a value-for-money perspective, it is still a workable option if budget and location are the main priorities.
