Hilton Olympia Hotel
, London, United Kingdom
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Hilton Olympia Hotel
, London
Rooms: 405
380 Kensington High Street
- London - England - W14 8NL - United Kingdom
Hotel Website |
20-76033333
860
Traveller
Reviews - Hilton Olympia Hotel
Read 860 additional reviews of Hilton Olympia Hotel at TripAdvisor.
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Historical Traveller Reviews of Hilton Olympia Hotel
Great variety of rooms
from aDCtraveler
Looked to me as if the hotel was three connected buildings. Thus, the comments I have concern rooms in the building in the back of the hotel along Holland Rd. For example, I read reviews indicating that the hotel doesn't have air-conditioning, but my room had air-conditioning. Judging from the windows that were open in other parts of the building, I would say that many of the rooms may not have a/c. My room was average size and comfortably furnished except there was no sitting chair. The bathroom had a tub, hand held shower that could be set into wall holder to use as regular American shower, shower curtain, dial to control water temperature in shower based on degrees centigrade, excellent towels. The beds have nice new duvets. For me the duvets are rather warm for the room temperature, so I was glad to be able to turn on the a/c at night. Many hotel chains are changing over from bed spreads to duvets, and I wish they would also put sheets on the bed as an alternative when the room is warm. The room had a minibar that automatically charged you if you removed a bottle. There was a large sign warning of this. Mini bar prices were high. The room also had a small refrigerator that could be used for your own drinks. Rooms on Holland St side of hotel were not very noisy, but front of hotel faces very busy Kensington High St., other side of hotel is half a block from rail tracks that have a modest number of trains, and many rooms face courtyard that house ventilation and other equipment and no view. I had requested a quiet room and my room was not noisy, but one night there was some unpleasant vibration from a source I couldn't identify. The sound proofing between rooms was good. If I stay there again, my concern will be getting a quiet room given the traffic on Kensington High St and the RR.
I had a rate that included the full breakfast. It was great. The buffet included everything I could think of cold or hot. You could have a healthy breakfast or a high fat one, or both. no need for lunch.
I liked the location because it is a good place for the Underground or the busses, and for transport to Gatwick (by rail from Olympia RR station) and Heathrow (by the Underground). However, there isn't any sight seeing in walking distance and no fancy shopping. In walking distance, there are many Iranian restaurants and groceries, wine shop, pharmacy, Asian restaurant, newsstand, pub and one coffee shop with internet. A few more blocks along Kensington High St in either direction brings other restaurants and shops. If you want to be in the heart of the action, don't stay here.
I did note that persons arriving in the morning were not being checked in but were having their bags stored until check in time. If you need early availability, don't take it for granted. I have stayed at other hotels in London that regularly find a room for early arrivals.
The hotel has internet station in the lobby at five British pounds per 30 minutes.
I had a rate that included the full breakfast. It was great. The buffet included everything I could think of cold or hot. You could have a healthy breakfast or a high fat one, or both. no need for lunch.
I liked the location because it is a good place for the Underground or the busses, and for transport to Gatwick (by rail from Olympia RR station) and Heathrow (by the Underground). However, there isn't any sight seeing in walking distance and no fancy shopping. In walking distance, there are many Iranian restaurants and groceries, wine shop, pharmacy, Asian restaurant, newsstand, pub and one coffee shop with internet. A few more blocks along Kensington High St in either direction brings other restaurants and shops. If you want to be in the heart of the action, don't stay here.
I did note that persons arriving in the morning were not being checked in but were having their bags stored until check in time. If you need early availability, don't take it for granted. I have stayed at other hotels in London that regularly find a room for early arrivals.
The hotel has internet station in the lobby at five British pounds per 30 minutes.
Nice Property (March 1-3, 2005)
from A TripAdvisor Member
After having read good and bad reviews, I was happily suprised with our stay at the Hilton Olympia. Clearly found the best Hilton rate in London proper, and since I have some HHonors recognition I was upgraded before I asked.
As a US business traveler, I found the differences in this property vs US Hiltons to be minimal. Sure, smaller bathrooms, a short set of stairs between the "lift" and my room , but I never felt I was in anything less than a Hilton property.
Location is acceptable, although the taxi fare from Paddington to the hotel at 7 PM was hefty as we crawled through traffic. I thought we had the worst traffic, but I will turn the honor over to London! There is NO better way from Heathrow to downtown than the Express, by the way, easily beating out any ground transportation with its 15 minute high speed ride.
The walk to Kennsington Tube station is every bit of 10 minutes, and maybe 15 is your are looking around a bit, but it was not a big issue. The bus line 9 and 10 is very convenient, about a half a block up the street, and will take you to Picadilly, Harrods and other West End locations. We built our trip around a couple of West End plays and this property is well within "bus" distance to the main theater areas.
If you have HHonors recognition, the breakfast upgrade you might get is well worth it- Full breakfast everyday was too hard to pass up, although I could have easily gotten by less expensively in the pastry/ coffee/ cafes between the Olympia and the Kennsington Tube. Also a Whiterose grocery store right up the street where they even opened up a bottle of wine my wife bought when she did the conversion on what it costs to buy a glass of wine in the bar, close to $18 US. If I had any complaints it was that the hotel bar was so very expensive... but we only used it for a nightcap after coming back from the West End anyway. Everything else closed down during the week around 10PM, so it was a necessary evil!
All in all, the Hilton Olympia was everything we needed and met our expectations.
As a US business traveler, I found the differences in this property vs US Hiltons to be minimal. Sure, smaller bathrooms, a short set of stairs between the "lift" and my room , but I never felt I was in anything less than a Hilton property.
Location is acceptable, although the taxi fare from Paddington to the hotel at 7 PM was hefty as we crawled through traffic. I thought we had the worst traffic, but I will turn the honor over to London! There is NO better way from Heathrow to downtown than the Express, by the way, easily beating out any ground transportation with its 15 minute high speed ride.
The walk to Kennsington Tube station is every bit of 10 minutes, and maybe 15 is your are looking around a bit, but it was not a big issue. The bus line 9 and 10 is very convenient, about a half a block up the street, and will take you to Picadilly, Harrods and other West End locations. We built our trip around a couple of West End plays and this property is well within "bus" distance to the main theater areas.
If you have HHonors recognition, the breakfast upgrade you might get is well worth it- Full breakfast everyday was too hard to pass up, although I could have easily gotten by less expensively in the pastry/ coffee/ cafes between the Olympia and the Kennsington Tube. Also a Whiterose grocery store right up the street where they even opened up a bottle of wine my wife bought when she did the conversion on what it costs to buy a glass of wine in the bar, close to $18 US. If I had any complaints it was that the hotel bar was so very expensive... but we only used it for a nightcap after coming back from the West End anyway. Everything else closed down during the week around 10PM, so it was a necessary evil!
All in all, the Hilton Olympia was everything we needed and met our expectations.
Very nice hotel
from A TripAdvisor Member
Came down to see a show and really enjoyed my stay. Only fault was the continental breakfast was very basic offering a limited choice of fruit and juices plus it would have been nice to have tea served in a teapot. One last point they really do need to purchase a new toaster as the one they are using takes forever.
Good for the price
from kard
Hotel was good for the price, nice clean room, no view but it's the middle of London so wasn't expecting one anyway, breakfast was very good, plenty of choice and good service. Would not drink at the hotel bar unless it's on company expenses, £11 for a pint and a G&T, erm, is that magic gin you are serving?!! Would stay here again if going to see a show in Hammersmith, or if on business, would not stay here if on a week long holiday and had extra money to spend on a more up-market boudoir.
t Know Yet
from TW
My husband and I are going to London this December 2004 and we will be staying here. We are looking forward to our 1st trip to Europe (Paris & London) but not sure on all the below average reviews.
I got 4 nights at Priceline in late December for $70 per night (plus taxes). Not bad for a 4* or even 3* hotel when compared to Expedia/Orbitz/Travelocity that a 1 to 2* hotel will cost more than $89 per night.
I got 4 nights at Priceline in late December for $70 per night (plus taxes). Not bad for a 4* or even 3* hotel when compared to Expedia/Orbitz/Travelocity that a 1 to 2* hotel will cost more than $89 per night.
excellent...for the price.
from fishyscott
My wife and I stayed here from 9/17-9/20 2004. We got it through priceline at 55 GBP/night (included tax, no breakfast). I believe this was a great price for a hotel in London at this quality. I would rate the quality of the room at a three star (not a four star), but we may of recieved one of their worst rooms because of the cheap rate we were paying.
Some positive remarks:
1. Good location. Taking the train from Olymipia station to Gatwick airport was too simple. 15 minute walk to Kensington High Street was fine, we took the bus a few times because we had a weekend travel pass (this pass is highly recommended).
2. Semi-modern rooms, not too small.
3. Very clean room, except some mold in shower.
4. Price was remarkable.
5. Very courteous staff.
Some negative remarks:
1. Bed was extremely uncomfortable, and old. We had a hard time sleeping on it.
2. Walls were "paper thin", you could hear other rooms, and especially people in the hallway. The worst was housekeeping at 7am...slamming utility doors in the hallway every 15 minutes.
3. Breakfast...do not eat breakfast in the hotel (unless it is included in your rate)! 14 GBP for a continental breakfast (cereal, bread, fruit) was the biggest rip-off I have ever experienced. We only made that mistake the first day.
4. Location could be inconvenient to those that like to stay "in the center" of things going on.
Overall, excellent hotel if you can get it under 60 GDP/night. We paid a total of 165 GBP for three nights, this is less than one nights cost for most hotels in London.
Some positive remarks:
1. Good location. Taking the train from Olymipia station to Gatwick airport was too simple. 15 minute walk to Kensington High Street was fine, we took the bus a few times because we had a weekend travel pass (this pass is highly recommended).
2. Semi-modern rooms, not too small.
3. Very clean room, except some mold in shower.
4. Price was remarkable.
5. Very courteous staff.
Some negative remarks:
1. Bed was extremely uncomfortable, and old. We had a hard time sleeping on it.
2. Walls were "paper thin", you could hear other rooms, and especially people in the hallway. The worst was housekeeping at 7am...slamming utility doors in the hallway every 15 minutes.
3. Breakfast...do not eat breakfast in the hotel (unless it is included in your rate)! 14 GBP for a continental breakfast (cereal, bread, fruit) was the biggest rip-off I have ever experienced. We only made that mistake the first day.
4. Location could be inconvenient to those that like to stay "in the center" of things going on.
Overall, excellent hotel if you can get it under 60 GDP/night. We paid a total of 165 GBP for three nights, this is less than one nights cost for most hotels in London.
Good bang for the buck!
from amolvb
Stayed 8/21-8/23 on our first trip to London. Hotel is conveniently located within 5 min. walking distance from Olympia tube station on the District Line. Do not follow the directions on the hotel web-site to get down at High St. Kensington station - its easily a 15+ minute walk from there!! Hotel is clean. Our room did not have any view - maybe because we had made award reservation using our HHonors points.
Check-in was swift. The staff is very cordial. I am 6' tall but I had not problem with the bathroom height (though one of the reviews here complains about the same). No ironing boards in room but they are brought in if you request. Newspaper was offered but not delivered both the days - we didn't care since we used to leave in the morning and come back in the night - we just needed a place to crash. Good upscale quiet location - good to relax - felt like home!
Check-in was swift. The staff is very cordial. I am 6' tall but I had not problem with the bathroom height (though one of the reviews here complains about the same). No ironing boards in room but they are brought in if you request. Newspaper was offered but not delivered both the days - we didn't care since we used to leave in the morning and come back in the night - we just needed a place to crash. Good upscale quiet location - good to relax - felt like home!
m paying, I try to stay here.
from A TripAdvisor Member
If I am on the hook to pay for a hotel in London, I try to stay at the Hilton Kensington Olympia or the St. Giles. This is because I'm cheap, and I like a clean room and a good location. If someone else is paying for my trip, my hotel of choice is the Langham.
While many will complain that the Kensington Olympia tube stop of the District line has limited service, this overlooks a very important point. The Kensington Olympia stop is also serviced by British Rail with a direct connection to Gatwick Airport for only £7. Talk about a time, money, and hassle saver, Gatwick to 50 feet from the front door of your hotel in 45 minutes!
High Street Kensington tube is a 15-minute walk, not bad. In addition, another option is to visit the Olympia tube station to purchase a 2-zone day pass and then turn right around and use the bus with it.
The hotel is something of an Art Deco/Streamlined gem, and there have been renovations in many of the rooms in which I have stayed. The only problems are 1) like many other hotels in London and Paris, there is no air conditioning in the summer. If it is hot and humid, it can get a bit brutal; 2) If there is a convention or show at the Olympia Center or at Earl's Court, you would be best avoiding the area (although, you more than likely won't find a good rate if this is the case).
For the price (often around £69 online), and if you are using Gatwick as your airport, it is an excellent hotel for the money (as long as it isn't too hot in the summer).
While many will complain that the Kensington Olympia tube stop of the District line has limited service, this overlooks a very important point. The Kensington Olympia stop is also serviced by British Rail with a direct connection to Gatwick Airport for only £7. Talk about a time, money, and hassle saver, Gatwick to 50 feet from the front door of your hotel in 45 minutes!
High Street Kensington tube is a 15-minute walk, not bad. In addition, another option is to visit the Olympia tube station to purchase a 2-zone day pass and then turn right around and use the bus with it.
The hotel is something of an Art Deco/Streamlined gem, and there have been renovations in many of the rooms in which I have stayed. The only problems are 1) like many other hotels in London and Paris, there is no air conditioning in the summer. If it is hot and humid, it can get a bit brutal; 2) If there is a convention or show at the Olympia Center or at Earl's Court, you would be best avoiding the area (although, you more than likely won't find a good rate if this is the case).
For the price (often around £69 online), and if you are using Gatwick as your airport, it is an excellent hotel for the money (as long as it isn't too hot in the summer).
Upgraded breakfast was the only thing good.
from KIMNGUYEN
This hotel was pre-selected as part of a 5 country Europe tour I went on. I had no choice in the matter and I would not choose this hotel if I were to visit London on my own. I would prefer a hotel that was close to a tube. There was a 24 hour grocery store named "Tessco" in walking distance from the hotel which was quite convenient. It is a full service store similar to a Krogers/Ralphs or Safeway/Vons. For breakfast, learning from our mistake at the Novotel Bagnolet in Paris, we went right at opening time, 7am. The hostess left her podium for a short time we were greeted by a waiter who filled in for her in the meantime. Normally, you would give your room# to the hostess and they will confirm your seating. Because we were part of a tour group, the waiter thought we were part of Trafalgar and sent us to the standard breakfast without carefully checking. Not knowing of the difference between the standard and upgraded sections of the restaurant, we were abruptly stopped by the hostess who had then returned stating that if wanted to upgrade, it would cost us 7 pounds. Not until 30 minutes later when other members of our tour arrived and saw that they were seated in the upgraded section that we went back to the hostess and told her that we should be eating where our tourmates were. (Monkey see, monkey do ;0 ) It was then that we learned that this hotel had 2 types of breakfasts. The first one is a standard breakfast which includes toast, milk, orange juice, coffee, cereal, and hard boiled eggs. The second is called an "upgraded" breakfast for an additional 7 pounds for those individuals who are part of a tour. I don't know how much breakfast rates are for individual bookings. This included included everything the standard breakfast had but also, hot food such as sausage, eggs, hotcakes, fresh fruit, yogurt, more beverage varieties/juices but the highlight of this breakfast were omelettes and waffles made to order. The room we had was wheelchair accessible so we had extra space in comparison to the other reviews. We could not confirm if we were in a non-smoking room or not but smoke from the other rooms permeated through the walls and vents and was quite uncomfortable for us. The shower was the highlight of the room as we heard so much about it and the other reviews are accurate about how it's not built for tall people. We even took a photo of the shower to be part of our trip album!
Disappointing
from rdk8
We got this hotel through Priceline, and we were pretty disappointed. The double room was tiny, very hot, and as other reviews have pointed out, there's no air conditioning. The bathroom was also very small. The room was clean though. We will not stay here again.
Top Local Tips for London
Avoid Covent Gardens tube stop at peak time Covent Gardens tube stop has 193-step (15-sory) spiral staircase, so the lift line is always long, especially in peak times. I suggest you get off at Leicester Square (on Northern or Piccadilly lines) (or at Tottenham Court Road, on the Central line) instead, and make the short (and scenic) walk over.
gatwick airport from kensington olympia take a train from olympia, platform 3. transfer at clapham junction may be possible. costs gbp 9 in weekend
High Quality, Cheap food in Kensington The Giraffe restaurant on Kensington High Street provides cheap meal deals on the evening, if you visit before 7pm, two courses costs £6 and after 7pm it's £9 (I think). The food was really high quality and comes highly recommended.
- (hotels)
Other names for Hilton Olympia Hotel
- london hilton olympia hotel
- london hilton
- hilton olympia london
- hilton london olympia
- hilton london
- hilton international london
- Address: 380 Kensington High Street - London - England - W14 8NL - United Kingdom
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- (hotels)
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