**** General Comments ****
It's difficult to write either positive or negative comments regarding this 600 bedroom Hilton. They provide exactly what they say they will, with enviable consistency, which is quite forgettable. It's a little like eating a dinner, which satisfies a hunger, but leaves no lingering impression. Rooms are famously small, but functional (this is one of those rare occasions where an upgrade to Club is recommended) and the well-trained staff are welcoming and friendly. It all works, but there's nothing to make one think, "I'll book the Hilton this month" other than the area, which I personally like. If you consider your hotel part of the experience, you probably shouldn't book this one. However, if your hotel is a base where cleanliness and a decent bed to flake out in after a busy day are the only requirements, this may suit you well. I have noted that children are well catered for both in the restaurant and on room service menus, cots are provided and under many circumstances, children stay free, which bodes well for families.

In line with most hotels, whatever discount you receive will not be extended to room service and the mini-bars (unfortunately), which are pricey. If you are on a budget, make use of local shops and stock-up on in room munchies and your favourite tipple - ice machines are available on each floor and you will find a corkscrew/bottle opener in your room. There are so many glorious restaurants and pubs in London worth sampling, that I rarely pay inflated hotel restaurant/bar prices when so much more can be experienced with some research and planning. Visit http://www.fancyapint.com and http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/eat.asp as starting points.

**** The Area ****
Holland Park Avenue has a 'village' and residential feel. The area is often described as 'tranquil' although as an ex country bumpkin, I'd be hard pressed to describe the busy road as such! Nonetheless, it is a pleasant area and if the sun is shining, a stroll under the shade of the famous trees which line both sides of the road, followed by a late breakfast, eaten outside at one of the restaurants, can be very relaxing. You'll find a Tesco Metro, Indian and Italian Restaurants, a Delicatessen, Dry Cleaners, a Pub (The Castle) and Newsagents, to name a few. Notting Hill is within walking distance (in my opinion), if you wish to extend you choice of shops and restaurants, or just explore the area. For some unfathomable reason, I'm often pointing out that Holland Park is just a couple of stops along the Central Line from Marble Arch. Many seem to have the idea that it's out of the way - this simply isn't true. Whilst visitors might be limited to the Central Line, it's one of the better lines, with frequent trains.

**** Your Room ****
Enter your room into a small passage (barely enough room for two people to pass), the bathroom (with sliding door) is on the left and well-appointed wardrobes, coffee making area and mini bar on the right. The room contains a standard size bed (s), side tables, small desk/dressing table with chair, coffee table with chair, TV (mounted on wall bracket), trouser press, hairdryer, telephone and hotel guides etc. The TV offers a plethora of jiggery pokery, such as the ability to pay your bill or order the hotel movies. There's good lighting, plenty of power sockets and the décor is pleasant. The fact that the bathroom door is of the sliding variety and the TV is wall mounted speaks volumes about the size of these standard rooms. Cosy, if you're not claustrophobic.

The bathroom is small with marble effect décor and tiles. Here, you will find an awful half size bath with shower over, towels, bin, bathroom scales and toiletries. This area is very cramped with little space to hang towels, which are stored on a shelf above the bath shower area. Here, they frequently get damp, something not helped by the lack of heated towel rail. The Hilton is currently promoting its range of guest toiletries - La Source by Crabtree and Evelyn - there is even a short survey to complete, seeking your views on these wonderful products. Crikey! Would posh soap make you choose the Hilton? Personally, I'd prefer a Brillo Pad and a discount :-)

**** Hotel Facilities ****
Alan Sugar would like it here. There are conferencing and banqueting facilities in eleven rooms seating from two to 3000 delegates. There is a Business Centre on the ground floor with Broadband Internet and Photocopier. The Hilton offers facilities for meetings such as Overhead Projectors, Screens, Flip Charts etc. There is also an Executive Lounge with a terrace overlooking London, with Satellite TV, where soft drinks and pre-dinner drinks are available. Wireless Internet Access is available in all ground floor areas.

The restaurant, formerly Imbue Restaurant, has undergone a makeover and has been reborn as West Eleven. As an ex chef, I found the menu included a great deal of window dressing and suspect it has been written to sound impressive first, with taste second (you'll see what I mean!). To be fair, it's impossible to please everyone and this is purely my opinion - I fully expect rave reviews from others. I can confidently state that the food was well cooked, served hot and the service was good. Expect to pay around £50 per head, for three courses with wine.

**** A Final Word! ****
I travel on business in London and although I have choice over hotels, they are limited to large chains with hotels of normally over 500 bedrooms. Most people find themselves in this type of hotel for similar reasons to myself, or because the hotel has been offered as part of leisure package, or perhaps discounted at one of the many online travel sites. My Star Rating is based upon my experience of hotels of a similar ilk, as they would be impossible to compare to intimate, boutique style hotels and undoubtedly fare badly. If your finger is hovering over the 'Book Now' button somewhere, then I hope this review will prove helpful.