During a recent trip to London, I chose to stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton London Elstree. The purpose of the visit was to attend a Dream Theater concert at the O2 Arena, and while the hotel offered excellent value for money, it wasn’t the most convenient location for accessing the venue. Despite the distance, I found the DoubleTree to be a comfortable and budget-friendly option, offering solid amenities and a welcoming atmosphere.
Though it was a short one-night stay, the experience overall was enjoyable. The hotel’s service, comfort, and quality met the expectations I’ve come to appreciate from the DoubleTree brand. With a combination of good facilities and a relaxing environment, it provided a pleasant base for my trip, which I’ll expand on further in this review.
The Room: Spacious and Comfortable with Essential Amenities
The room at the DoubleTree by Hilton London Elstree was a good size, offering the space and layout that DoubleTree is known for. It was clean, straightforward, and equipped with everything needed for a short stay. The spaciousness of the room, along with an extra sofa, made it feel comfortable and inviting, without being overly luxurious. It was ideal for unwinding after a long day, providing a reliable level of comfort without unnecessary frills.
The view, however, was nearly non-existent, as the room was located on the ground floor overlooking the parking lot. While not the most inspiring sight, it served its purpose. The air conditioning in the room also had its quirks, with somewhat unreliable operation. But given that my stay was brief and the weather was mild, it wasn’t a major inconvenience. Overall, the room was well-suited to a one-night stay, offering a comfortable base for rest and relaxation.
Location: A Test in Value and Convenience Outside Central London
For this trip, I opted to stay outside of central London, choosing the DoubleTree by Hilton London Elstree with the idea that it would offer better value for both the room and parking, especially considering central London parking prices! Since my main reason for visiting was to attend a concert at the O2 Arena in North Greenwich, I thought I’d test out the idea of using public transport to get into the city. I’d never tried this approach before, and I was curious to see how it would work. However, one thing quickly became clear: it’s essential to account for extra travel time. Relying on public transport alone, it would take at least an hour and a half to reach the O2, so I decided to take a taxi from the hotel to the nearest tube station, Stanmore. The taxi ride took about 10 minutes and cost around £15, after which the tube ride to North Greenwich was about 50–55 minutes.
This setup wasn’t terrible, but it did add an extra layer of stress. Having driven to Elstree earlier in the day, I had to quickly unpack, leave my things at the hotel, and immediately head out to catch the tube in order to make it on time for the concert. On the way back, late at night, I found myself feeling pretty worn out from the long journey. None of this, of course, was a fault of the hotel itself, which served its purpose well. But as a trial, I found the logistics a bit more tiring than anticipated, and it’s something I’d consider when planning future trips to London.
Dining: A Classic Hilton Breakfast to Start the Day
Although I didn’t have the chance to dine at the hotel for dinner, I did enjoy breakfast at the DoubleTree by Hilton London Elstree, which was satisfying and well-suited to start the day. True to Hilton standards, the breakfast buffet offered a range of options, from hot dishes to fresh pastries and fruit. It covered all the essentials, ensuring there was something for everyone. I found it to be both hearty and convenient, with enough choices to cater to different tastes.
One minor note was that breakfast service ended at 10 AM, which felt a bit early; however, it’s understandable given that it was a weekday morning. For those of us hoping to sleep in a little, an extended time might have been nice, but overall, the breakfast experience was positive. On the way to breakfast, I also passed by the bar area, which looked inviting and well-appointed. Although I didn’t get to try it, the setup seemed like a relaxing spot for an evening drink, adding to the hotel’s welcoming atmosphere.
Fitness Center: Spacious with Room for Improvement
The gym at the DoubleTree London Elstree was a pleasant surprise in terms of size and layout, offering a spacious, open environment with a wide selection of weights and cardio machines. It was ideal for maintaining a workout routine while traveling, with enough variety to accommodate different types of workouts. However, I was surprised to find that only one out of the four treadmills was operational, which limited the cardio options available. Since it was quiet during my visit, this wasn’t an issue, but I can imagine it being a drawback during busier times.
Another minor inconvenience was the lack of cups by the water station, which would have been helpful for staying hydrated during my workout. Overall, the gym provided a functional and comfortable workout experience, but a few improvements—like operational equipment and simple amenities—would make it even better.
Overall, my stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton London Elstree was quite pleasant and offered good value for money. I appreciated the room upgrade as a Gold member, which added a nice touch to my experience, along with the satisfying breakfast that set me up for the day. Additionally, the hotel waived the £5 parking fee, which was another considerate gesture that made my stay feel even more welcoming.
The location was convenient for accessing the M1, allowing for a smooth drive without the hassle of navigating into central London. However, the distance from the city did pose a challenge, especially since my primary reason for visiting was to attend an event at the O2 Arena. Ultimately, this choice was mine to make, and while it came with some commuting considerations, I found it manageable. For the right price and with extra time for travel, I would certainly consider staying at the DoubleTree London Elstree again for future trips.
