London Hilton on Park Lane
| Company type | Hotel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Hospitality |
| Founded | April 17, 1963 |
| Founder | William B. Tabler (architect) |
| Headquarters | London , United Kingdom |
Area served | London, United Kingdom |
Key people | Matthew Mullan (General Manager, 2022) |
| Products | Guest rooms, suites, restaurants, casino |
| Owner | Hilton Hotels & Resorts |
| Parent | Hilton Worldwide |
| Website | www |
London Hilton on Park Lane is a hotel situated on Park Lane, with views overlooking Hyde Park in the distinguished Mayfair area of Westminster. This 28-storey structure rises to a height of 91 meters and contains 453 guest rooms, including 56 suites.
History
The hotel commenced operations as the London Hilton on 17 April 1963. Conceived by American architect William B. Tabler, it was the first skyscraper hotel in London, initially offering more than 500 rooms alongside six dining establishments. The Park Lane Club casino is located within the premises.
In 1965, the hotel introduced a James Bond-inspired bar called the "007 Room," leveraging the success of Goldfinger. This venue showcased props from Pinewood Studios and was hosted by Harold Sakata, who portrayed Oddjob in the film. The bar ceased operations during the 1970s.
On 24 August 1967, the Beatles met Maharishi Mahesh Yogi at the hotel prior to their journey to India for meditation.
The hotel suffered an IRA bombing attack on 5 September 1975, which resulted in two fatalities and 63 injuries.
Throughout the 1990s, the Pools Panel convened at the hotel every Saturday.
A fire incident in July 2011 caused minor water damage to Trader Vic's restaurant but did not result in any injuries.
During the 2012 London Olympic Games, the establishment functioned as the Olympic Family Hotel, accommodating members of the International Olympic Committee and other dignitaries.
Significantly, Dolores O'Riordan, lead vocalist of The Cranberries, passed away at the hotel in January 2018.
In September 2018, fashion designer Peter Pilotto held a runway event at Trader Vic's.
Matthew Mullan was appointed General Manager in March 2022 to supervise major refurbishment efforts.
Trader Vic's announced its closure at the London Hilton location in November 2022 due to upcoming renovations. This announcement triggered an online campaign backed by celebrities such as Jonathan Ross and Edgar Wright aiming to preserve the iconic Polynesian décor. The restaurant officially closed on 31 December 2022 without any statement from Hilton.
In April 2023, WYLD nightclub (previously known as Drama Park Lane and Whisky Mist) ceased operations.
Paramount and Channel 5 commissioned a documentary series titled Inside the Hilton on Park Lane in July 2023, offering exclusive behind-the-scenes footage during a multi-million-pound refurbishment. The four-episode series aired from April 7 to April 28, 2024.
On 28 April 2024, after an 18-year run, Galvin at Windows restaurant ended its service.
June 2024 saw Entourage Group reveal plans to launch its inaugural UK Mr Porter steakhouse within the hotel, taking over from Old Trader Vic's. The new venue will include a bar, wine library, chef's table, and an open kitchen. Its opening is expected in 2025 following delays.
Also announced in June 2024 was Shanghai Me as the new rooftop restaurant and bar operator. Renowned for upscale Pan-Asian cuisine with a theme inspired by 1930s Shanghai, it will succeed Galvin Brothers' long-established restaurant.
On 27 September 2024, Westminster City Council assigned a zero out of five food hygiene rating to the hotel, mandating urgent corrective measures.
Executive Head Chef Anthony Marshall retired in September 2024 after serving for 34 years.
In October 2024, Julian Catzeflis was appointed director of food and drink, venues and partnership to spearhead new third-party culinary concepts. He remarked: "London Hilton on Park Lane is about to become the city's most exciting food destination."
Popular culture
The London Hilton on Park Lane, an iconic structure of its time, has been a recurring reference within various facets of popular culture.
Its notable ″projecting balconies″ are depicted in J.G. Ballard's 1970 work The Atrocity Exhibition, inspired by Elizabeth Taylor's stay during the filming of Cleopatra. In Joe Haldeman’s 1974 novel The Forever War, the main character embarks on a dirigible journey that docks atop this hotel.
Warren Zevon’s 1978 track Werewolves of London highlights Trader Vic's bar located in the hotel's basement, contributing to the venue’s fame. The hotel also appears in the 1986 Christmas episode of Only Fools and Horses, where Del Boy attempts to impress an affluent family by mentioning his experience staying there.
While The Crown had intended to film a scene featuring Prince Charles at Trader Vic's, the sequence was ultimately excluded. Moreover, the post-credits segment of Spider-Man: No Way Home, showing Eddie Brock having a drink, was shot at Trader Vic's.
Incidents
Owing to its height and visibility, the London Hilton on Park Lane has been the site of several tragic events:
- October 1992: Darren Newton lost his life during an unsuccessful BASE jumping attempt from the rooftop. - September 2000: Alastair Morris jumped from the 25th floor. - September 2001: Ajay Goyal, director of a cosmetics firm, died after leaping from the 14th floor. In response, Hilton secured all bedroom balcony doors permanently and restricted window openings to enhance safety. - September 2002: Jason Kiernan, experiencing mental health issues, jumped from the 25th floor. - September 2007: Following a police confrontation, an unidentified man fell from the 19th floor. - April 2012: Darren Liddle, an employee of Credit Suisse, died by suicide from the 19th floor amid occupational pressures. - March 2014: An unknown individual fell from the 28th floor; despite Oyster card evidence, authorities were unable to establish his identity. - January 2018: Dolores O'Riordan, lead vocalist of The Cranberries, was discovered deceased in her room due to accidental drowning related to intoxication.
These incidents prompted Hilton to implement stricter security measures by limiting balcony access and restricting window openings to prevent future occurrences.