Nestled in one of London’s most iconic and refined neighbourhoods, London Hilton on Park Lane has just emerged from a multi-million pound refurbishment programme to reaffirm its legacy in world-class hospitality.
The hotel boasts 453 beautifully appointed guest rooms, including 56 opulent suites many of which offer breathtaking views across Hyde Park and the city’s skyline. TTN’s Kim Thomson spoke to Georgina Evagora, Director of Sales and Marketing, London Hilton on Park Lane, for more. “We have completely renovated the lobby, so anyone entering the hotel will see a completely new, different product. All our bedrooms and suites have been refurbished, with some of the rooms boasting floor to ceiling windows. We have also renovated all the meeting spaces.” Evagora mentions that the property has welcomed London’s first Mr. Porter Steakhouse Bar & Lounge (of Ibiza, Barcelona and Amsterdam fame) and later this summer, Shanghai Me - Pan Asian Cuisine will open on the hotel’s 28th floor. “These partnerships and new names to London will hopefully bring new footfall to the property and drive that excitement that's happening in London. Evagora says: “The GCC is huge for London. For us, it is our third biggest market with Qatar, Saudi and the UAE being the top, and we are now seeing Kuwaitis and Omanis coming too - it’s just growing. We have also had some interest from India and Azerbaijan - new emerging markets that are coming into London, and we already work with those governments, so it's really tying up the two pieces of business together.” In terms of booking channels, London Hilton on Park Lane gets a lot of bookings through the agents, but also a lot of the bookings come direct. “I have been with the property for 14 years, so we have that relationship with the families and if they decide they want to book tomorrow at midnight, they know that I'm going to answer my phone. It is important to be available for them. We get a lot of the big families that come direct,” says Evagora. “In this market, it's selling the way the customer wants to buy. If they want to book you through WhatsApp, they'll book you through WhatsApp. We must adapt to them. You can't force that customer to go through any other channel. “So, for me, however, the booking comes, I will take it,” she says.