Somewhere to stay: Hilton London Wembley

What’s the hotel like?

It’s the nearest thing to being in Wembley Stadium without actually having a ticket. Sited between the stadium and Wembley Arena, there are floor-to-ceiling glass walls in all of the main areas – foyer, dining rooms, bars, even the gym – all with views of the stadium. Which means the space is flooded with light, so very pleasant and airy. Open only since summer 2012, it’s squeaky clean, shiny and new.

What are the rooms like?

Bigger than your average London hotel room. Which is one of the one of the hotel’s selling points – as well as the proximity to the Stadium and the Arena, of course. Another great selling point is the price, at certain times of the year you can save up to 50% on the price of a central London hotel room, while still being only 15 to 20 minutes from the West End.

As well as being spacious, rooms have everything you would expect from a Hilton; big flatscreen TV, large work/dressing table area with comfy leather chair, free wifi and wired internet, tea and coffee tray, hairdryer, iron and ironing board. Opt for an executive room on one of the top floors for stunning views of the stadium and access to the exclusive executive lounge on the 9th floor.

How’s the bed?

Big; nice leather headboard to lean against when you’re sitting up in bed reading, thick padding on the mattress cover makes for a luxurious night’s sleep as you dream of scoring the winning goal, or wowing the crowds...

What’s in the bathroom?

A bath with over-bath shower and stylish fittings – again all shiny and new except for some water stains near the sink, which have their own note of apology explaining it’s a natural effect of the stone but will be remedied soon! Toiletries are by Peter Thomas Roth.

What about restaurants and bars?

Association, the main restaurant, seats over 300 but is thoughtfully sectioned so you don’t feel cast adrift in a vast space. Icons is more intimate, with bar and dining area, plus access to a roofed-in balcony.

Not part of the executive lounge gang? You can share their roof terrace up on the 9th floor when you go to the Sky Bar, with great views all over London. And if you have lounge access, you’ll be able to avail of complimentary tea, coffee, cold drinks and snacks all day, with a hot and cold buffet, beers and wine from 6pm to 8pm.

How’s the food?

Excellent. Dinner of scallop and cauliflower velouté, followed by pan-fried sea bass was artistically presented but didn’t stint on portions. De-layering the sea bass uncovered tasty basil crushed potatoes and sautéed spinach – and plenty of it!

Is there a swimming pool?

Yes, and it’s a good-sized one, with Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna all located in the main pool area. Next door, the gym has yet more glass walls and a view of the stadium. If you’re feeling more energetic and are travelling with enough companions to make up a football team, you can book one of the pitches next door to the hotel, under the Wembley walls – the nearest most of us will get to playing there.

Anything else?

The staff deserve a special mention, such is their attentiveness and care for guests; great customer service is clearly high on the Hilton’s priority list. The restaurant manager went out of his way to help my friend find his bank card after it went missing at dinner – it was eventually found back at the changing rooms at the pool, thanks to the manager’s thorough searching!

What’s nearby?

London Designer Outlet is right next door, though the name is slightly deceptive as it houses mainly high-street brands. It’s packed with restaurants though, should you fancy a change from the hotel dining room; everything from the Oriental influences of Wagamama and Ping Pong, to the family-friendly TGI Friday and Zizzi.

There’s a large children’s play centre just a stroll away. And you’ve probably picked up the proximity to Wembley by now …

It’s a short distance to central London; just two stops from Wembley Park to Baker Street on the Metropolitan line, or a Jubilee ride to Green Park - and Buckingham Palace.

Visit www.wembleystadium.com or www.ssearena.co.uk to see what's on, and book stadium tours.

How much is it and how do I book?

Rooms from £120; the Hilton London Wembley is located at Lakeside Way, HA9 0BU; to book phone 0208 759 7773 or visit the website here

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