Hilton London Tower Bridge

Built in 2006, the Hilton London Tower Bridge hotel has a modern gray-and-cream-colored facade. The small lobby features high ceilings accented with marble columns and two rectangular, modern couches. The reception area leads straight into the bar and lounge, the hotel's swankiest asset. The bar offers a dramatic and elegant ambience with long, sheer metallic curtains suspended from the ceiling, collections of hanging pendant lights, and an array of stylish seating -- high-backed armchairs, button-tufted couches, soft square ottomans. Darker areas near the bar offer a moodier atmosphere, while sitting areas situated around floor-to-ceiling windows have a more casual, lounge-like feel. The hotel also has an entire floor dedicated to meeting rooms and spaces -- which serve the large number of business travelers who stay here during the week, though on the weekend, tourists take over.

This Hilton London Tower Bridge has a prime location near the river in the middle of a modern complex of London Bridge's corporate offices, including the high-profile accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers. There are numerous chain cafes and coffee shops in the complex, and other independent places to eat and drink on the block. Tourist attractions in walking distance include the Shard (a six-minute walk), Borough Market (a seven-minute walk), the Globe (a 16-minute walk), Tower of London (a 16-minute walk), and the Tate Modern (a 20-minute walk). For sights farther away, the hotel is a five-minute walk to London Bridge Station (Jubilee and Northern lines). The Jubilee Line offers easy access to such sights as Big Ben (13 minutes), Westminster Abbey (15 minutes), and Buckingham Palace (22 minutes). Heathrow Airport is about an hour away via public transportation (a 35- to 50-minute drive).

The Hilton London Tower Bridge's 245 modern guest rooms smack of an upscale chain, but such finishing touches as wardrobes with orange accents and illuminated headboard art add distinctiveness and flair. Rooms have standard wall-to-wall carpeting, colored accent walls behind the beds, and square lamps. They're especially well-sized (280 square feet for standard rooms) and thoughtfully laid out. Bathrooms are roomy with beige-tile walls and floors and brown accents. They include vessel sinks and shower/tub combos in standard rooms, or separate tubs and showers in upgraded rooms.All rooms are air-conditioned and come with large desks with ergonomic chairs, easy chairs, well-stocked minibars, free bottled water (replaced daily), and tea- and coffee-making facilities. Upgraded rooms may also include extras such as a free half-bottle of wine and Nespresso machines. They also have 37-inch flat-screen TVs, safes, and irons and ironing boards. Bathrooms include hairdryers and toiletries; upgraded rooms add bathrobes and slippers. There are a range of room sizes to choose from, including Family Rooms, Executive Rooms, and Suites. While all rooms are modern, many of the Deluxe Rooms underwent a stylish 2016 renovation. Executive Rooms and Suites include access to the exclusive Executive Lounge. Wi-Fi does not come standard with the room rate, though it is free for HHonors Members.

While this Hilton has no pool or spa, it offers a solid lineup of features for an upscale hotel, appealing to a range of guests from families to business travelers. The hotel has a swanky bar, TwoRuba, which serves drinks along with lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea. The attached restaurant is franchised to Jamie's Italian (the "Jamie" in question is celebrity chef Jamie Oliver) and is where the daily breakfast buffet is served. Breakfast is not always included in the room rate, but guests tend to enjoy the fare, although there are occasional complaints about slow service. Room service is available 24 hours.Business amenities include a meeting room floor with a large expanse of modern spaces with high ceilings and various breakout areas. A 24-hour business center offers computers and printers for guests' use along with a few casual meeting spots. Wi-Fi is free in the public spaces, but in-room Wi-Fi comes with a fee except for HHonors members. Guests staying in Executive-level rooms and Suites have access to the ninth-floor Executive Lounge, which features a pretty nice outdoor terrace, a continental breakfast, and drinks and snacks throughout the day. A small fitness room is on-site with cardio and weight-lifting equipment, including three treadmills with individual screens, a bike, an elliptical, weight machines, free weights, and medicine balls.Family-friendly amenities include children's menus, high chairs, cots, and special family packages. The hotel has a 24-hour front desk and a concierge who can assist with luggage storage, and laundry and dry cleaning service. Parking can be arranged with a garage about a 10- to 15-minute walk from the hotel.