Last month saw me take a 15-minute drive from my own house in Twickenham to the leafy parts of Syon Park. Just a quick drive through the stunning grounds, past the former butterfly house and onto the pavilion, sees the Hilton nestled away in stunning surroundings.
This overnight break didn’t feel too ambitious, I was imagining some time to relax and catch up with work but what I got was in fact a mini staycation. I felt like I’d taken a train to the beautiful countryside away from the bustling sounds of London and fast paced craziness of our streets.
The Hotel
Hilton London Syon Park opened originally in 2011 on the edge of the 200-acre Syon Park Estate, home to the Duke of Northumberland for over 400 years. The large country house is still there, and the public can take a guided tour. What this creates is beautiful views and stunning grounds for hotels guests to explore with their own hotel door key.
The grounds of Syon Park are known for their impressive collection of rare trees and plants planted during the mid 18th century. The gardens cover 40 acres and includes a flurry of wildlife, rare Doric Column bearing Flora, goddess of flowers, a rose garden, a 180 year old bonsai tree and a beautiful lake. One of the most popular sights is the stunning Great Conservatory built in the 1820s. There are spectacular views across the water meadows towards the River Thames.
The room
Walking into the room (a King Deluxe Room), the first thing I noticed was how contemporary it felt, complete with floor to ceiling windows. The balcony overlooked the beautiful fountains and historic gardens and the room itself was equipped with a large flat screen TV, minibar and even a screen in the bathroom so you can have a long soak in the tub while watching your favourite programme.
The Spa
I was whisked to the lavish spa for one of the best massages I think I’ve ever experienced. When walking through to the treatment room, I noticed the large modern pool, fully equipped refurbished gym and entrance to the impressive outdoor terrace and bar with cabanas and water features.
The Kallima Spa is a real hidden gem in London. It’s charm and elegance combined with therapists with (clearly) magical hands creates something you don’t normally experience in ‘collection’ hotels.
If you’re looking for something even more tranquil, make sure you arrive early before treatments as the snug area is one of the most relaxing places I’ve experienced. You can cosy-up under cosy, warm, silky duvets and reset your mind and body. You don’t have to be a guest to experience the Kallima Spa, day passes are available which means you don’t even have to leave the haven of treatments and snug areas until you are fully ready to face the world again! It really did feel like a piece of heaven and completely separate from the outside world.
Dinner
Retiring back to the room after my massage, I decided it was time to try for room service from ‘Mood’, the in-house restaurant offering. The menu which takes inspiration from the history and location itself is a mixture of fine dining with British firm favourites.
As it was a barmy evening and I couldn’t resist sitting on the balcony overlooking the stunning park, I went for something a little light and boy, it did not disappoint. The Mozzarella and avocado salad with sun-dried tomato pesto was mouth wateringly delicious and as cheesy as it sounds, I really understood the message around using local produce. The views matched the dish and taste perfectly.
Mood is an 100-seater restaurant and set within the idyllic grounds. Guests are able to enjoy the views while connecting with nature and escaping the busy streets of London. Next time I fully intend to visit the restaurant rather than selfishly create my own on the balcony!
I fell asleep completely relaxed and at ease, waking up to the sound of birds drinking from the water features outside my room. A rarity for a London stay.
Breakfast
I base a lot of hotel stay experiences on my favourite time of the day- breakfast! I would actually say this was one of the best places I have had breakfast in a London hotel. I loved the fact that breakfast was available until later at 11am so it suited most situations and I didn’t feel the panic of having to rush without my naughty lie in! The service was attentive and they had a good selection of pastries, fruit and full English breakfast items made to order. The garden view was also a lovely way to start the day.
Syon Park In a nutshell
The hotel describes itself as playful luxury with the old-world elegance meeting contemporary finesse. I think this is spot on.
The hotel is a stone’s throw from Syon House and the Great Conservatory, both popular with weddings and in easy reach of the train station direct from Waterloo, one of the most talked about places to visit in West London, Petersham Nurseries and a short drive from Richmond Park meaning it is the perfect spot of a weekend break while exploring this side of London.
To discover more, visit: londonsyonpark.com
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