London Hilton Bankside Review — Family Stay
London 2023
In 2023, we stayed at the London Hilton Bankside to celebrate my son’s high school graduation, and it ended up being the perfect hotel for our family trip. We paid cash for the room but used points to fly our entire family to London for free — one of my favorite ways to stretch our travel budget while still enjoying a special experience.
If you’re looking for a London hotel that’s modern, comfortable, and packed with value (especially if you have Hilton status), here’s everything you need to know about our stay.
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Where to Book the London Hilton Bankside
Check rates & availability → Booking.com link
Why We Chose the London Hilton Bankside
Location was a big factor for us. The Hilton Bankside sits in a fantastic spot on the South Bank — close to the Tate Modern, Millennium Bridge, Borough Market, and easy Tube access. It’s central without feeling chaotic, and perfect for families who want walkability.
But the real winner for us was the family room. London hotel rooms are notoriously small, and booking a family room saved us so much money compared to booking two separate rooms. It gave us plenty of space to spread out, relax, and enjoy our time together.
Travel Hack Tip: Save Hundreds on Hilton Stays
We maximized our stay using Hilton Diamond benefits, including free breakfast and lounge access. If you want perks like this, consider a Hilton‑branded credit card that offers:
Complimentary elite status
Free night certificates
Bonus points on travel
How We Flew to London for Free
We paid cash for the hotel but used points to fly our entire family to London for free.
If you want to learn how we do this, start here:
👉 Beginner friendly guide to points and miles 101
👉 Real Points & Miles Adventures
What a “Family Room” Really Is at the London Hilton Bankside
One thing that surprised me (in the best way!) is that the family room at the London Hilton Bankside isn’t just a slightly larger room — it’s actually two full connecting rooms. You pay full price for one room and 50% off the second, which is an incredible deal for London, where hotel rooms are famously small and pricey.
This setup gave us:
Two full bathrooms
Two separate sleeping areas
Plenty of space for luggage
Privacy when we needed it
A shared interior door so we could move between rooms easily
For families, especially those traveling with teens or multiple adults, this layout is a game‑changer. It gave us the space of a suite without the suite‑level price tag — and it saved us a ton of money compared to booking two separate rooms at full price.
What We Packed for London
UK plug adapter
Portable fan
Travel umbrella
Packing cubes
Crossbody anti‑theft bag
Portable charger
Lightweight rain jacket
Travel pants
Toiletry bag
Luggage scale
👉 Find these and more on my Amazon Essentials for London List
Hilton Diamond Benefits: Huge Value in London
Thanks to my Hilton Diamond status, we received two perks that made a massive difference in our travel budget:
✔ Free Breakfast
London breakfasts can easily run £20–£30 per person, so having a full, hot breakfast included every morning was a huge savings. The buffet at Hilton Bankside is excellent — fresh pastries, eggs, fruit, coffee, and plenty of options for picky eaters.
✔ Executive Lounge Access
This was the real MVP. The lounge offered:
Heavy appetizers in the evening
Drinks including wine and spirits
Snacks
Comfortable seating
Most nights, the appetizers were hearty enough to serve as dinner, which saved us even more money. After long days exploring London, it was the perfect place to unwind.
Overall Experience
Our stay at the London Hilton Bankside was comfortable, convenient, and full of value — especially for a celebratory family trip. Between the spacious family room, the excellent location, and the Diamond perks, it checked every box for us.
If you’re planning a London trip and want a hotel that blends comfort, style, and serious savings (especially with Hilton status), the Hilton Bankside is a fantastic choice.
FAQ: London Hilton Bankside Review
Is the London Hilton Bankside good for families?
Yes — it’s one of the best family‑friendly Hilton properties in London. The hotel offers spacious layouts, a quiet location, a heated indoor pool, and an excellent family room option that gives everyone extra space. The South Bank area is also extremely walkable, making it easy to explore London without relying on transportation.
What is included with Hilton Diamond status at this hotel?
Hilton Diamond members receive two major perks that add huge value in London:
Complimentary full breakfast (a savings of £20–£30 per person per day)
Executive Lounge access, which includes:
Heavy evening appetizers
Snacks
Drinks
Comfortable seating
Most nights, the lounge appetizers were hearty enough to serve as dinner — a massive budget saver in London.
Is the family room worth it?
Absolutely. The “family room” at the London Hilton Bankside is actually two full connecting rooms. You pay full price for one room and 50% off the second, which is an incredible deal for London.
This setup gives you:
Two bedrooms
Two bathrooms
Privacy + space
A shared interior door
Room to spread out with luggage
It’s perfect for families with teens, multi‑generational travel, or anyone who wants suite‑level space without the suite‑level price.
👉 Book your stay at London Hilton Bankside
Is the location walkable?
Yes — extremely. The hotel sits in the heart of the South Bank, one of London’s most walkable neighborhoods. You can easily reach:
Tate Modern (5 minutes)
Millennium Bridge (7 minutes)
Borough Market (10–12 minutes)
Shakespeare’s Globe (10 minutes)
St. Paul’s Cathedral (15 minutes via the bridge)
There are also multiple Tube stations nearby, making it easy to get anywhere in the city.
What’s the best way to get from Heathrow to the hotel?
You have several easy options:
🚆 Heathrow Express + Tube
Fastest option
Heathrow → Paddington (15 minutes)
Transfer to the Tube to reach Southwark or Blackfriars
🚇 Piccadilly Line (Direct Tube)
Most budget‑friendly
No transfers needed until central London
Great if you’re traveling light
🚗 Private Transfer
Easiest with luggage or kids
Door‑to‑door convenience
Book through Viator or a trusted car service 👉 Insert your Viator affiliate link here.
🚕 Taxi
Readily available
More expensive but convenient
About the Author
Julie is a travel‑hacking expert and the founder of NO POINT LEFT BEHIND, a resource for families who want to turn everyday spending into unforgettable trips. She shares practical guides, points strategies, and real‑life travel experiences to help you maximize every dollar. Stay connected — follow Julie on Facebook for fresh travel tips and join the Travel Hacking Moms Facebook Group to be part of a supportive community of travelers learning together.
