The Hilton at Terminal 4 feels a little, like the Terminal itself, the poor relation at Heathrow. T4, once the new (1984)  and exciting location where Concorde left for New York, is now inhabited by SkyTeam and a few odd-and-sods airlines, unable to be located in other parts of the airport. I still remember the terminal opening and how new it looked and felt in comparison to the older terminals on the other side of the airport.

The Hilton opened some years after the Terminal, and whilst never cheap, has always offered a good location for passengers leaving from T4. There are, however, often bargains to be had at weekends and when there is a Hilton sale on. I secured a rate, including breakfast of about £85 (including tax) for a weekend during the December Hilton sale.

The Hilton is located a 6 minute walk from the terminal – I know this because there are signs that count down the time left for your journey. The tunnel is long and with some windows, it is nothing to write home about. Once you arrive, a short 250yd walk and you are at the circular doors to the hotel.

Two wings of bedrooms are joined by a large glass ceiling to create public space on the ground floor. This contains the lobby and various restaurants and bars located there.


Check-in

The single member of staff on duty was most helpful and confirmed that as a Hilton HHonors Gold I had been upgraded to an Executive Lounge and had access to the lounge and free WiFi. I asked to change the Frequent Flyer number that was on the reservation and whilst he agreed to do this, it was not done when I came to check-out.

I had a room on the 5th floor, with an outside view, which I much prefer.

The Room

The lifts bring you to walk way which crosses the public areas and gives access to the two wings of the hotel.

My experience is that most of the rooms are identical here, none larger or smaller than the others. Some have showers only, but the one I was allocated had a bath which I prefer. A desk, easy chair and bed occupied most of the room.


Executive Lounge

Relocated from the 5th to the Ground Floor some years ago, it is a much larger space than ever it was before. There is a self-serve coffee machine and breakfast as well as evening canapes and drinks (from 6pm). The selection was quite good – two hot dishes (mini-pizza and mini shepherds pie, on the night I was there) , cheeses and cold bites.

Breakfast had hot items also, bacon, eggs and baked beans. As well as bread, rolls and cold cuts, cereal and youghurts.

There are two computers you can use and a printer behind the desk for boarding passes etc.

The staff were friendly and helpful, with tables being cleared promptly.

Overall

A good value stay in a location suitable for T4. Getting to T5 requires a (free) train, and T1&3 also requires a train or a paid ticket on the Tube.

You can read a review by Lucky at his ‘One Mile at a Time’ blog here