With no shortage of options, location and price are often the deciding factors when choosing a London hotel.
For travellers from the GCC, the Hilton London Metropole offers a compelling blend of both. Situated on the city's vibrant Edgware Road, with its wealth of Middle Eastern restaurants, this central location provides easy access to the capital while catering to specific cultural preferences, making it popular with guests from the region – more than 65 per cent of its summer bookings in 2023 were from the GCC.
Last year, the hotel was renovated to offer more family accommodation options, including interconnecting rooms and a three-bedroom penthouse with skyline views, plus a new prayer room. The National checked in to experience first-hand what the property has to offer.
The welcome
It is 8am when we reach reception in the spacious lobby of the Hilton London Metropole. Having arrived straight from the airport, we’re entirely grateful that our room is ready early. A smooth check-in includes an explanation of the hotel’s layout, which despite having grown its footprint over the years to now offer more than 1,000 rooms, somehow retains the vibe of a boutique-sized hotel.
The neighbourhood
The hotel occupies a large corner plot on Edgware Road, London's Little Arabia and a multicultural district filled with a large number of Middle Eastern eateries and businesses.
Located between Marble Arch and the Marylebone flyover, the street is easily accessible via driving routes and just a short walk from the London Underground stop of the same name on the Circle, District and Hammersmith & City lines. While this is ideal for getting around without having to splurge on taxis, the lack of lifts at the station make it less handy when travelling with a heavy suitcase.
On Edgware Road, Arabic music and the heady scents of shisha are a reminder of home for GCC travellers and both make for a vibrant walk down to Hyde Park and Marble Arch. Oxford Street and Regent Street are also within walking distance meaning there's no shortage of dining, shopping and entertainment options.
For international travellers, the Hilton London Metropole is a short distance from Paddington Station where the Heathrow Express can get you to the country’s busiest airport in 15 minutes. Gatwick is reachable in about an hour.
The room
Our eighth-floor king executive room is in the stylishly renovated East Wing. While compact, it features all the essentials for a city stay, from a widescreen TV opposite a king-size bed to a Dualit coffee machine and ample tea-making facilities. The bathroom has a good-sized sink and generous corner shower unit with rain attachment, white and grey marble effect tiles and Crabtree & Evelyn lotions and gels, wall-attached to save on waste.
Tapering into an angled corner, the bedroom boasts a dark blue sofa, matching curtains and a small marble-topped coffee table. A dressing table doubles as a work area on top of a grey patterned carpet, while muted beige walls and wood panelling add to the mellow interior vibe. A balcony overlooks adjacent offices and apartment buildings, although restricted access prevents guests from going out.
The service
From our early morning check-in through to our departure, there’s a noticeable cheerfulness among staff, even during peak times at the busy breakfast service.
Our waiter during dinner at Tyburn Kitchen is helpful with menu suggestions, including being able to point out which dishes are halal, and securing us a good table from where we can watch the chefs at work in the open kitchen.
The scene
A mixed scene awaits at the hotel which is popular with families, couples and business travellers alike. Off the main reception is the Bow Bar with convivial seating around a circular serving area. There are plenty of tables and comfy spots that fill up fast both evenings of our stay. A broad corridor leads past a well-staffed concierge desk and the airy Tyburn Market cafe area that serves a variety of snacks.
A spacious modern gym equipped with Life Fitness running machines and Peloton bikes awaits, and you’ll also get some steps in finding the space through a warren of third floor corridors. The facility includes plenty of strength equipment, a dedicated stretching area, and health tracking connectivity.
Hotel eco credentials include 100 per cent of electricity generated from offshore wind farms, and staff uniforms fashioned from recycled plastic bottles. Property mascot Hugo the hedgehog is a cute addition and the hotel's nod towards conservation of the species – younger travellers checking in are given a Hugo-themed passport and a map for the "Hugo Hotel Hunt" – where they can track down the furry creatures around the property.
The food
Tyburn Market is a vibrant casual lobby dining area with a good sandwich selection beside more substantial snacks and grab and go options, while its next-door namesake, Tyburn Kitchen, deals in tasty bigger plates with 90 per cent of ingredients sourced within 150km of the hotel. The lively open kitchen delivers a varied selection of which our spiced duck tostadas (Dh67) were an immediate hit, although arguably overgenerous with the delicious filling of braised duck, chestnuts, mushrooms, garlic and dried plums. Seared sea bass with Weymouth crab and capsicum rice (Dh168) proved a wise main choice, as did a whopper of a tomahawk with cold pressed rape seed oil mash, sage, and bacon jam (Dh134).
Tyburn Kitchen is also the main breakfast venue, opening into extra sections during the busiest times. For guests with access to the executive lounge, there’s a calmer breakfast option available here. This is also the place to go each evening at 6pm for delicious canapes such as Korean chicken, moreish potato falafel, mini Bakewell tarts and creme brulee, but get there promptly as the offerings are quickly snapped up.
Highs and lows
We loved the hotel’s location which is perfect for sightseeing – and furry mascot Hugo the hedgehog adds a fun twist for kids.
Patience is needed when waiting for the hotel lifts during busy times.
The insider tip
Breakfast can get super busy, so seek out the "hidden" area in the top corner alcove of the dining room for a calmer experience. Good to know – the Executive Lounge is currently being upgraded, with March 1 the date set for its reopening.
The verdict
The English capital offers a vast range of hotels, but if budget and convenience for the London Underground and walkable attractions dictate then the Hilton London Metropole is a comfortable, solid choice.
The bottom line
Rates start from Dh730 per night, room only. Check-in from 3pm; checkout until noon
This review was conducted at the invitation of the hotel and reflects standards during this time. Services may change in the future.
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.
The tours
A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
The Equaliser 2
Director Antoine Fuqua
Starring: Denzel Washington, Bill Pullman, Melissa Leo, Ashton Sanders
Three stars
The Bio
Favourite place in UAE: Al Rams pearling village
What one book should everyone read: Any book written before electricity was invented. When a writer willingly worked under candlelight, you know he/she had a real passion for their craft
Your favourite type of pearl: All of them. No pearl looks the same and each carries its own unique characteristics, like humans
Best time to swim in the sea: When there is enough light to see beneath the surface
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
ETFs explained
Exhchange traded funds are bought and sold like shares, but operate as index-tracking funds, passively following their chosen indices, such as the S&P 500, FTSE 100 and the FTSE All World, plus a vast range of smaller exchanges and commodities, such as gold, silver, copper sugar, coffee and oil.
ETFs have zero upfront fees and annual charges as low as 0.07 per cent a year, which means you get to keep more of your returns, as actively managed funds can charge as much as 1.5 per cent a year.
There are thousands to choose from, with the five biggest providers BlackRock’s iShares range, Vanguard, State Street Global Advisors SPDR ETFs, Deutsche Bank AWM X-trackers and Invesco PowerShares.
The biog
Name: Abeer Al Shahi
Emirate: Sharjah – Khor Fakkan
Education: Master’s degree in special education, preparing for a PhD in philosophy.
Favourite activities: Bungee jumping
Favourite quote: “My people and I will not settle for anything less than first place” – Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Sting & Shaggy
44/876
(Interscope)
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THE CLOWN OF GAZA
Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah
Starring: Alaa Meqdad
Rating: 4/5
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
List of officials:
Referees: Chris Broad, David Boon, Jeff Crowe, Andy Pycroft, Ranjan Madugalle and Richie Richardson.
Umpires: Aleem Dar, Kumara Dharmasena, Marais Erasmus, Chris Gaffaney, Ian Gould, Richard Illingworth, Richard Kettleborough, Nigel Llong, Bruce Oxenford, Ruchira Palliyaguruge, Sundaram Ravi, Paul Reiffel, Rod Tucker, Michael Gough, Joel Wilson and Paul Wilson.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
What is a black hole?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
The five pillars of Islam
Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi
Director: Kangana Ranaut, Krish Jagarlamudi
Producer: Zee Studios, Kamal Jain
Cast: Kangana Ranaut, Ankita Lokhande, Danny Denzongpa, Atul Kulkarni
Rating: 2.5/5
MATCH INFO
Manchester United 1 (Greenwood 77')
Everton 1 (Lindelof 36' og)
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Dirham Stretcher tips for having a baby in the UAE
Selma Abdelhamid, the group's moderator, offers her guide to guide the cost of having a young family:
• Buy second hand stuff
They grow so fast. Don't get a second hand car seat though, unless you 100 per cent know it's not expired and hasn't been in an accident.
• Get a health card and vaccinate your child for free at government health centres
Ms Ma says she discovered this after spending thousands on vaccinations at private clinics.
• Join mum and baby coffee mornings provided by clinics, babysitting companies or nurseries.
Before joining baby classes ask for a free trial session. This way you will know if it's for you or not. You'll be surprised how great some classes are and how bad others are.
• Once baby is ready for solids, cook at home
Take the food with you in reusable pouches or jars. You'll save a fortune and you'll know exactly what you're feeding your child.
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
Nepotism is the name of the game
Salman Khan’s father, Salim Khan, is one of Bollywood’s most legendary screenwriters. Through his partnership with co-writer Javed Akhtar, Salim is credited with having paved the path for the Indian film industry’s blockbuster format in the 1970s. Something his son now rules the roost of. More importantly, the Salim-Javed duo also created the persona of the “angry young man” for Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan in the 1970s, reflecting the angst of the average Indian. In choosing to be the ordinary man’s “hero” as opposed to a thespian in new Bollywood, Salman Khan remains tightly linked to his father’s oeuvre. Thanks dad.
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
It Was Just an Accident
Director: Jafar Panahi
Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr
Rating: 4/5
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