#RediscoverHilton + Giveaway
Some of you may have already noticed the #RediscoverHilton campaign floating around the interwebz for the past few months. Several lucky bloggers from all over the country, including myself, have been spoilt with a night at the Hilton to rediscover what Hilton means to us, along with our local area, and to report back with our findings.
To begin with, I must clarify that I don't make it a habit to jump on posh beds. Or any beds for that matter. Rather, I was pretty overcome with excitement and I took my cue from Maria, so don't judge me. I had fun.
Matt and I arrived at Hilton Leeds City Hotel at around 7pm last Friday night. Entering at ground level we were met with a distinct whiff of chlorine which for me is a strangely nostalgic scent that reminds me of public swimming baths and Klix hot chocolates on the way home, hand in hand with my mum. For some that may be a negative, but I was instantly on side. Understandably, the smell that so warmed my heart was coming from the hotel's LivingWell Health Club which boasts a heated pool, full gym and a spa, all of which guests have full access to during their stay. Up 2 floors and we were greeted warmly at reception and told that not only was dinner, bed and breakfast Hilton's treat but we'd also been upgraded. UPGRADED?! Score!
Off we trotted to our Double Hilton Suite on the 11th floor. The room was seriously spacious, with room to swing a cat or maybe even 2, if animal cruelty is your thing (jk lol). Complete with a desk, double wardrobe, sofa, huge TV and squishy bed, our home for the night was modern, fresh and more than comfortable. Nothing like the tired, dated and cramped rooms of some city centre hotels I've had the pleasure of hanging out in.
The bathroom had black marble surfaces, a separate bath and shower, piles of fresh and fluffy towels; I could honestly live in that room. 2 powerful shower-heads made for great hair washing and the complimentary Peter Thomas Roth toiletries filled the room with yummy citrusy aromas.
Dinner in the City 3 restaurant was a pleasant experience with friendly, attentive staff and simple bistro and grill style meals. The downside is the hotel price-tag. £16 for a (honestly? Below average) burger? Hmm. Personally, with such a central location, and the great food culture of Leeds right on your doorstep, I would encourage any guest staying at the Hilton to go out to eat. Friends of Ham, an amazing charcuterie bar and one of my favourite places in the city with excellent wine, piles of board games and a pretty glorious billards table, is less than 5 minutes walk from Hilton Leeds City. For trendy eats, Red's True BBQ is a 10 minute walk right next to the Corn Exchange, your go-to for the corn bread and pulled pork that dreams are made of. 10 minutes in the opposite direction you have finer dining (but still affordable) options like Sous Le Nez and social entreprise eatery Create.
After dinner we headed back up to the room to don our complimentary robes and down the wine from the welcome pack. Even though we were less than a mile from our own flat, the novelty of being in a hotel for the night was such a nice feeling and the room was surprisingly tranquil with little noise from the outside world. I could feel all the stress of the working week melt away as I settled into our puffy, cloud-like bed to watch a few hours of TV before drifting off into the most restful night's sleep I've had in a while. Breakfast in the morning had all the options we could ask for: cereal, fruit, pastries with ham and cheese, porridge, juices, coffee, tea and (natch) the Full English. Needless to say, we checked out on Saturday morning with very full bellies.
Our stay at the Hilton Leeds City was such a lovely treat. January is a decidedly frugal month for most people, but with rooms from £79 a night, it turns out staying at a hotel isn't as much of an unobtainable luxury as I first thought. And... *drumroll please* I've got a little something for ya. I've ONLY BLOODY GOT A £100 HILTON GIFTCARD TO GIVE AWAY! That'll buy you a night in a Hilton! WAHEY! Enter below using Rafflecopter :)
When it comes to shopping in Leeds, the Hilton is perfectly positioned. Leeds Trinity is set to open later this year just metres from the hotel's entrance. This new shopping development includes the huuuuge Topshop I wrote about back in the Autumn (it's already open) plus a whole host of the UK's biggest retail names, including the only Victoria's Secret outside of London. Nip along Boar Lane and you'll find top vintage shopping at Blue Rinse and Pop Boutique. For dancing, try Hifi for Motown, Soul and Blues til the early hours.
Have you ever stayed in a Hilton? What's your favourite thing about staying at a hotel? If you're interested in seeing what I pack for an overnight stay, come back later in the week for a special edition of that old favourite, the "What's in my bag?" post, travel style.
I was lucky enough to receive dinner, bed and breakfast completely complementary from the lovely people at Hilton in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my review at all, all views are my own and 100% genuine. Promise :)
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