Hilton London Syon Park

Didn't start off great but improved.... Booked a 2 night staycation for my birthday. I was due to arrive late so started a chat on their website to inform them. The assistant was polite, said she was going to check and come back to me but that did not happen, waited 30 minutes on the chat. I then called the hotel to inform them that I'd be late checking in. The assistant who picked up the phone just said 'hey' like I'm a friend of his! I responded with okay...hello and went on to let him know I was running late. He didn't say a word and transferred me to reservations. At that point I was annoyed. The lady at reservations was much more friendlier and actually spoke to me. She was very apologetic for her colleagues manner or lack of it and told me exactly what she was going to with the information I had given her. Upon arrival, the male assistant who checked me in was friendly but seemed preoccupied. Nonetheless, he checked me in. I wasn't given any information about breakfast or WiFi but later collected an information sheet after checking into the room. I was given room 63...the room itself is nicely decorated but feels dark with the colour of furnishings that's because I prefer rooms that feel lighter. It had a terrace leading out onto the back of the hotel...beautiful grounds and definitely worthy of insta photo. However, the two large water features had not been tended to, did not have any water in it compared to the ones in the middle of the grounds, may be because these were towards the back of the hotel? There was a smell in the room as you entered it that could not be ignored. I waited for my visitor to arrive and yep, she could smell it too. The bathroom was the worst, particularly the walk-in shower, you could not breath with the stench of sewage! We were moved to the room next door, 62, which was surprisingly much better...we could breath. Dinner on the first night was okay, dessert (brownies and ice cream in a jar) was better. The brownies were not dry or crumbly but would've preferred it served in a dessert bowl for ease as an eating spoon or a teasoon doesn't cut it to get to the bottom of the jar. Breakfast had a decent spread of hot and cold. Coffee, I was told was been to cup but not the best of quality in my opinion. The assistants in the restaurants were amazing, friendly, approachable, helpful and accommodating. The only thing I would've appreciated was coconut milk which they did not have over both breakfast mornings. Yes, the hotel is popular for weddings but it is also surprisingly quiet even on those days. The only thing you notice is the increased number of guests at breakfast. Our king-size bed was good. The mattress was firm enough for us. Beddings were clean and blackout curtains are really good. The only thing that I found odd was the lack of extra pillows which is usually in wardrobes of every hotel I've stayed at. There was no robes or slippers provided however, we did receive one when we went for treatment in the spa. Spa facilities are okay...you do have to pay £25 for 2 hours if not having treatment and this means the spa area is quiet. Is it value for money to use the pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and gym not so much so. We paid to have treatments at the spa so had 2 hours access to the spa. Treatment session was worth every penny and included lunch in a beautiful setting. The complimentary ginger tea is so good...I wouldn't mind paying the £25 just to sit and have that tea for 2 hours! Overall it was a lovely staycation on beautiful grounds with beautiful walks at Syon House (discounted paid entry if staying at the hotel). There's plenty of parking and the hotel is quiet too for good rest. Big plus is the bar next door..Syon lounge. It has great music and you don't have to go far for a night out out!