Doubletree by Hilton Hotel

Last Wednesday I attended the launch of the swanky Doubletree by Hilton Hotel on London Docklands Riverside. They had pulled out all the stops to make the night as striking and memorable as their London riverside location.

This started with a champagne reception on board a Thames Clipper boat from Savoy Pier. We sipped tasty champagne as we skimmed along the Thames at high speed enjoying the iconic views of the London skyline as the sun set majestically on the horizon giving us a beautiful goodbye before he retired for the night.

On arriving at the destination we were told to keep our drinks and walk into the hotel courtyard. A waitress held a tray of half-drunk drinks and I asked if I could take an extra drink. She laughed. I asked again. She didn’t laugh. I entered the hotel courtyard. Walking over a bridge I saw an empty courtyard below with 5 flamethrowers shooting flames into the air. I alerted Management that there was clearly a pyromaniac on the loose and asked them to call in the river Police to apprehend him or her immediately. I was informed this was not the case and that the fire display was the work of exterior lighting and pyrotechnic expert James Poore from JPLD Lighting Design.

I later met this individual and exchanged some stories with him. His stories were great- mine were exceptional. I immediately immersed myself into the party enjoying the dancing women on stilts, a gourmet burger stall, a rum punch stand, not to mind the ever-presence of champagne and tasty nibbles. Did I partake in all of the above? By golly I did. The entertainment was exceptional with an acoustic band playing some hits and the best magician I’ve seen mesmerising us with an array of astonishing card tricks.

The free-flowing drink and food were a delight as were the unrivalled riverside views of the city. As the night continued the drinks continued to slip down alarmingly easily as I mingled with the other guests. Very soon I had befriended the chaps from Meantime Brewing who provided a wide range of amazing beers and even better banter. I happily agreed to a tour of their brewery but have yet to arrange the details. Let’s discuss this on Twitter in the Meantime (pardon the pun).

The night was an absolute blast and everyone had a lot of fun. There was a really laid-back vibe and the waiting team were all excellent. The night ended with a touch of panic as I realised the last ferry left in 5 minutes and I still had to retrieve my jacket, which had ended up in lost property. After finally retrieving my jacket and fleeing onto the ferry just before it left I pier I realised that a random mobile phone had also been placed into my pocket. I managed to safely leave this with a member of staff before the ferry set off. To the lady who lost the phone, you’re welcome my dear. Any reward for me can be donated to charity as I’m a humble chap.

The opening night was a lot of fun and the location was phenomenal. I’m a Travelodge man myself, but if you prefer a more luxurious stay fling yourself down to the Doubletree by Hilton. Please share this article on the social media links above and follow us on twitter so you don’t miss the best things happening in London.   Written by Martin Stocks | @Stocks1986