Looking Back

Plans for the hotel began with rough sketches in 1955 and the agreement was signed on 23rd March 1960, between Conrad Hilton, President of Hilton International and Mr. Charles Clore, representing the New Citis Properties Ltd.

Following the main demolition work, the site was cleared and excavations were completed in 1961. The soil had not been touched for 25,000,000 years, as fossils discovered on the site would reveal.

“In 1960 the construction site in Park Lane was all but cleared, apart from building No 21 which was still occupied by textile magnate and banker Michael Ferszt, who sat in his fourth floor flat, and below him Mr. William Hockman in his third floor flat. They were the only tenants, and they both held a seven year lease. Sitting right on the spot where the new hotel tower was to be built, they had every intention to sit tight until their seven-year leasesexpired in 1961. And so they did.” Excerpt taken from the book, London Hilton on Park Lane, by Andreas Augustin available to purchase in early 2013.

London Hilton on Park Lane took two and a half years to build at a cost of £8 million (equivalent to £35 million in today's money), including the cost of the land and all of the furnishings. The hotel was the largest multi-storey building constructed in London for over 30 years.

Ahead of its time

Upon opening on 17th April 1963, the hotel offered 509 guest rooms, (today 453) accommodating 856 guests. Owing to the unique ‘Y’ shaped tower with 4 guest lifts running up the central core, guests only needed to walk a minimal distance to reach their rooms, plus the shape of the building allowed for spectacular views of London from all guest rooms.

Decades of Events

Excerpt from the book London Hilton on Park Lane by Andreas Augustin

1960s

The Rolling Stones frequented the hotel, as did the Beatles, who attended a lecture by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi at the hotel.

1970s

The new James Bond Bar, located on the second floor was the place to be in London. Occasionally you even met 007 himself: George Lazenby, the legendary one-time James Bond, as well as Sean Connery. Superstars like Ike and Tina Turner enjoyed the discreet and anonymous atmosphere of the hotel. Charlie Chaplin was a regular at Traders Vic's. Elton John stayed and performed here.

1980s

Arab multimillionaires arrived by private planes, carried briefcases of cash (they had no credit cards) and tipped the staff with gold and Rolex watches. It was the decade of society darlings, lavish parties and spectacular events in the ballroom.

1990s

The announcement came as a shock to the world: On 3 December 1993, a determined Princess Diana stood before 500 guests in the Grand Ballroom at London Hilton on Park Lane and said that she planned to shelve most of her official duties.

2000s

The Royal visit of the King of Jordan. Her Majesty the Queen visited the hotel for the Royal Warrant Holders' Association Golden Jubilee lunch, 2002 Galvin at Windows added a new level of haute cuisine to the known level of the location.

2010s

For the 2012 Olympic Games there was no better choice than London Hilton on Park Lane to become the headquarter hotel, accommodating all IOC members and a variety of their guests, Heads of State, senior politicians from the 204 countries competing. Lord Coe has been a frequent visitor, Bill Gates joined President of the IOC, Jacques Rogge for lunch at Galvin at Windows.

Commemorative Book

London Hilton on Park Lane - Moments Larger Than Life

We are delighted to have partnered with Andreas Augustin, President of Vienna - based organisation, The Most Famous Hotels in the World, to create a book to commemorate the 50th anniversary of London Hilton on Park Lane which will offer readers a deep insight into the development of the hotel, its greatest moments and its most famous guests. “These iconic hotels are often the venues for great moments in history and we record them for future generations” say Andreas Augustin.

The book LONDON HILTON ON PARK LANE - MOMENTS LARGER THAN LIFE appears in early 2013 and will ring in a year of celebration of 50 years at one of London's most iconic hotels.

Afternoon Tea

Guests will be able enjoy a 50th Anniversary afternoon tea for two, served at Podium Restaurant. The limited edition, celebratory afternoon tea will be available 2 - 6 pm daily from 17^th April 2013 to coincide with the hotel's official anniversary.

More information to come soon.

50 things we're proud of in 2013

Standing tall but never still, London Hilton on Park Lane endeavors to go above and beyond the commitments we already pledge and ensure we complete at least 50 good deeds for our communities, guests and team members.

We look forward to updating this page with each good deed. Please follow us on Facebook for all news and offers relating to our 50th anniversary.