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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lizzie Pook

Room with a view: a love letter to London’s iconic skyline

Composite: Lizzie Pook on the balcony of her hotel room; sitting on the hotel room sofa; view of the London skyline including the Shard and the London Eye
The London Hilton Park Lane was the first skyscraper hotel to be built in the city, and boasts stunning views in every direction. Photograph: Alex Sarginson/The Guardian

For some, it’s a silk sheeted emperor bed, for others a Lichtenstein painting in the lobby, or edible gold flakes on fancy restaurant entrées. But for me, what makes a hotel truly memorable has nothing to do with what actually goes on inside. You can wave ergonomic pillows and fancy toiletries my way, but I will not be distracted, oh no! I’ve got my eyes fixed firmly out the window.

For me, it’s the view from a hotel that can make or break a holiday. We all know that sinking feeling that descends when you check into your room only to find that the window overlooks the wheelie bins in the car park out the back. A knockout view, on the other hand, can bring unadulterated joy, allowing us to feel as if we’re exploring a destination without having to step out of our room.

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