Review: Lincoln Plaza London, Curio Collection, part of the Hilton winter sale

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• Barrel for Scraping says:

  11 Jan11 January 06:07

  Last time I stayed there was January 2020 which turned out to be a few months before its long term closure. It still looks nice but I suspect not as nice as before. I wonder if anyone who used to work there decided to come back, as you said the staff were good and it was the same back in 2020.

  What’s changed? There used to be a Todiwala’s Indian restaurant here (like Hilton T5 used to have) when I walked by the hotel recently that area seemed to be collecting dust. There used to be a cocktail bar called Jack Speak which also appears closed. Hopefully there’s plans for these spaces. Breakfast used to be entirely a la carte, no buffet so that’s a change.

  You mentioned the restaurant is called Food Store. Part of that used to be an actual food store, you could buy various fresh produce there as well as a range of interesting beers and other drinks to take away. I think it was intended for residents of the apartments but also good for hotel guests if they wanted to buy something when leaving (I’d often buy interesting beers for the train). So is there still a food store in Food Store or has that bit been enhanced?

  Rooms look the same but you never commented on the contents of the mini bar. It used to be an excellent mini bar with a range of interesting drinks – local beers, gins, etc. There was also a bottle of fresh milk in the fridge so you didn’t need to use UHT in your tea. It would be nice to know if it was still to such a high standard.

  BTW the Hilton Canary Wharf has a sauna

  • Rhys says:

    11 Jan11 January 11:48

    No fresh milk but UHT milk in a little glass bottle to make it look fresh was available!

• Stuart says:

  11 Jan11 January 07:20

  “In many ways it feels a bit like a cold version of Singapore or Hong Kong.” No way is Isle of Dogs or any part of awful, dirty, decrepit London like Singapore (but just colder), That part of London is just endless ridiculously overpriced apartments, which judging from the local supermarket (which you mention), the estate agents adverts and the construction billboards are built by and for the Chinese. Just beaucse HfP is London focused doesn’t make it a top city. What next, will you say Hyde/Holland/Regents Parks feel the same as the beautiful SG Botantical Garden? Singapore is leagues ahead of London, the only similarity is that they are both overly expensive. This is coming from someone who went to a London university and has to return many times for work, and yes I would like to reside in SG but life prevents that.

  • BSI1978 says:

    11 Jan11 January 07:28

    “awful decrepit London”. Nice balanced view from someone that clearly doesn’t like London.

    • JDB says:

      11 Jan11 January 07:55

      Unbelievable to write off London in that way! It’s a magnificent ancient city that has evolved in a positive way. Singapore is sort of nice in a very modern, cold, clinical, manicured way but just so dreary vs other Asian cities.

      People remark upon some of the architecture in Singapore, but it’s Victorian of a type that can be found up and down the land and we have very much older and more impressive structures in London. London is much more modern and edgy and so packed with culture etc.

      Even a swipe at the weather! Yes, as it happens London is in the Northern Hemisphere, so it’s colder than Singapore but it also doesn’t suffer from the oppressive humidity.

      • daveinitalia says:

        11 Jan11 January 08:08

        As someone who loves London many ask how did I end up living in Italy? The Elizabeth line! I moved from SE1 (Borough) to E14 (Isle of Dogs) because I was getting contracts in Canary Wharf (nice to walk to work) and then I got one near Moorgate and the commute on crowded tube trains was a pain. The Elizabeth line set to open at the end of 2018 would have made this commute easy. When it was then delayed I decided to look further afield (although my first move was Bournemouth). I believe my life would have been totally different if the line had opened on time.

        I still visit London a lot (work and leisure), it’s a great city as long as you don’t have to commute 5 days a week. Another benefit is I’m also paying less than half what I paid in London in rent.

        • Lumma says:

          11 Jan11 January 08:13

          I took a job in Farringdon in August 2018. I remember saying it’ll be great on the run up to Christmas when I can hop on the new line.

          Luckily I can now walk to work in under twenty minutes

      • BSI1978 says:

        11 Jan11 January 13:49

        I was going to write a much more harsh response but it’s a Saturday and I saw no point in getting into it with a random online. A much more balanced response from yourself!

  • Doug says:

    11 Jan11 January 08:02

    I live in the local area. Local residents including myself thank you for your generalised review.

  • BBbetter says:

    11 Jan11 January 08:43

    The same SG where you will be treated second class compared to citizens, from public schools to hospitals? The SG where beating children, even in schools, is legal? The SG where locals routinely treat ‘domestic helpers’ like slaves and get away with it? The SG where there is zero consumer and worker protections?
    No, thanks.

  • Novelty-Socks says:

    11 Jan11 January 08:57

    I worry for the future of London a bit post-Brexit, but calling Canary Wharf decrepit seems a bit of a stretch TBH.

  • Flier33 says:

    11 Jan11 January 10:18

    The article spoke of Canary Wharf, not the isle of dogs. Once you leave CW then it does get a bit sad.

    • TGLoyalty says:

      12 Jan12 January 07:14

      Agree with that but CW is actually pretty good even with what looks like endless construction around but they’re actually creating more green space.

      The OP was probably having a terrible morning because it was a silly comment.

  • Rhys says:

    11 Jan11 January 12:01

    Have you forgotten Kew Gardens exists? Arguably one of the best botanic gardens in the world?!

• daveinitalia says:

  11 Jan11 January 07:45

  I used to live near here and I took the opportunity of my heating/water packing in as an excuse to stay the night here when the hotel was relatively new. Mr Todiwala’s Kitchen had just opened at that point and as a fan of the one in the Hilton T5 I had to try this one (also gone now, this hotel used to have the same owner as the Hilton T5 but after Covid they sold all their hotels and with it both Todiwala’s Kitchens closed down).

  You say “it’s decked out in a faux-rustic log cabin effect” but that’s not what they were aiming for, the hotel was going for a nautical theme and the design is meant to be of a ship (do log cabins tend to have curved surfaces?). The hotel guide that used to be in the rooms mentioned the nautical history of the area. The cocktail bar used to have nautical themed cocktails as well as a range of locally produced beers and spirits.

  Room categories also used to have the nautical theme with names like Tillerman and Bargemaster, now looking at the Hilton website they’ve gone with functional and boring names like queen deluxe.

  The lack of USB sockets was a surprise for a hotel that opened in 2018, but there is a USB port built into the alarm clock by the bed and if I recall correctly there’s a USB port (and a European socket) near the TV.

  The attention to detail was nice back then, I have a feeling some of it may have vanished with the new owners. The Lincoln Plaza used to have their own designed key cards and key card wallets rather than the generic Hilton ones. There used to be an interesting range of glassware in the rooms, so whatever you wanted to drink (and the minibar selection was extensive) you had the correct glass for it. This seemed missing from your photo so it looks like just the regular glasses remain.

  Disappointed to see a buffet appear, they used to do a great eggs benedict/royale, they also used to have an excellent smoothie selection. Although the buffet you pictured looks nice, the full table service breakfast really used to set this hotel apart from the other options.

  My current favourite when having to stay near Canary Wharf is the Doubletree Docklands in Rotherhithe. Not just because it’s usually cheaper, but I like the ferry between the hotel and Canary Wharf (which is free for hotel guests), a short ride on the ferry to Canary Wharf is a nice way to start the day and in the summer it’s nice to sit on their terrace overlooking the Thames and Canary Wharf

  • Trickster says:

    11 Jan11 January 10:39

    I stayed here a few months ago and now I recall from your comment the unique wooden key card.

    Overall, I enjoyed this hotel – I liked the room, having access to the (very cold!) pool was great, and the breakfast was good.

    • Rhys says:

      11 Jan11 January 12:09

      Wooden keycards aren’t unique – every other hotel has them these days!

      • Trickster says:

        11 Jan11 January 12:27

        You are more travelled than I am, they are quite unique to me! Although I can imagine them becoming more common, and like the ones at this hotel offer an opportunity for some distinctive branding/styling

    • daveinitalia says:

      11 Jan11 January 13:51

      I actually first encountered the wooden keycard in another Curio (Stratford) and thought it unique only to find the next Hilton I was staying at also using the wooden keys. Were the ones used in Lincoln Plaza branded Hilton or their own style. In 2019 they used their own style plastic keycards and cardboard wallets. Hilton Bournemouth used to do the same but they claim it was Hilton that told them to go to the standard design for brand consistency (but surely that doesn’t apply to Curio).

      I remember the pool was very cold too and the steam room not working when I had my last stay just before Christmas 2019

• Lumma says:

  11 Jan11 January 08:11

  I wouldn’t want to walk there from the Elizabeth line station with any heavy luggage to be fair.

  • Barrel for Scraping says:

    11 Jan11 January 08:20

    The Lizzie is quite far, none of the Canary Wharf stations are connected but I guess the best way to get to the hotel from there would be to follow the walking route to Weat India Quay DLR and take it a few stops to South Quay.

    From Canary Wharf tube (Jubilee line) it’s not too bad but you need to cut through a building and I can’t remember if Google Maps suggests that way.

    I’d go as far as saying none of the public transport options are great for this hotel if you have heavy luggage (get a taxi!) but it’s a pleasant walk if travelling light

    • Lumma says:

      11 Jan11 January 08:35

      IIRC the trains that stop at West India Quay southbound are the ones that come from Stratford and they mostly terminate at Canary Wharf so you have to switch trains again, the Lewisham trains skip that station.

      But I agree, it’s not a bad walk without luggage

      • Barrel for Scraping says:

        11 Jan11 January 08:47

        Good point. You’re right most of them terminate at Canary Wharf except during peak hours. I remember when they changed the track layout to increase capacity and as a result the Bank-Lewisham trains can no longer serve the station. The platform is still there but the track doesn’t get to the correct height until part of the way along

      • lcylocal says:

        11 Jan11 January 08:54

        If you know the area a bit the walk isn’t too bad but I would probably hop on some form of transport if raining, lots of luggage etc.

        I should say good to see the upgrade situation noted.

        I think one thing to note as a positive for anyone staying a little longer is that there is a full sized ASDA ten minute’s walk away plus the good sized Waitrose in Canary Wharf.

        For families you are close to Mudchute City Farm and a reasonable playground in Millwall Park. Greenwich is about 40 mins walk or 10 mins on the DLR. You could also take Uber Boat into Central London for something a little different.

        • daveinitalia says:

          11 Jan11 January 09:08

          My GP surgery is next to that Asda, London Arena used to be nearby too but the O2 hastened its demise!

          I like the walk to Greenwich through the foot tunnel although if you don’t like (or can’t manage) stairs then it’s best to check the status of the lifts – currently one is out of service https://www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/parking-transport-and-streets/travel-foot-bike-or-public-transport/check-status-foot-tunnels-and

          Another option is if you want to walk but don’t want the stairs is to take the DLR one stop from Island Gardens to Cutty Sark of course if you don’t want to walk then take the DLR all the way.

        • Richie says:

          11 Jan11 January 09:44

          BTW Escalators at Cutty Sark DLR are frequently out of order.

  • flyforfun says:

    11 Jan11 January 09:56

    The D8 Bus stops on Marsh Wall and goes to the North Colonnade and from there it’s no steps to the entrance of the Elizabeth Line. Coming back, go to the South Colonnade and get it back. Go up a level to the funky bridge tunnel and walk though the front of 1 Canada Square (the pointy, original, tower) and the bus stop is on the other side of the road. Buses run every 10 to 20 minutes depending on time of day. This is a better option than taking the DLR as you don’t have to go up to the platforms.

    I would not recommend walking it with luggage as the South Quay Bridge is a pain to navigate. A set of short stairs up to it, then trying to control cases due to the slope of the bridge. Then there is an awkward path to navigate where you get forced onto the road next to the Hilton Hotel thanks to excellent town planning.

• daveinitalia says:

  11 Jan11 January 09:03

  The Hilton app seems to have started generalising searches. I tried searching for Canary Wharf just there and it changed it to London, UK and prioritised hotels in central London in the search results. Hopefully a glitch and not an intended feature as I often search for Canary Wharf, Rotherhithe, Stratford etc based on where I need to be in London at the time

  • flyforfun says:

    11 Jan11 January 10:00

    Dave, have you see the new cafe in Island Gardens park yet? Its great in summer and winter. Fantastic views across the park to the buildings at Royal Greenwich and up the park. Food is good as is the coffee.

    • daveinitalia says:

      11 Jan11 January 13:53

      I did notice it the last time I did that walk, but I’ve not been past that way a lot lately, so next time I might try it.

• Richie says:

  11 Jan11 January 09:24

  BTW generally, bathrooms have wash hand basins and kitchens have sinks.

  • Rhys says:

    11 Jan11 January 12:11

    Without fail, one of you is pedantic enough to bring this up every time I slip up 🙂

    • @mkcol says:

      11 Jan11 January 13:50

      And do you put it in on purpose just to see?!

    • BSI1978 says:

      11 Jan11 January 13:52

      There’s an easy remedy for this Rhys…..

      • Lumma says:

        11 Jan11 January 17:21

        Basin/Sink is the HfP Train Station/Railway Station argument.

        Personally I’d never call any sink a basin

        • Richie says:

          11 Jan11 January 22:39

          Basins have their own BS https://knowledge.bsigroup.com/products/sanitary-appliances-wash-basins-functional-requirements-and-test-methods

• Mike says:

  11 Jan11 January 09:50

  I thought Jack Speak turned into the exec lounge or did they give up with that idea and just keep it closed?

  (As I live next door, I quite liked Jack Speak to pop into)

  • Rhys says:

    11 Jan11 January 11:59

    When I checked in they made it sound like I could sit there but there was nothing there. Didn’t exactly sell it to me so I stayed in the lobby!

• Trevor says:

  11 Jan11 January 10:02

  Rather than commenting on Canary Wharf my comments are following the review. We stayed at the Lincoln Plaza in December. Hotel is modern but:
  No heat in the room
  No fridge – it is a strange cool box
  The lobby/ bar is freezing as every time the doors open a blast of December air enters. The check in staff each have an electric radiator to crouch by.

  • Rhys says:

    11 Jan11 January 11:59

    Didn’t notice the cold when I was there, and it was about freezing outside. Revolving doors prevent the lobby from being blasted?

    • Damien says:

      11 Jan11 January 15:32

      Was there last Wed+Thur. Room was a bit cool when I first entered, but I just upped the temp on the thermostat and switched the fan to full. Place ended very comfortable. Didn’t get to go up to the their lounge for the 5-7 drinks cuz of dry jan.

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