DoubleTree by Hilton London – Docklands River
After a full day exploring London with family and dear friends, we wrapped it up with a cozy stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton London – Docklands Riverside. Perfect ending to a day of memories in the city!”
A Family Adventure in London & A Riverside Stay at DoubleTree by Hilton London Docklands
Travel is always special when shared with the people you love. Our recent trip to London with family and close friends turned into a memorable adventure filled with laughter, long walks, unexpected surprises, and a riverside retreat that became the perfect ending to our busy days in the city.
This blog is my attempt to capture the essence of our experience: exploring London’s charm by day and finding comfort by night at DoubleTree by Hilton London – Docklands Riverside.
Exploring London with Family and Friends
London has a way of making you feel both excited and exhausted at the same time. Every corner of the city has something to offer whether it’s history, culture, shopping, or simply the buzz of city life.
On this trip, I wasn’t traveling alone. Along with my husband and children, my dear friend Jeena and her family joined us. That made the adventure even more special. There’s something heartwarming about watching your kids play together in a new city, sharing discoveries, and seeing friends become family during moments like this.
We spent the day exploring some of London’s famous sights. From strolling past historic landmarks to wandering through busy streets, it was a day filled with movement, conversations, and endless photos. By the end of it, though, we were completely drained—happily tired, but tired nonetheless.
Arriving at DoubleTree by Hilton London – Docklands Riverside
By evening, we made our way to our hotel. Nestled by the River Thames, the DoubleTree by Hilton London – Docklands Riverside promised comfort, and we were more than ready for it.
Check-in was smooth and successful, though I did notice that in the evening hours, the staff seemed a little stretched. We had to wait a while in the lobby before heading to our room, which tested our patience after a long day. Still, the lobby itself was welcoming—a quiet pause before stepping into our space.
A Birthday Surprise for JOBY
When we finally entered our room, we were met with an unexpected and delightful surprise. The housekeeping team had decorated the room with balloons and beautifully folded towels, adding a celebratory touch.
The reason? While booking, I had mentioned that it was my husband’s Joby birthday. I honestly didn’t expect the hotel to go out of its way, but they did. Not only was the room decorated, but they also left a thoughtful birthday card. It was such a kind gesture and instantly lifted our spirits.
In that moment, all the waiting we did in the lobby felt small compared to the joy of seeing my husband’s smile. It turned what could have been an ordinary stay into a memorable celebration.
The Room & Riverside View
The room itself was clean, comfortable, and thoughtfully arranged. But what stole our hearts was the lakeside view. Pulling the curtains open and seeing the water right outside felt magical. The view was calming, a contrast to the bustling city we had just explored.
It reminded me why I love riverside hotels you don’t just get a place to sleep, you get a backdrop for your memories. Waking up to the view of the water each morning made us feel like we had discovered a peaceful corner of London.
The Health Club Experience
Later, we decided to check out the hotel’s health club. It wasn’t crowded, which made it perfect for a relaxing evening workout. The gym itself wasn’t large, but it was clean, well-maintained, and more than enough for self-practice.
We didn’t come across any instructors, so we guided ourselves through our routine. In a way, it made the experience more relaxed—we could go at our own pace without feeling rushed.
My children, however, weren’t as thrilled. They kept asking about a swimming pool, which the hotel doesn’t have. For families with kids, this might be something to keep in mind, especially if swimming is high on their wish list.
Dining & Relaxation
One of the highlights of our stay was the food. After a long day of sightseeing, sitting down to a delicious meal felt like pure comfort. The dining experience combined good flavors with a riverside atmosphere, making it both satisfying and memorable.
Food, for me, is such a big part of travel. It’s not just about eating it’s about sharing a table with loved ones, recounting the day’s adventures, and enjoying flavors that add to the memory of the place. At the DoubleTree, we certainly enjoyed every bite.
Looking back, our stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton London – Docklands Riverside felt like the perfect balance to our London adventures. The city gave us energy, exploration, and stories. The hotel gave us rest, comfort, and a sense of being cared for.
Of course, no stay is perfect. The slight delay at check-in and the absence of a pool for the kids were small drawbacks. But the kindness of the staff, the birthday surprise, the clean and welcoming room, and the outstanding riverside view far outweighed those minor inconveniences.
If you’re planning a trip to London especially with family or friends I would recommend considering the DoubleTree by Hilton London – Docklands Riverside.
Location: Away from the city noise, yet close enough to explore everything London has to offer.
Views: The riverside views are breathtaking and add a layer of peace to your stay.
Service: The housekeeping team goes the extra mile, as we experienced firsthand.
Food: Delicious meals that truly satisfy after a day in the city.
Facilities: A good health club for those who enjoy a workout during travel.
Yes, there are areas where the hotel could improve like having more staff available in the evenings or adding facilities for children but overall, it’s a place that creates happy memories.
Final Thoughts
Traveling with family and friends always brings its share of challenges long days, (my friend Jeena were very energetic and motivated, so we do not feel tired) tired feet, and sometimes unexpected hiccups. But it also brings moments of laughter, connection, and joy that you carry with you long after the trip is over.
Our London adventure was exactly that: a mix of sightseeing, family bonding, and a hotel stay that gave us space to recharge. The surprise birthday arrangement was the cherry on top, turning our trip into something even more personal and meaningful.
So, if you’re planning your own London journey, I encourage you to explore the city fully but also to find a hotel like DoubleTree by Hilton London Docklands Riverside, where the view outside your window is as memorable as the adventures beyond its doors.
Remya joseph
JR alliance
www.thewellnesstrip.com
Vincent Baby
September 9, 2025 at 6:28 pmThanks for sharing your very interesting holiday trip with your friends and family. Excellent narration at every touchpoint and exhilarating, everlasting experiences. Keep on inspiring the world
Very nice..
October 7, 2025 at 6:02 pmI recently heard wonderful things about hilton from my friends. I’m very interested in visiting and would like to stay for one or two days