connected

DESIGNED by one of the UK’s most famous civil engineer, Hilton London Paddington is both well connected and grand.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Where is the Hilton London Paddington?

I can see why they call it London’s best connected hotel, being adjoining to London Paddington Station.

Along with trains to destinations such as Plymouth and Oxford, from here there are five London Underground routes, as well as a fast 15-minute train to London Heathrow.

What is the hotel like?

The grand hotel dates back to 1854, originally called the Great Western Royal Hotel by HRH Prince Albert.

It was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, an English civil engineer behind Great Western Railway, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and London Paddington Station, as well as the hotel.

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The hotel itself immerses you in the grandeur straight away, with a huge pillared entrance and stairs, before an art deco lobby and bar.

A nod to its railway history is throughout also, with railway photography displayed and a steam train mural along the main staircase.

It also has all of the amenities so a gym, restaurant and 18 meeting rooms named after historic Great Western Railway locomotives.

What are the rooms like?

There are 424 rooms to choose from, with many undergoing renovations later this year.

My suite was spacious and modern, with a massive super king bed next to a chaise lounge and desk.

The bathrooms were just as beautiful, with marble walls and floors and Crabtree and Evelyn toiletries. 

They fix problems quickly too – my WiFi wasn’t working and quick call to reception got it up and running. 

Rooms start from £235 on a room only basis. See hilton.com.

What is there to eat and drink at the hotel?

The recently renovated Carriages Restaurant is where you will find everything from breakfast to dinner.

The buffet is extremely large, with an interesting variety – such as papayas and banana toffee muffins.

Hot full English breakfasts along with, fruit, cereal, bakery, and lots of vegetarian and halal options.

Come back for dinner for everything from pizza and burgers to curries and salads.

Or, grab a lighter snack and a cocktail at the 146 Paddington Bar & Lounge as well.

What else is there to do?

The hotel also has an on-site gym to make the most of.

However, it’s central location means it is easy to explore London’s top attractions with a short train ride.

Don’t want to go too far? A short walk from the hotel is the Paddington Bear Statue, or the Alexander Fleming Museum.

Is it family friendly?

There are family rooms and connecting rooms, with kids up to 18 years old staying free when sharing a room with a paying adult on a room only rate.

Kids aged 5 and under enjoy free breakfast, while those aged 6-11 enjoy a 50 per cent discount on breakfast.

Is it accessible?

The hotel has a number of accessible rooms, as well as accessible toilets in the main building.

Bath seats and pillow alarms can be requested and there is a deaf alert system at the hotel, as well as lifts and wheelchair access.

Feb. 19 (UPI) — Several victims of an avalanche that hit Northern California’s backcountry on Tuesday were connected to a private school for competitive skiers, the institution said.

Officials with Sugar Bowl Academy in Norden, Calif., confirmed Wednesday that multiple victims were either members or had strong connections with the school. They said they would not release the names of the victims and survivors.

“We are an incredibly close and connected community. This tragedy has affected each and every one of us,” Stephen McMahon, executive director of Sugar Bowl Academy, said in a statement.

A group of 15 skiers, including four guides, set off Sunday for a three-day backcountry trip, and were returning amid dangerous conditions Tuesday when they were hit by an avalanche near Castle Peak in California’s mountainous Nevada County at about 11:30 a.m. PST.

Six members of the party became stranded, taking refuge in makeshift shelters. The remaining nine were unaccounted for.

Search teams were deployed, and the six surviving members — one guide and five clients — were rescued late Tuesday, according to authorities, who said the search for those missing would continue.

Authorities earlier Wednesday announced that eight of the unaccounted for had been confirmed dead and one was still missing. The deceased included three professional guides with Blackbird Mountain Guides, and one person was the spouse of a member of a deployed rescue team.

Of the six survivors, three were injured, including two who were unable to walk, authorities added.

The party consisted of nine men and six women whose ages ranged from 30 to 55.

Zeb Blais, founder of Blackbird Mountain Guides, which had organized the expedition, said all guides with the group were trained or certified in backcountry skiing and each was an instructor with the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education.

“There’s still a lot that we’re learning about what happened,” Blais said in a statement. “It’s too soon to draw conclusions, but investigations are underway.”

Blackbird Mountain Guides has suspended field operations through Sunday at a minimum, according to Blais.

“Our most important focus is on those directly impacted and supporting their needs,” Blais said.

“We ask that people following this tragedy refrain from speculating. We don’t have all the answers yet, and it may be some time before we do. In the meantime, please keep those impacted in your hearts.”