Hilton Hotel Pre-moon review

My wife and I were invited by The Hilton to sample their new `Pre-moon` package. This overnight stay is marketed at newlyweds and is intended to be tagged onto the beginning of a honeymoon. Couples spend a night at the Hilton`s location close to Heathrow`s terminal 5, and can relax and pamper themselves in the spa before enduring the stresses of the airport and long haul flights.

Due to the popularity of the hotel`s spa, we had been advised to pre-book our massage, but true to form the M25 was gridlocked, and like the circling planes above us, we missed our slot. The lovely Spa staff took pity on us and arranged an alternative treatment- The Serail Mud Treatment Chamber for two is more fun than it sounds. We were locked away in a darkened sauna. A large tub of mud is provided, and we liberally applied it over ourselves and our partners. There follows a 30 minute cycle of steam and warm water to soften the mud. Much giggling ensured this was fun as well as relaxing.

Another part of the Pre-moon package was access to the Executive Lounge. Although the name suggests this is aimed at the business traveller, we were also pleasantly surprised to see families and couples in there, enjoying a pre-dinner drink. We helped ourselves to a bounty of complimentary refreshments. Drinks available were tea, coffee, juices, beer, wine, cola etc. An assortment of snacks such as sandwiches, sweets, fruit and cheeses acted as a quick stop gap before dinner.

Our room itself was very luxurious, with complimentary fruit, water plus an endless supply of potions in the bathroom. It had all the usual mod cons; a flat screen TV, power shower and for newly weds- a bath with room for two. We also had a surprisingly pleasant view of the local countryside.

Part of the Pre-moon is dinner for two at Mr Todiwala`s Kitchen. However, this is closed on Sundays so we were only able to eat in The Gallery. We weren’t disappointed. This classic/ contemporary British restaurant has a limited but well thought out menu. I opted for the Ham Hock Terrine with Piccalilli and crusty bread. This was followed by the Roasted Gressingham Duck Breast with Braised Red Cabbage. My wife enjoyed the Watercress, Poached Pear and Blue Stilton Salad. All dishes were fantastically presented and demonstrated there was a talented chef at work behind the scenes with an eye for the aesthetics of food as well as the taste.

After a very comfortable sleep, we were back in The Gallery for our breakfast. This was extremely impressive – amongst the best breakfast displays I have experienced. With over 180 items on offer, there is an overwhelming choice for every pallet. A perfect start if you have a long journey ahead of you.

As a whole, the hotel feels and looks very modern. Every member of staff we spoke to was friendly and helpful, not always the case among the big hotel chains. We really felt like we had a personal service. The Pre-moon is strongly recommended; just allow plenty of journey time.
For more information, visit www.hilton.com/heathrowterminal5

The Pre-moon includes:
• An overnight stay in a luxury guestroom, the largest offered by any hotel at Heathrow
• A romantic meal in Cyrus Todiwala`s stunning Mr Todiwala`s Kitchen
• A blissful spa experience – choose from a couples Raindrop Massage or Serail Mud Chamber treatment for two
• A gift in your room – Neal`s Yard Energising Travel Essentials Kit
• A feast for breakfast
• Two weeks secure car parking in one of the hotel`s 470 spaces