Located in a residential area, a five-minute cab ride from the RAI Congress and WTC buildings, this is the famed staging point for John and Yoko's bed-in, where they recorded "All we are saying is give peace a chance" with Timothy Leary, et al. It has also gained more notoriety, thanks to Dutch musician and painter Herman Brood, who threw himself off the balcony. Tall, sleek and handsome, this remains one of the friendliest of all Hiltons and one of the best commercial and group-oriented hotels in the city.
Well-run by a hands-on manager, this hotel never rests on its laurels. It still looks great after its cellar-to-eaves overhaul in 1998. New carpeting in all of the guest rooms is the latest improvement. Groups, and even individuals, love this place, but it offers the working traveler the ultimate in business and conference facilities. A bright, airy lobby with stylish contemporary furniture in rich natural tones graces the entrance to the crescent-shaped building. Luggage has its own entrance via conveyor belt.
The award-winning Italian restaurant, Roberto's, serves fine food at reasonable prices and enjoys local popularity. The bar is an ever-popular retreat overlooking the hotel marina. The cafe offers a broad canalside terrace and boldly designed furnishings.
The health club has a full-time trainer, solarium and bicycles available for rent. The pay parking lot is inexpensive by comparison with city center hotels, and there are shops, a beauty salon, a business center and 22 conference rooms that can accommodate up to 1,000.
Well-lit halls are swathed in beautiful woods. Guest rooms (although surprisingly plain) are fresh and attractive with bright fabrics, double-glazed windows that open, data ports built into desks, high-speed Internet access (for a fee), laptop-size safes, new WebTVs, minibars, coffeemakers, trouser presses and radiators. Well-lit baths have hair dryers and some have robes. The signal offering is the John and Yoko Suite, site of the couple's 1969 Bed-In for Peace. The white and cream-color room features contemporary design, Asian accents and a vast round whirlpool tub. Though the mattress is new, the bed frame dates from John and Yoko's famous press conference. The two premium floors afford guests access to a rooftop lounge (and all the attendant perks) with stupendous views and free access to the health club. Views are of the gardens, parking lot or lovely canal, with the higher floors offering nice cityscapes. Many rooms are smoke-free, and several are wheelchair-accessible. Room service is 24 hours a day, and small pets are welcome.
Tourists enjoy the sights by taking the convenient tram nearby to the city center. Brilliantly designed for business travelers and conferees, the Hilton offers a posh refuge for vacationers as well.
