Elevating the airport hotel experience with a design narrative inspired by the views captured flying in and out of Heathrow Airport.

In June 2021 the multi-award-winning Hilton London Heathrow Airport reopened its doors following an extensive interior redesign. Connecting guests to the great British landscape, the concept for the redesign is centered on the narrative ‘A view from above,’ inspired by the views captured flying in and out of Heathrow Airport.

Building on the existing architecture, the new design saw a full refurbishment of the ground floor entrance lobby, café, bar, and restaurant. Elevating the airport hotel experience, the new look has solidified Hilton London Heathrow Airport’s reputation as one of Europe’s best airport hotels.

Upon arrival at the hotel, guests are immersed in subtle references to nature and the countryside. An oversized, sculptured chandelier hangs above the check-in desk and several living plant installations bring the large glass atrium back down to a more human scale creating a feeling of comfort and relaxation. A statement wooden feature wall sits behind the check-in desk, echoing the undulating British landscapes and oversized rugs that subtly reflect the cloudy skies.

HBA London Associate Designer Matteo Pace, who led the project, implemented a muted colour palette and unfussy furnishings to give the public spaces of the hotel a more comfortable, urban and modern feel. Matteo comments, “All too often airport hotels lack character and imagination, so we were thrilled that Hilton were open to us being creative, allowing us to design a welcoming space that is connected to nature.

“Located at one of Europe’s busiest airports, the public spaces at Hilton London Heathrow Airport need to cater to all guests. Be it leisure or corporate visitors, we wanted to create somewhere that they can really enjoy and that enhances their travel experience through inspiring, thoughtful design.”

The hotel’s F&B spaces have also been completely reimagined to create a natural and easy flow between the spaces. OXBO has three different outlets at the hotel, with a new food and beverage concept created under the ethos ‘bound by nature’.  Sustainability, respect for the land and for agricultural heritage are the driving forces behind the menus, which are reflected in the interiors.

The three outlets all have a distinct feel that takes the guest from day into night. The OXBO Café emanates a natural but contemporary feel with a pastel coloured palette. Polished concrete and salmon hand-made tiles at the café counter juxtapose antique bronze finishes. The setting is illuminated by greenery, planted around the space, including several living planters with real big trees and a bespoke sculpture from British artist Allen Jones. The OXBO Kitchen portrays a warm, farmhouse-like setting with dark wood and blue accents. The dark walnut grain is softened by the white marble, grey wallpaper and basket woven patterns. Perfect for evening drinks, the OXBO Bar showcases earthier tones of green and peachy reds. The contemporary velvet fabrics and bronze metal detailing are balanced by five trees and an English ivy trellis. The OXBO modern identity is translated in oversized logos enhancing the calm urban ambiance and elegant bespoke signs blending with the interior design, by HBA graphics.

Project: Hilton London Heathrow Airport
Location: London, United Kingdom
Design Studio: HBA
Photo Credits: HBA London
Website: hba.com