In 2019 Hilton London Bankside opened the world’s first ‘Vegan Suite’. You might ask, what does a vegan-friendly hotel stay look like? Well, let’s take a look!
The suite was created in partnership with multi-sensory design experts Bompas & Parr and given the thumbs up by The Vegan Society. It offers a vegan experience throughout, from a plant-based check-in desk and keycard to vegan-friendly bedding and eco-cotton carpet.
Responding to evolving values, the whole suite underwent a complete refurbishment. Reimagining the aesthetic associated with a contemporary vegan lifestyle, everything from the pillow options and toiletries to the in-room menu and minibar offerings were redesigned to create a boutique, luxurious and welcoming experience for ethically-conscious travellers.
The vegan experience welcomes guests from the moment they step foot into the hotel and are greeted with a specially designed plant-based check-in desk, botanical artwork, keycards and seating made of Piñatex – a vegan-friendly leather made from the pineapple’s cellulose fibers. Heading up to the suite, guests experience a range of features that embrace a plant-based lifestyle with all aspects thoughtfully designed including:
1. Bedding
The suite features a Piñatex leather headboard hand-embroidered by local embroidery artist Emily Potter. Pillow options include anti-bacterial, non-allergenic and environmentally sourced material to replace feather down.
2. Flooring and Eco-Cotton Carpeting
Guests can enjoy a stylish, solid stone-grey flooring with distressed finish made with 100% renewable and sustainable Moso Bamboo. The suite also includes responsibly sourced organic cotton carpets for guests to sink their feet into, offering a soft and eco-friendly alternative.
3. Seating
Desk chair and poufs that feature in the suite have been stylishly created using Piñatex leather, with scattered Piñatex cushions to keep a chic feel to the space.
4. Vegan Minibar
The minibar offers a variety of locally-sourced, vegan treats including Graze protein powder, Naked fruit and nut snacks and Deliciously Ella energy balls in different flavours.
5. In-room Menu
The culinary team at Hilton London Bankside redesigned the in-room menu, which includes various vegan breakfast options such as fruit juices, muesli, grilled Portobello mushroom, avocado and scrambled Quorn and quinoa. Vegan lunch and dinner offerings include cucumber salad, cauliflower steak and five-bean dhal.
6. Toiletries
The suite provides PRIJA ginseng, earthly hotel toiletries such as shampoo and conditioner and essentials such as a shower cap, vanity and nail kit (made with recycled packaging).
7. Stationery
The suite’s desk comes kitted out with stationery from notepads, pens and pencils which are all vegan-friendly with no animal traces in the paper or ink.
8. Cleaning products
The hotel’s housekeeping trolleys were refreshed with eco-friendly products including Method’s range of nature inspired, non-toxic and non-animal-tested cleaning products, with all linen being washed with environmentally friendly detergent.
