The Times got exclusive access to see how the building has been transformed

The finishing touches are being made to a �70 million hotel which will open in the heart of Wembley later this month.

Yesterday, The Times was given exclusive access around the new Hilton London Wembley, located in Lakeside Way in between the iconic Wembley Stadium and Wembley Arena.

Its opening marks another milestone in the 20 year regeneration plan of the area.

The hotel’s theme is distinctly British with home grown artists and designers displaying their talent across the building which includes a feature wall in the foyer that celebrates events which have taken place in Brent – including the 1948 Olympics.

Jane Johnson, interior designer, said: “The theme was Cool Britannia. Everything has been designed by British designers, from furniture, to wall hangings, to carpets.”

The gym, which caters for disabled people, boasts the most up to date equipment including iPod docking stations and TV for guests and members.

And the main restaurant, which has an English tea room feel and is open to the public, is comfy and airy – a great spot for people to have lunch after a busy shopping trip at the new London Fashion Outlet, which will sell designer clothes at discount prices and is due to open in 18 months. Three course meals will start from �24.95.

The hotel, designed by architect Barry Mullin, is already taking bookings and nine couples have signed up to host their weddings in the Grand Ballroom later this year.

Guests can also unwind in the the Icons bar which is decked out with photos of stars who have performed at the arena and stadium. But if you want to spend an evening somewhere special then the Sky Bar, on the ninth floor, is for you.

More exclusive than Icons, it is edgy and contemporary but with a 1960s twist.

A great place to have a cocktail on the balcony and try food created by executive chef Philip Clarke, while overlooking the impressive lit up Stadium at night.

Jack Nicholas, general manager, said: “I have been a Brent resident for 19 years. It is a proud moment for me. For the people of Brent this has been a long time coming.

“I saw the old stadium coming down and new stadium go up. It is actually quite an emotional time. This is the building block of everything that is happening around the area. Coming to Wembley will influence others to come here to join the party. It will also create more jobs.”

James Saunders, director of Quintain which is developing Wembley City, said: “This hotel has been a long tome in the making. “Quintain has been working with this site for 10 years. In just 18 months we will also be opening the London Designer Outlet.

“It will be the first urban version of Bicester Village here in London.

“This is going to be a really up and coming area with mainly mid-market outlets. We want Wembley to be a 365 day a year destination. It won’t be just a shopping area, it will be a fashion destination with excellent links to Central London.

“We want people to come to Brent. We want people to use the public space around it. This will be London’s newest, most exciting entertainment district.”

Standard rooms at Hilton London Wembley cost �99 plus VAT. To find out more visit http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/united-kingdom/hilton-london-wembley-LONLWHI/index.html