Introduction

Some hotels manage to cultivate a unique character, blending dramatic lighting, chic décor, vibrant music, and lively bars to create an atmosphere that's effortlessly cool. Andaz London Liverpool Street is one of these hotels—a place where contemporary luxury meets historic charm, all within the heart of London's east side.

My most recent stay at the Andaz London left a lasting impression that I’ll cherish for a while. The Andaz London Liverpool Street stands out as a truly hip and stylish property, occupying a prime location adjacent to London Liverpool Street Station. Housed in the Grade II listed Great Eastern Hotel building, which dates back to 1884, the hotel is steeped in history. Originally built to serve railway passengers, the building’s legacy includes a fascinating chapter as the site of Bedlam, the first hospital for the mentally ill. There is a ton of history and you can literally spend half a day just perusing around the hotel property.

Given the heritage of the building, the main entrance is somewhat discreet, located down Liverpool Street itself, rather than the busier Bishopsgate. Yet, from the moment you arrive, the experience feels luxurious. A doorman greets you, and the lobby is enveloped in the warm, inviting scent of T-London's 'Darjeeling' fragrance. The interior design is both bold and sophisticated, featuring rich colors and textures that set the tone for your stay. So far, so good!

Location

The hotel's location is ideal for first-time travelers, straddling the City, London’s central business district, and Shoreditch, a vibrant area known for its eclectic mix of bars, restaurants, and pubs. London Liverpool Street Station, conveniently next door, provides access to the rest of London and beyond, including direct routes to Heathrow Airport via the newly opened Elizabeth Line. The line is incredibly modern and beautiful, and is ideal for travelers looking to explore the lengths of London. And yes, if you’re really craving McDonalds, it’s literally a 1 minute walk. Chicken nuggets, anyone?

Deluxe King Room | Rm 424

So Hot Take: I actually prefer having a deluxe room over a suite at the Andaz London.

Given the room size, I think the deluxe makes more sense in certain elements. I was given Room 424, a deluxe king room that was thoughtfully designed with a modern yet cozy aesthetic, featuring a color palette of grays, blacks, and saddle-leather brown, with an unexpected pop of color from a pink/wooden desk. A spotlight-style lamp added a dramatic touch to the room, complementing the overall décor. The heavy drapes effectively blocked out sunlight from the large windows, creating the perfect environment for recovering from jet lag. You feel like you’re staying in history, but with a modern vibe to it.

At over 355 square feet, the room felt spacious by London standards, compared to the other two hotels I’ve stayed at. In addition, It was equipped with multiple outlets, including USB-A ports and type G plugs, so make sure to pack an adapter if you're coming from the U.S. And while the hotel offers complimentary power adapters at the front desk, having your own can come in handy. However, there are plenty of outlets for you to charge from.

Bathroom

The bathroom in the deluxe king room at Andaz London Liverpool is a sanctuary of modern opulence. Clad in sleek marble, it boasts a spacious walk-in rainfall shower and a deep soaking tub, perfect for unwinding after a day exploring the city. The dual vanity, adorned with illuminated mirrors, offers ample space for couples. Guests are treated to a curated selection of luxurious bath products from London-based Bramley, their invigorating scents adding a touch of British charm.

Plush robes and slippers await, while the heated floors provide a cozy welcome on chilly mornings. The attention to detail extends to thoughtful touches like integrated Bluetooth speakers, allowing guests to enjoy their favorite tunes while indulging in their bathing rituals.

A Historic Building with Modern Comforts

As a hotel with a rich past, Andaz London Liverpool Street has seen several iterations over its 150-year history. Once a railway hotel, it later served as a secret Masonic lodge and now caters to World of Hyatt guests. Throughout its evolution, the hotel’s proximity to Liverpool Street Station has remained a constant, offering seamless connections to various parts of London.

While the east side of London is convenient for landmarks like the Tower of London, it's a bit further from the city's major tourist attractions such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the West End theatres. However, with Liverpool Street Underground Station right next door, exploring the rest of the city is just a short tube ride away.

Dining & Amenities

Andaz hotels are known for their complimentary minibar offerings, and this location was no exception. My room's fridge was stocked daily with free sodas, water, and juice, but the real highlight was the evening wine hour in the lobby. From 6 to 7 p.m., guests are treated to complimentary red and white wine, alongside small bites like salmon toast points and arancini. In the mornings, mini croissants and orange juice are also available for guests to enjoy.

The hotel features five distinct bars and restaurants, each offering a different dining experience. The 1901 Wine Lounge serves wine, afternoon tea, and breakfast on weekends, while Rake’s transitions from a café by day to a bar by night. For those craving Japanese cuisine, Miyako is open from Tuesday to Saturday, and Eastway offers all-day dining and weekday breakfasts. Lastly, Lady Abercorn’s Pub & Kitchen provides a quintessential British pub experience, including a Sunday roast.

Exceptional Service for Hyatt Globalists

As a Hyatt Globalist, I was entitled to a full breakfast, which included buffet items and selections from a small menu, such as omelets and pancakes. The service was impeccable, and the inclusivity of coffee, tea, juices, and gratuity made this an excellent and budget-friendly way to start each day.

Overall, my stay at Andaz London Liverpool Street was exceptional. The hotel’s prime location, spacious rooms, and thoughtful amenities make it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers. Although the rooms don’t quite scream five-star luxury, the level of service and dining certainly do. And when booking with as few as 17,000 Hyatt points per night, it’s a fantastic deal in a city as expensive as London.