Hotel Review: The Hyatt Regency Albert Embankment
Introduction
Hyatt has been growing their portfolio in London quick religiously - Hyatt Regency London Albert Embankment is one of the best newest additions to Hyatt's London portfolio. In a city notorious for its hefty hotel price tags, this understated gem caught my eye for its promising blend of value and comfort. At £243 (about $310) per night, it wasn't exactly cheap, but in a metropolis where comparable accommodations often soar past the $500! mark, it felt like stumbling upon a secret deal, and a fantastic Hyatt hotel at that! This is a small but beautiful hotel - when I stepped out of the taxi onto the Albert Embankment, the glittering waters of the Thames stretched before me, Big Ben's iconic silhouette visible in the distance.
Location
The Hyatt Regency London Albert Embankment's location, while not in the heart of tourist central, offers a refreshing perspective on London life. Situated about a mile from the U.S. Embassy and a leisurely 20-minute stroll from Westminster, it provides easy access to key attractions without the constant hustle and bustle. The nearby Vauxhall station, just a 10-minute walk away, serves as a gateway to the rest of the city via the extensive Tube network. If you love running, you’ll love the easy access to the river roads nearby, with trails that lead all around London.
Lobby
As I entered the lobby, I was greeted by a contemporary glass chandelier and a cozy seating area – a welcoming sight after a long journey. The intimate scale of the hotel, with just 142 rooms including three one-bedroom suites, immediately set a tone of personalized service. Definitely on the smaller side, the lobby is definitely not a typical Hyatt Regency-like lobby, but a smaller and more unique one at that. The front desk agents were super friendly and greeted me warmly.
Amenities
While the hotel doesn't boast an extensive list of amenities, it covers the essentials well. The compact gym in the basement is equipped with a variety of new Technogym machines, perfect for maintaining your workout routine. For dining, two on-site restaurants offer distinct experiences: POTUS, an homage to nearby American connections, and Mezemiso, a rooftop venue blending Lebanese and Japanese cuisines with panoramic views of the city. Toiletries are easily accessible via the front desk and the staff were quick to bring anything to you. It’s almost feels more of a boutique here than a Hyatt…
As a World of Hyatt member, I was pleased to learn that top-tier elites are invited to enjoy complimentary bites and drinks during a daily happy hour at the main restaurant. While the hotel lacks a dedicated Hyatt lounge, this thoughtful touch helps bridge the gap. In addition, I was welcomed with a trio of snacks and a letter from Ivan, the GM during my check-in.
The Room | RM 707
During my check-in process, I was upgraded to a 1 King Bed Deluxe Balcony River View based on my Globalist status. One thing I wanted to point out during check-in was the fact that the front desk agents acknowledged they would have given me a suite had their hotel not been sold out. I do like that touch and they offered additional treats that made the stay all the more welcome.
Floor-to-ceiling windows flooded the space with natural light, while nearly soundproof glass kept the city's symphony at bay. The king-size bed promised a good night's sleep, and the Nespresso machine stood ready to combat any lingering jet lag. A desk area provided a comfortable spot for work, and also hosted the tea- and coffee-making equipment. It’s a great working desk for those looking to put in some extra hours at night.
Bathroom
The bathroom, a modern oasis of neutral tones, featured both a walk-in shower and a separate bath. The Toto Washlet toilet, with its heated seat and array of washing options, added a touch of luxury that brought a smile to my face. Fluffy bathrobes completed the spa-like atmosphere. The shower pressure was great and the waterfall/handheld shower combo is a must-have these days.
All rooms come equipped with free Wi-Fi, 40-inch smart TVs enabled with Chromecast, hair dryers, minifridges, irons, ironing boards, and plenty of power sockets with USB ports. A selection of snacks and spirits was available for purchase as well. Interestingly enough, there is a also a way for you to connect your phone/computer to the room’s bluetooth speakers, though I didn’t spend too much time with it.
Perhaps the best was the balcony that faces the Thames River. And boy oh boy, is the view gorgeous. At night, you can clearly see Westminster Hall, Big Ben and the London city skyline. That alone makes this hotel one of the better deals in the area.
Breakfast
Breakfast is served at POTUS, the bar and restaurant located on the main level next to the lobby. I opted for the buffet breakfast, priced at $32, which offered a satisfying array of options to start the day. As a Globalist, breakfast was included and you can choose from either a la carte or the buffet.
The hot dishes included classic English breakfast staples such as eggs, bacon, and hash browns. For those preferring a lighter start, there were plenty of continental options available. I sampled a buttery croissant, some fresh fruit, and a bit of yogurt, all of which were delightful. The oval-shaped bar, which transforms into an intimate watering hole at night, serves as the centerpiece for the breakfast spread. The service was notably friendly and efficient, ensuring a pleasant dining experience to kick off the day.
While I didn't get a chance to try the rooftop restaurant Mezemiso for breakfast, it's worth noting that this venue offers panoramic views of the city, which could make for a spectacular morning dining experience on a clear London day.
Conclusion
This is such a gem of a Hyatt. I encountered friendly staff throughout my stay at the hotel, and loved the intimate feeling of this small but boutique-like style of hotel. Without a doubt, I can whole-heartily recommend this hotel, especially to folks who have a Hyatt points or want to use them for a trip to London. This is a great choice for those looking to visit this great city.
