City breaks abroad may be off-limits this summer, so why not experience a city break in London? If you’re after a hybrid of traditional and modern in one place, the Andaz London Liverpool Street is the perfect blend.
Set in a prime location, this five-star, boutique hotel is a hidden gem amongst the regal, grade II buildings lined along Liverpool Street. As you enter the Andaz lounge, you’re immediately transported into an artist’s paradise, with its modern-day take on the ornate, traditional Victorian station, reminiscent of a saloon carriage.
From the dramatic dark walls and bright velvet furnishings to the gritty graffiti mural and artwork by artist group Le Gun from the Royal College of Art, the Andaz lounge successfully reflects the creative energy of the East End.
Another design feature is the reception and concierge desk detailed with rivets and metal banding to look like vintage travel trunks. This is where I received my warm welcome from friendly staff and a complimentary glass of prosecco, before being shown around the hotel.
Steeped in history, the Andaz London is in one of London’s original railway hotels, adjacent to Liverpool Street station. Located on the first floor is the 1901 Ballroom and the city’s only original Masonic Temple built in 1912, hidden in the depths of the hotel. Downstairs, there is an on-site health club, steam room and in-room spa facilities, if you want to unwind and recharge. Once the prestigious Great Eastern Hotel before it became a part of the Hyatt portfolio, the juxtaposition of traditional and trendy makes a perfect Instagram backdrop.
Rooms and suites
The hotel has a generous 267 modern guest room offering including 15 spacious suites designed with an East London flair by British designer, Sir Terence Conran. Located on the fifth floor was my home for the night; the Andaz Suite. As the door opened into a spacious lounge space, the interior design was modern, quirky and somewhat masculine, with black feature walls, grey tones and high-quality hardwood flooring.
The built-in wardrobes were cleverly camouflaged within the black feature wall, and there was a statement wooden desk, high-backed armchairs with coffee table and a neutral sofa. The main feature perhaps was the giant ‘spotlight’ lamp in the corner, which not only provided bright, warm lighting in a somewhat dark room, but was also eye-catching.
The king-sized bed was cosy yet stylish with a tan leather frame and headboard that also referenced the quirky East London style, such as the use of the tattoo art on the bed headboards, which represents the silk weavers that used to dominate Shoreditch’s textile industry. If you wanted to relax watching your favourite movies, you couldn’t miss the wall-mounted, 55-inch Smart TV directly opposite.
In contrast to the room, the modern, monochrome bathroom was light and bright, and came complete with luxurious Yukata robes and bath amenities from British skincare brand REN. The suite also comes with a handy cafetière area with Nespresso coffee machine, and complimentary bottle of wine and mini bar.
While the dark walls took some getting used to, the use of clever lighting created a cosy warmth, making up for the lack of natural light in the suite (it only had one small window). The recessed ceiling lighting all around the room and drop ball pendants on either side of the double bed were a great design feature. There was even another feature bulb light beside the door to give that extra illumination.
For those after a unique, luxury experience, with the feel of the creative East End, this truly encapsulates it.
Food and drink
When it comes to culinary delights, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The Andaz London houses five prestigious restaurants and stylish bars. These are Rake’s Café Bar, 1901 Wine Lounge, Eastway Brasserie, Miyako and Lady Abercorn’s Pub and Kitchen. Each restaurant has their own distinct style and menu to suit whatever takes your fancy.
From the vibrant red walls and opulent velvet furnishings of Rake’s Café Bar to the minimalism of intimate Japanese restaurant, Miyako, it was here I chose to have dinner and sample the authentic set menu. I opted for pork belly, fresh ginger and glazed soy with white rice, salad and miso soup. All ingredients were fresh, and very tasty. In fact, if you wanted to escape the city bustle for a quiet respite, this is the ideal tranquil place to dine for delicious Japanese cuisine.
To do
Vibrant Shoreditch is known for its creativity, designer stores and artisan coffee shops. Not too far from the famous Brick Lane and Spitalfields market, you can stroll to the many boutique shops, spot some graffiti art or grab a bite to eat at the myriad of restaurants and pubs. With Liverpool Street train station only a stone’s throw away, you can easily jump on the tube to Central London in minutes if you wanted to do some retail therapy.
In a nutshell
Andaz London Liverpool Street is the perfect luxury getaway that offers a blend of tradition and trendy urban chic. Its artistic interiors and design-led restaurants makes you feel like you’re transported to another destination. Set in a prime location, you will never be far from the iconic places to visit in the City of London.
Factbox
Prices at Andaz London Liverpool Street start at £169 for one night in a Queen room. All guest rooms are available for check-in at 2pm and check-out by midday. Guests can enjoy £100 credit for each night staying at the hotel, to be used in the bars and restaurants and in-room treatments.
Address: 40 Liverpool St, London, UK, EC2M 7QN
Phone: +44 207 961 1234
Website: hyatt.com
Photography courtesy of Andaz London Liverpool Street.
