Looking for a stand-out place to stay in London’s East End? Then check in for a night or two at the Hyatt Place London City East, and thank us later. One of the city’s lesser known art hotels but a veritable hidden gem, this modern and stylish luxury retreat, which opened its doors just over two years ago, is the brand’s third in the capital and is managed by Cycas Hospitality.
Conveniently located in Aldgate East and on the edge of London’s financial district, it’s just steps from the famous Indian restaurants of Brick Lane, along with Spitalfields Market and its bohemian vibe. A little further afield, the Whitechapel Art Gallery is also in easy reach.
Hotel
So striking is the building that it can’t help but make quite the statement as you approach. Stylish and ultra-modern, it is relatively new, having opened its doors back in July 2021 during the global pandemic – but that didn’t prevent it from quickly making a name for itself as one of the capital’s most sought-after hotels. Formerly a Natwest bank, much of its old structure has been retained, creating a unique layout for it in its current iteration.
This hotel is an art lover’s dream, its decor influenced by the local street art scene and bespoke commissions brightening the reception area and rooftop cocktail bar in particular. The hotel’s general manager is an arts graduate, and their passion for it certainly shows. Walls throughout the hotel are adorned with show-stopping murals designed by some of London’s finest street artists, notably including Olly Fathers, JayKaes and Lothar Goetz.
‘Curated at Hyatt Place,’the hotel’s rotating art exhibition, offers a spotlight to emerging local artists, with 25 percent of sales going into a bursary that is then used to support them and their work.
The hotel is pet friendly, cash free and offers free WiFi throughout, making it the perfect place to base yourself for navigating the East End, whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure.
Rooms and suites
Comprising 280 urban chic guest rooms in total, all 102 of the rooms spread over the sixth to the ninth floors enjoy privileged panoramic views down over the London skyline. And, if you opt for one of the hotel’s opulent suites, then you can also enjoy your own private outdoor terrace or balcony.
I was fortunate to be staying in a King Bed High Floor with Terrace on the 8th floor, so was lucky enough to benefit from all of the above, taking in iconic landmarks like the Gherkin and Canary Wharf whilst I enjoyed a morning cup of coffee in complete privacy – what better way to start the day?
The room itself was a decent size, super modern and offering a very comfortable king-size bed. There was a dedicated work space, where I was able to spend a productive few hours getting things done, and premium amenities including a smart 55″ Smart TV, Nespresso machine and cordless speakerphone with voicemail.
Decor was a muted yet sophisticated colour palette of grey and duck-egg blue, with a statement red sofa and contemporary artwork adorning the wall above the bed to give the whole space a thoroughly modern feel.
The bathroom was very plush and a great selling point – spacious, and featuring a walk in shower, luxury toiletries and very good lighting.
Food and drink
The hotel is home to two food and drink offerings; the 70-seat PocketSquare Skyline Bar and Terrace, and the 60-seat Zoom East Kitchen and Bar.
PocketSquare, a rooftop cocktail bar, is one of London’s most exclusive rooftop destinations and is a highlight of any stay at the Hyatt Place East. Boasting an outdoor terrace with panoramic views down over the city below, it’s staffed by a team of experienced mixologists who really know their stuff, and is the perfect place to enjoy a post-work drink or an aperitif before dinner. Seasonal cocktails are created in the bar’s dedicated cocktail laboratory, each telling its own unique story inspired by London. All ‘PocketSquare Collection’ cocktails, as they are known, are designed to pair with the bar’s menu of small plates. Stand-out dishes you have to try include the grilled octopus starter, which is served with dashi avocado, miso mango and a squid ink tapioca cracker, and the slow-cooked beef shin pie with a Bloody Mary sauce, but there are veggie and vegan options, too.
Sicilian inspired basement restaurant Zoom East Kitchen and Bar, meanwhile, draws influence not just from Sicily itself but also from the surrounding regions, such as the Middle East and Spain. And, with Sicilian chef Vittorio Meli at the helm, it promises a mouth-watering experience from start to finish. An informal and laid-back affair, it’s decorated in warming hues of terracotta, red and yellow to create a cosy feel, starters include favourites like the fritto misto (mixed fried seafood, the polpette (grilled octopus) and the arancini di riso Siciliana (Sicilian rice croquettes). For mains, you can indulge in a traditional Sicilian pizza with a variety of different toppings to choose from, or enjoy a pasta dish like the beef shin pappardelle or the granchio linguine. There are also various seafood and grilled meat dishes on offer, as well as several decadent desserts to round things off with if you’ve still got room – so in all, there’s something for everyone.
Facilities and to do
In terms of facilities, the hotel offers a well-equipped 24/7 gym and two flexible meeting and event spaces.
Meanwhile, in the local area, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained; for business travellers, The City is just a 20-minute walk away, while if you fancy a spot of shopping, dining or people watching then the vibrant bars, restaurants and vintage shops of Brick Lane are on the doorstep and trendy Shoreditch is also within easy reach.
With Aldgate East tube station just steps from the hotel and Liverpool Street railway station a 15 minute walk away, you’re also well connected to the rest of the capital’s hotspots, so whatever you plan to do during your stay, from visiting famous landmarks to taking in a show in theatreland, you can reach where you need to be in a jiffy.
In a nutshell
The East End isn’t generally noted for its range of luxury hotels, so the Hyatt Place London City East is a welcome addition to the area and it offers a very slick experience. Great for travellers looking to experience the authentic, vibrant East End but with a bit of luxury thrown in for good measure, it will particularly appeal to art enthusiasts, and those looking to soak up the local culture of the area.
Factbox
Address: Black Lion House, 45 Whitechapel Rd, London E1 1DU
Phone: 020 8159 1234
Website: hyatt.com
All imagery unless stated otherwise credit: Hyatt Place London City East
