Some hotels simply get it right. It’s that effortless cool, where stylish décor meets a relaxed atmosphere, catchy tunes fill the air, and the bars and restaurants are buzzing with energy. Andaz London Liverpool Street embodies this vibe completely, offering an experience that’s memorable for all the right reasons.
Having stayed here about a decade ago, I recall it being pleasant but not particularly striking. However, upon my recent return, it was clear that Andaz London Liverpool Street has undergone a significant transformation. It’s not just pretending to be a hip hotel; it genuinely is the epitome of cool in East London.
The hotel is designed with inviting nooks adorned with bold colors and rich fabrics, a variety of bars and restaurants to explore, and thoughtful touches that go beyond the standard offerings of many hotels in London. It’s a place that understands modern travelers’ desires for both style and substance.
Alt text: Andaz London Liverpool Street lobby showcasing its vibrant and stylish atmosphere.
Here’s a detailed look at what makes Andaz London Liverpool Street a standout choice for your next London getaway, helping you decide if it aligns with your travel preferences in the British capital.
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Stylish Rooms & Palatial Comfort
Forget cookie-cutter hotel rooms; Andaz London Liverpool Street offers spaces with personality. My king room was a masterclass in chic design, featuring a sophisticated palette of grays, blacks, and saddle-leather brown, punctuated by a playful pink desk. The spotlight-style lamp added a touch of theatrical flair to the ambiance.
The room’s heavy drapes were incredibly effective at blocking out the London sunlight streaming through the expansive windows, ensuring a restful sleep. The bed itself struck the perfect balance between firm and soft, ideal for recovering from jet lag. A small chaise lounge at the foot of the bed provided a convenient spot for a moment’s pause before venturing out into the city. At over 300 square feet, the room felt remarkably spacious, especially by London standards, offering a true sense of palatial comfort.
Unlike some hotels where housekeeping can be inconsistent, my room was promptly and efficiently serviced daily without needing to request it. A delightful surprise was the newspaper delivered to my door each morning, a touch of classic hospitality rarely seen these days.
Alt text: Andaz London Liverpool Street king room interior with stylish decor, pink desk, spotlight lamp, and spacious layout.
Remember to pack your power adapter if you’re traveling from the U.S., as type G-shaped AC plugs are standard in the UK. The room thoughtfully included USB-A ports as well. Outlets were plentiful and conveniently located, including bedside access for charging devices. I even overheard the helpful front desk staff lending an adapter to another guest, demonstrating their commitment to guest convenience.
The bathroom continued the stylish theme with a monochrome design of white and black. Glossy subway tiles (or perhaps Tube-style tiles, fitting for London!) and black stone floors created a sleek and modern space. Having both a relaxing bathtub and a separate walk-in shower was a luxury, and the inclusion of British skincare brand T-London products in both was a welcome touch of indulgence that isn’t always standard these days.
Alt text: Andaz London Liverpool Street bathroom featuring subway tiles, black stone floors, separate tub and shower, and T-London toiletries.
Location Perks and Considerations in East London
Andaz London Liverpool Street is set within the historic walls of what was once the Great Eastern Hotel, a grand railway hotel dating back to the 1800s. This East London location has witnessed many eras over its 150-year history, serving as a haven for travelers, a clandestine Masonic lodge, and now, a welcoming destination for World of Hyatt guests.
Alt text: Andaz London Liverpool Street exterior showcasing its historical building in the vibrant East London area.
Throughout its transformations, the hotel’s prime location next to Liverpool Street Station has remained constant. This offers exceptional connectivity to virtually every part of London, including direct and convenient access to Heathrow Airport via the new Elizabeth Line.
While East London is perfectly positioned for exploring attractions like the Tower of London, it’s slightly less central for reaching iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the theaters of the West End. The Andaz’s immediate proximity to Liverpool Underground Station means all of London is easily accessible, but for some itineraries, the convenience of walking to major sights directly from your hotel is a significant advantage.
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Unexpected Freebies: More Than Just a Minibar at Andaz
Andaz hotels are well-known for their complimentary minibars, and Andaz London Liverpool Street certainly lives up to this reputation.
It was a genuine pleasure to find a fridge stocked with complimentary cold sodas, water, and juices in my room, all of which were replenished daily. However, the real highlight of the included refreshments extended beyond the room itself. Alongside the welcome glass of Prosecco upon arrival, guests are treated to complimentary red and white wine in the lobby each evening from 6 to 7 p.m.
During my stay, the evening happy hour in the lobby also featured a selection of complimentary small bites, such as delicious salmon toast points and arancini. In the mornings, mini-croissants and orange juice were available for guests to enjoy.
Alt text: Andaz London Liverpool Street lobby happy hour with complimentary wine and canapés for hotel guests.
While these complimentary offerings aren’t intended to replace a full meal, they are thoughtful gestures that significantly enhance the guest experience, leaving a lasting positive impression.
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Culinary Delights: Dining and Drinking at Andaz London Liverpool Street
Andaz London Liverpool Street boasts an impressive array of five distinct bars and restaurants, somewhat playfully arranged in a “follow the yellow brick road” style layout throughout the hotel. Thankfully, projected signs on the floor guide you through the maze.
The diverse dining options at Andaz London Liverpool Street include:
- 1901 Wine Lounge: A sophisticated space offering an extensive wine list, traditional afternoon tea, and weekend breakfast.
- Rake’s: A versatile and cozy corner that transitions from a relaxed café during the day to a vibrant bar in the evening.
- Miyako: Serving authentic Japanese cuisine from Tuesday to Saturday.
- Eastway: The hotel’s all-day dining venue, hosting weekday breakfast.
- Lady Abercorn’s Pub & Kitchen: A classic British pub experience, offering lunch and dinner, including a traditional Sunday roast.
Alt text: Miyako restaurant at Andaz London Liverpool Street featuring floral parasol ceiling and contemporary Japanese decor.
For dinner one evening, I chose Miyako. This intimate restaurant features playful décor elements, such as a ceiling adorned with colorful floral parasols. The service was efficient, and the dishes were consistently well-prepared. My meal of a tuna avocado roll, three pieces of sushi, and two pieces of tamago came to a total of $43. While not inexpensive, it felt reasonable for a quality sushi dinner in London.
Although I only had time for dinner at Miyako, I enjoyed breakfast twice (complimentary, thanks to my Hyatt Globalist status), once on a weekday in Eastway and again on the weekend at 1901.
Eastway offers a generous buffet-style breakfast with a wide selection of cold cuts, cheeses, pastries, fruits, and hot dishes. (Don’t miss the hash browns – they are exceptionally crispy and delicious.) Even arriving towards the end of breakfast service, I didn’t feel rushed.
Alt text: Extensive breakfast buffet selection at Eastway restaurant in Andaz London Liverpool Street.
While Eastway is a perfectly good breakfast option, 1901 is truly magnificent. Perhaps I’m easily impressed, but dining in 1901 felt like stepping back into the Titanic era.
The restaurant’s opulent Victorian architecture, with ornate columns, elaborate crown molding, and a stunning glass dome, immediately transports you to a historic setting, even if you’re just there for a modern coffee and yogurt parfait. The breakfast menu was similar to Eastway’s, but if you have the choice, breakfast at 1901 is an experience not to be missed.
Alt text: Grand interior of 1901 Wine Lounge at Andaz London Liverpool Street, showcasing Victorian architecture and glass dome.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have the opportunity to experience the bars or nightlife at Andaz. However, the hotel was lively and vibrant throughout, so make sure to enjoy a drink if your schedule allows.
Alt text: Stylish bar area at Rake’s in Andaz London Liverpool Street, offering a cozy and inviting ambiance.
Elevating Your Stay: Hyatt Globalist Perks
My Hyatt Globalist status significantly enhanced my stay. Breakfast, as a Globalist benefit, included full access to the buffet and a supplemental menu with à la carte options like omelets and pancakes. Coffee, juices, and tea were also included, along with gratuity, making for a truly budget-friendly and luxurious start to the day.
Alt text: Hyatt Globalist breakfast benefits at Andaz London Liverpool Street, featuring a diverse selection of breakfast items.
While a suite upgrade wasn’t available during this particular stay, I was upgraded from a queen room to a king room, a modest but appreciated upgrade that would typically cost around $20 more per night. I was also proactively offered a 4 p.m. late checkout and given a complimentary drink voucher valid at any of the hotel bars, a thoughtful gesture of appreciation for Globalist members.
Is Andaz London Liverpool Street Right For You? Consider This
I am a repeat guest at Andaz London Liverpool Street and would happily return. However, despite my positive experiences, it might not be the ideal hotel for every traveler. Here are a few points to consider:
- Location for First-Time Visitors: If you are a first-time visitor to London with a primary focus on seeing the most iconic attractions like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey, this location might be less convenient. For those wanting to be within easy walking distance of these landmarks, consider a more centrally located hotel for this particular trip.
- Hotel Layout: If you prefer a hotel where everything is easily accessible and quick to navigate, Andaz London Liverpool Street’s sprawling and somewhat rambling layout might not be ideal. While this layout contributes to the hotel’s unique character, it can require a bit more time to move between your room, breakfast, the lobby, and other facilities. This might also be a consideration for travelers with mobility limitations, strollers, or wheelchairs.
- Décor and Ambiance: While I personally loved the bold décor, the DJ in the lobby, and the overall vibrant atmosphere, this style may not appeal to everyone. If you prefer a more traditional and understated hotel ambiance, a different hotel chain with a less pronounced “pizzazz” might be a better fit.
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Exploring Other London Stays
For the initial part of my London trip, I desired a more central location and stayed at the similarly priced Mayfair Hotel, part of the Radisson family.
The Mayfair Hotel is exceptionally located, just a 12-minute walk from Buckingham Palace, making it perfect for first-time visitors. I also recommend the Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill, another excellent World of Hyatt property, offering a more central location and a more classic aesthetic compared to the Andaz.
Accessibility at Andaz London Liverpool Street
A common challenge with historic hotels is that accessibility wasn’t a primary design consideration during their original construction.
Andaz London Liverpool Street features grand staircases, heavy doors, and a somewhat complex layout. While searching online for accessible rooms across various dates, none were initially displayed. However, upon calling the hotel, I was informed that there are four accessible rooms available – two standard king rooms and two standard twin rooms. It’s important to note that none of these are on the ground floor, requiring elevator access.
Alt text: Historic entrance of Andaz London Liverpool Street with grand staircase, highlighting potential accessibility considerations.
The hotel does have an accessibility section on its website, but beyond general statements about inclusivity, specific details are limited, primarily focusing on its pet-friendly policy. If you require an accessible room, calling the hotel directly is highly recommended. Be aware that the historic layout and use of stairs in certain areas might present challenges beyond just the room itself.
Final Verdict: The Andaz Vibe is Real
While many London hotels can feel somewhat formal and traditional, Andaz London Liverpool Street is refreshingly different. It exudes a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere without feeling forced or pretentious. The thoughtful complimentary touches, like the minibar and evening happy hour, truly enhance the feeling of being a valued guest.
Alt text: Stylish and vibrant lobby lounge at Andaz London Liverpool Street, inviting guests to relax and socialize.
If a central London location focused on traditional tourist attractions is not a primary need for your trip, the location is easily manageable with a quick Tube ride or taxi. For me, Andaz London Liverpool Street has become a preferred choice, and I look forward to continuing my visits.
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