Some hotels simply exude coolness. It’s that effortless blend of striking design, sophisticated yet relaxed décor, vibrant music, buzzing bars, and trendy restaurants that creates a truly unique atmosphere. Andaz London Liverpool Street London embodies this vibe completely, offering an unforgettable hotel experience in the heart of East London.
Having stayed at Andaz London Liverpool Street roughly ten years prior, my recent return revealed a remarkable transformation. What was once a vaguely cool memory is now a vivid reality: Andaz London Liverpool Street is unequivocally a hip and happening hotel, perfectly positioned on London’s dynamic east side. It’s not just pretending; it genuinely is the embodiment of a stylish London stay.
The hotel is thoughtfully designed with inviting nooks highlighted by bold colors and rich fabrics, a diverse array of bars and restaurants, and those extra, considerate touches that elevate it above typical hotels in London.
To help you decide if Andaz London Liverpool Street is the ideal choice for your next London adventure, here’s a detailed look at what this hotel has to offer.
Related: Discover the best hotels London has to offer
What Makes Andaz London Liverpool Street Stand Out?
Let’s be clear: Andaz London Liverpool Street is far from a standard, cookie-cutter hotel. Stepping into the lobby, you might find a DJ spinning tracks on select evenings. The hotel’s design boldly incorporates art, vibrant colors, and intriguing patterns and textures. While undeniably flashy, it all comes together harmoniously, creating a space that is both visually stimulating and welcoming.
Experience the Hip and Spacious Rooms at Andaz London Liverpool Street
My king room at Andaz London Liverpool Street was a haven of style and comfort, featuring a sophisticated palette of grays, blacks, and saddle-leather brown, playfully accented by a pink desk. A spotlight-style lamp added a touch of dramatic flair to the room’s ambiance.
The room’s heavy drapes effectively blocked out sunlight from the expansive windows, ensuring a restful sleep, and the bed itself struck the perfect balance between firmness and softness – ideal for recovering from jet lag. A small chaise lounge at the foot of the bed provided a convenient spot to relax before venturing out into the city. At over 300 square feet, the room felt remarkably spacious, especially by London standards.
Unlike some hotels where housekeeping can be inconsistent, my room was promptly and efficiently serviced daily without request. A thoughtful touch was the daily newspaper delivered to my door each morning, a rare treat these days.
If you’re traveling from the U.S., remember to pack your power adapter as the UK uses type G power plugs. However, the room was well-equipped with USB-A ports and a variety of outlets, including bedside outlets for convenient device charging. I even overheard the front desk offering to lend an adapter to a guest in need, demonstrating their commitment to guest convenience.
The bathroom was elegantly designed in white and black, featuring glossy subway-style tiles (or perhaps “Tube-style” as befitting a London hotel?) and sleek black stone floors. Having both a relaxing bathtub and a separate walk-in shower was a luxury, and the inclusion of British T-London skincare products in both was a welcome touch of indulgence often missed in modern hotels.
The Location of Andaz London Liverpool Street: Advantages and Considerations
Andaz London Liverpool Street occupies a historic building, formerly known as the Great Eastern Hotel, a railway hotel dating back to the 1800s. Over its 150-year history, this East London landmark has served various purposes, from accommodating railway travelers to housing a secret Masonic lodge, and now welcoming guests under the World of Hyatt banner.
Throughout its transformations, the hotel’s East London location has remained constant, offering exceptional proximity to Liverpool Street Station. This major transport hub provides easy access to virtually anywhere in London, including direct links to and from Heathrow Airport via the new Elizabeth Line.
While East London is ideally situated for exploring attractions like the Tower of London, it’s slightly less central for reaching landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and West End theaters. However, Andaz London Liverpool Street’s direct access to the Liverpool Underground Station means all parts of London are easily accessible. For some travelers, particularly first-time visitors focused on classic tourist sites, a more centrally located hotel might offer the advantage of walkability to major attractions.
Related: Explore 27 free activities in London
Enjoy “Free” Snacks and Beverages at Andaz London Liverpool Street
Andaz hotels are well-known for their complimentary minibars, and Andaz London Liverpool Street certainly upholds this perk.
It was a pleasure to find complimentary cold sodas, water, and juices in my room’s refrigerator, replenished daily. However, the highlight of the complimentary offerings extended beyond the room itself. In addition to a 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 at Andaz London Liverpool Street, I also noticed complimentary small bites served in the lobby during the evening happy hour, including delicious salmon toast points and arancini. In the mornings, mini-croissants and orange juice were available for guests to enjoy.
These complimentary treats aren’t intended to replace a full meal, but they are thoughtful gestures that significantly enhance the guest experience and leave a lasting positive impression of Andaz London Liverpool Street.
Related: Find the best hotels offering free breakfast
On-Site Restaurants and Bars at Andaz London Liverpool Street: A Culinary Maze
Andaz London Liverpool Street boasts an impressive collection of five distinct bars and restaurants, somewhat playfully arranged in a “follow the yellow brick road” style layout throughout the hotel. Fortunately, projected signs on the floor help guide you through this culinary maze.
Dining and drinking options at Andaz London Liverpool Street include:
- 1901 Wine Lounge: Serving an extensive wine list, traditional afternoon tea, and weekend breakfast.
- Rake’s: A versatile space that functions as a relaxed café during the day and transforms into a lively bar in the evening.
- Miyako: Offering authentic Japanese cuisine, open Tuesday through Saturday.
- Eastway: The hotel’s all-day dining venue and weekday breakfast location.
- Lady Abercorn’s Pub & Kitchen: A classic British pub and kitchen, serving lunch and dinner, with a traditional Sunday roast on Sundays.
For dinner one evening, I dined at Miyako. This intimate restaurant features playful décor touches, such as a ceiling adorned with floral parasols. The service was efficient, and the dishes were well-prepared and satisfying. I enjoyed a tuna avocado roll, three pieces of sushi, and two pieces of tamago for a total of $43 – a reasonable price for a sushi dinner in London.
While my time at Andaz London Liverpool Street only allowed for one dinner, I enjoyed breakfast twice – complimentary, thanks to my Hyatt Globalist status – once on a weekday at Eastway and again on the weekend at 1901.
Eastway offers a generous buffet-style breakfast spread featuring cold cuts, cheeses, pastries, fruits, and more, alongside a selection of hot items. (Don’t miss the hash browns – they are exceptionally crispy and delicious.) Even arriving towards the end of breakfast service, I felt relaxed and unhurried.
While Eastway is a perfectly adequate breakfast venue, 1901 is truly magnificent. Perhaps I am easily impressed, but dining in 1901 felt like stepping back into the Titanic era.
Its opulent Victorian architecture, complete with ornate columns, intricate crown molding, and a breathtaking glass dome, immediately conveys the hotel’s historic significance, even when simply enjoying a modern coffee and yogurt parfait. While the breakfast menu was similar to Eastway’s, if you have the choice of breakfast venues at Andaz London Liverpool Street, opt for 1901 if possible.
I didn’t have the chance to experience the bars or nightlife at Andaz London Liverpool Street, but the hotel had a lively and energetic atmosphere throughout. If you have the opportunity, don’t miss grabbing a drink at one of the hotel’s vibrant bars.
Excellent Hyatt Globalist Elite Benefits at Andaz London Liverpool Street
My Hyatt Globalist status afforded me a complimentary breakfast that included the full buffet spread, plus a supplemental menu with à la carte options like omelets and pancakes. Coffee, juices, and tea were also included, along with gratuity, making it a truly budget-friendly and luxurious way to start the day.
While I didn’t receive a suite upgrade during this stay, I was upgraded from a booked queen room to a king room, a modest yet appreciated upgrade worth approximately $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’s bars as a gesture of appreciation for my Globalist status at Andaz London Liverpool Street.
Reasons Why Andaz London Liverpool Street Might Not Be Ideal for You
I have stayed at Andaz London Liverpool Street several times and would gladly return. However, despite my fondness for the hotel, it might not be the perfect choice for every trip. Here’s why:
- Location for First-Time Visitors: The location isn’t optimal for first-time visitors primarily interested in seeing London’s most iconic attractions. If being within walking distance of Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey is a priority, consider saving Andaz London Liverpool Street for a future visit.
- Hotel Layout: If you prioritize quick and easy access to your room and hotel facilities, Andaz London Liverpool Street might not be the most convenient. Its sprawling layout, while contributing to its character, can make navigating between your room, breakfast, the lobby, and other amenities a bit time-consuming. This layout also makes it less ideal for travelers with mobility limitations, strollers, wheelchairs, or similar needs.
- Vibrant Ambiance: While I personally loved the bold décor, the DJ, and the overall energetic vibe, it may not appeal to everyone. If you prefer a more subdued and traditional hotel atmosphere, a more conventional hotel chain with less “pizzazz” might be a better fit.
Related: Is the World of Hyatt credit card worth its annual fee?
Alternative London Hotel Options
For the initial part of my London trip, I desired a central location and stayed at the May Fair Hotel, part of the Radisson family and similarly priced to Andaz London Liverpool Street.
The May Fair Hotel is conveniently located just a 12-minute walk from Buckingham Palace, making it an excellent base for first-time visitors to London. I’ve also enjoyed a previous stay at the Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill, another World of Hyatt property, which offers a more central location and a more traditional style and feel compared to Andaz London Liverpool Street.
Accessibility Considerations at Andaz London Liverpool Street
A potential drawback of staying in a historic hotel is that accessibility may not have been a primary design consideration during its original construction.
Andaz London Liverpool Street features grand staircases, imposing doors, and a somewhat labyrinthine layout. While searching for accessible rooms online 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, although none are located on the ground floor, requiring elevator access if stairs are problematic.
The hotel’s website does include an accessibility section, but beyond general statements about providing equal access and opportunity for individuals with disabilities, the only specific information provided is that the hotel is pet-friendly. If you require an accessible room at Andaz London Liverpool Street, contacting the hotel directly is highly recommended. Be aware that the hotel’s layout and the presence of stairs in certain areas may present accessibility challenges beyond the room itself.
Final Thoughts on Andaz London Liverpool Street
While some London hotels can feel somewhat stuffy and formal, Andaz London Liverpool Street is the antithesis of that. It’s a vibrant and lively hotel that feels genuinely welcoming without being pretentious. Thoughtful touches like the complimentary minibar drinks and snacks, and the evening happy hour, add significant value and make you feel genuinely appreciated as a guest at Andaz London Liverpool Street London.
If a central location for traditional tourist sightseeing is not your primary need, the location might be a minor drawback. However, with easy access to the Tube and ride-sharing services, this is easily overcome. As a repeat guest, I wholeheartedly recommend Andaz London Liverpool Street and look forward to continuing my tradition of staying there in the future.
Related reading:
