Andaz Liverpool Street has been open for a few years now, but it wasn’t until recently that we had the distinct pleasure of bedding down there for the night. Sure, we’d been along to see some of the many art and design happenings that they host – it was only December when we featured Eyal Burstein’s Advent Table, the Christmas before it was Studiomama’s Christmas Kitchen, and perhaps most notably the Shoreditch hotel played host to Mathieu Lehanneur’s magical Once Upon a Dream for Veuve Clicquot – but there’s no substitute for resting your wearies somewhere to truly experience what it’s all about…
Formerly the Great Eastern, one of the original London railway hotels, the building dates back to 1884, and there’s a definite feeling of that history – even if it has been given a 21st century sheen. It’s that 21st century sheen that may put some off. Andaz is Hyatt’s “boutique” brand, but the spectre of ‘corporate business hotel’ is still most definitely there, it’s in the city – it can’t escape it. But what the Andaz does do, is use that ‘corporateness’ (yep, just made that one up) to its advantage. Sure, there’s a sheen – but it’s one that just feels luxe. The furniture and fittings in the rooms are heavy, the doors solid, and the walls thick. It’s got a weighty 5-star feel but, with their commitment to art and design, you feel less guilty about shacking up in a business hotel, in fact you positively embrace it.
Their USP is bringing the ‘small’ hotel service to a big chain. There’s no check-in desks, instead you walk straight into the “Andaz Lounge” – where drinks are free and smartly-dressed, well-mannered types check you in with iPads (oh-so modern). There’s a complimentary non-alcoholic minibar, and there’s complimentary serving of wine in the lounge come evening time. It’s quite obviously a big brand cherry-picking the best components of a stay at a truly boutique hotel, but it works. And it’s impeccable – you’d think you were in America the service is that good.
Where the Andaz really excels is in its food and drink offerings. It’s like a whopping great American resort-hotel – but a stone’s throw from Spitalfields and Hoxton. There’s exceptional Japanese at Miyako, exceptional fresh seafood at Catch, exceptional pub-grub at George, British à la carte at 1901 and a brasserie menu at Eastway. It really is exceptional. And seemingly, somewhat of a secret – only half the London-based (and East-end types at that) people I asked actually even knew the hotel existed, let alone of its ridiculously diverse food offerings. The resplendent halls and history-packed spaces that these bars and restaurants inhabit are just the icing on an already scrumptious cake.
Of course there’s high-end leisure facilities too, all the business malarkey of course, and there’s the location – it’s next door to Liverpool Street Station, and as mentioned, a stone’s throw from some of London’s hippest spots. There’s no individual designer rooms, there’s no quirky amenities and the bar isn’t a hipster graveyard – but if you want to be in the hub of all East London has to offer and you want true, true 5-star luxury – but without the faceless conveyer belt experience of big, ugly business hotels – I really don’t think London has a better alternative…
