Andaz London Liverpool Street Hotel reviewed

A hotel with a plethora of wow factors, and housed in a glorious Grade II-listed 19th-century Victorian red-brick building, the Andaz London Liverpool Street hotel stands strikingly apart amid Liverpool Street’s post-war brutalism and bold contemporary architecture.

Occupying a prominent corner plot beside iconic Liverpool Street station — at the junction of Liverpool Street and Bishopsgate — it sits within the Square Mile, London’s financial heart, and moments from the creative energy of Shoreditch and Spitalfields.

I felt compelled to stop and stare a while on the opposite side of the road to relish its splendid six-storey stature and its incredible symmetrical façades, tall sash windows set deep within arched frames, its tall red brick chimneys and gabled pavilions.

Eventually, I stepped through the revolving doors and was awed all over again by the lobby’s unexpectedly colourful, playful designs. Within moments, I was warmly welcomed, offered a drink, and soon shown to my room on the fourth floor.

Incredibly, when the lift doors opened, the visual shift was astonishing — from vivid colours of the lobby to a restrained palette of grey and white. Rooms are arranged around a six-storey glass-domed Rotunda Lobby, flooding the interior with natural light. I was led down the a corridor of various grey hues toward my room.

Who For

Style and convenience reign at Andaz London without the Mayfair/Knightsbridge price tag and would appeal to those who admire creative flair. It’s steps away from Liverpool Street station, probably London’s best-connected hub: direct Stansted trains, Elizabeth Line to Heathrow in ~35 minutes, and Underground lines everywhere.

Plus it’s close to the Tower of London, Spitalfields Market, Tower Bridge, St Paul’s, Tate Modern and plenty of other interesting places to explore.

Accommodation

There are 267 rooms at Andaz, with high ceilings and decked out in calming grey. My room 428, a spacious king room, had a view over Liverpool Street station and the busy comings and goings. Amazingly, the room remained peaceful and quiet all night long.

There’s plenty of storage behind black wardrobe doors, a writing table topped with plum-hued leather. The large comfy bed is flanked by a grey chaise-long at one end and a tan coloured headboard on the other. I really appreciated the ample plug points.

There’s also a huge 55 inch flat-screen TV, a complimentary mini bar with non-alcoholic drinks and a Nespresso coffee machine.

The en-suite with its walk-in shower has striking black and white tiles and came with spare toothbrushes and Byredo Eleventh Hour toiletries.

Food & Drink

There are several dining options. Miyako, the gastronomic Japanese option, was closed but looked like something I’d come back for. Rakes Parlour, reached from reception, is a place to get nibbles with a tipple in a colourful space.

This leads to Rakes Cafe Bar, also accessible from Bishopsgate. It’s a fine bar menu, but the highlight is its incredible cocktails.

A menu of signature cocktails comes with a curated playlist for each of them.

I enjoyed “Afterbeats” with Desi Daru Mango Vodka, Chilli and Elderflower. I watched as a bubble was placed on top of my drink, which then burst into a plume of smoke, a moment of entertaining theatre. After a few sips, I scanned the barcode attached to the glass, and was heady enough to sway to the Punjabi music that streamed from Spotify into my earbuds.

There’s also a pub. The Lady Abercorn pub looks as authentic in decor as any you may have seen, all packed into a single room.

I took both dinner and breakfast at Eastway Brasserie. The all-day menu offers burgers, king prawn and crayfish fettuccine, and slow-braised beef. I went for the salmon fillet.

Breakfast was interesting. As well as a full English breakfast, eggs as you like them, and various pastries, there were offerings from local businesses; for instance, bagels from nearby Brick Lane and honey from Bermondsey Street Bees.

Facilities

There’s a 24-hour gym with Peloton bikes, treadmills, weights and a place for yoga. A steam room and spa treatment rooms are available too. The area is rife with interesting things to see, so the hotel rents out Brompton cycles too.

The hotel’s highlights

Between 5pm and 6pm there’s a complimentary canapés and wine hour (Vino & Vibes) free for guests. I got my glass of white and squirrelled myself away in a cosy corner to enjoy a natter with others who have done the same. There’s also a coffee machine so anyone can help themselves throughout the day. Vino & Vibes, is on every day at 5pm, and extends to two hours on Friday with a live DJ performance.

Andaz London has its own Masonic Temple, looking gloriously Grecian in marble, leather thrones and a Zodiac gold ceiling. This hidden gem dates back to 1912 and was uncovered right here at the then Great Eastern Hotel in the 1990s. This century-old room features 12 types of Italian marble, mahogany-panelled thrones and a zodiac-adorned ceiling.

It’s often the backdrop of special performances and has been used in film. I hear Lady Gaga even used it for a photoshoot Ask at reception to take a peek.

What’s Nearby

Andaz London Liverpool Street hotel has put together an A-Z list of what you must check out so ask for more info. In the meantime, Liverpool Street station is steps away, making it easy to get around on the Elizabeth Line. Close by are Borough Market, a foodie haven, Brick Lane, famous for its bagels and curry houses, Old Spitalfields Market full of vintage fashion, crafts and food stores and trendy Shoreditch, famous for its street art. There are green spaces too such as St Botolph-without-Bishopsgate Gardens, Finsbury Circus Gardens, Aldgate Square and Elder Gardens.

Verdict: Andaz London Liverpool Street offers exceptional service, colourful, arty decor, various eateries, a small spa and a location close to plenty of places worth exploring nearby. A big thumbs up for this beautiful London hotel.

Andaz London Liverpool Street, by Hyatt
40 Liverpool Street, London EC2M 7QN

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