VIBE

The hotel channels chic but also has a touch of the historic, as it used to be the Great Eastern Hotel (original Victorian details mix with the modern aesthetic). The rooms in this deceptively large hotel feed off a lobby that is reminiscent of the Guggenheim in NYC with its large winding staircase. Immediate neighborhood gets quiet in the evenings (post-happy hour) and on weekends as it’s in a financial district.

GO HERE WITH

Coworkers, friends, or significant other. Because of the hotel’s location near Liverpool and The City, this area is bustling with professionals. The bars are clearly a big hit with that set. This would also be appropriate for friends as it’s conveniently located near the trendy Shoreditch area.

WHY WE LIKE IT

Despite being a Hyatt, this hotel line’s mission is to customize each hotel to that particular city. This one fits in well with London. It’s huge, with many different offerings for bars/restaurants, so you get the big-hotel amenities but with the quality of service you’d expect from a higher end London hotel.

AMENITY WE LOVE

Complimentary amenities: wireless, local calls, and mini bar (limited offerings). Also, pre-loaded iPods with local personalities’ playlists available upon request.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Not totally sold on the lobby approach of hotel staff checking people in via small laptops (versus a check-in counter); it can get a bit confusing and slow.

GOOD TO KNOW

Andaz is part of the Hyatt group. One meeting room was uncovered during renovations: it used to be a secret subterranean Mason meeting room with chairs with ornate wood carvings (the room is supposedly still in use by the Masons, but this obviously can’t be verified). There is a large open sitting area with high ceilings off the initial lobby where movies are sometimes screened. Top floor guest rooms tend to be smaller than lower floor rooms.

CLOSEST COMPS

41 Hotel (London); Threadneedles (London)

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