Not many hotels right in The City, and this one definitely as "location" going for it --- if you need to be in The City, (or have business/events in the East End but want to stay Central), then this is the place.
And the Eastway restaurant downstairs is fantastic. Staff/Food --- all wonderful.
But the hotel was a bit weird/awkward/quirky. As you enter the hotel, you don't go to "the reception desk". Instead, you get confronted with iPad-wielding attendants. This is the "Andaz" --- how a trusted brand like Hyatt try to stay "hip" and modern. For me, this mode of hotel styling does not work. I think the Andaz brand has sacrificed some basic utility for style. Take for instance, the front lobby --- with virtually no comfortable seating surfaces. (However, the lounge by the restaurants was great).
And as for room utility --- what is up with those light fixtures? They were $1 switches you'd typically get at Radio Shack for a science project --- well in keeping with the Zen/Minimalist theme of the Andaz. Minimalist, but not balanced --- it's either bright light or dark --- there are no dimmers.
And the modern eco-friendly toilet flushing system --- it might be efficient, but it's quite noisy.
But there were many very positive aspects. The Staff was incredibly attentive. There was free WiFi (a rarity). Free non-alcoholic mini-bar drinks. Free espresso in the main lobby. It's right at Liverpool St. Station and Tube. And a short walk to the DLR, in case you need to head East for Canary Wharf or eXcel Center. And it's right on the Central line. It's definitely 4-stars overall.
I would stay here again if location was really the highest priority. The amazing efforts of the staff, and the great food at Eastway --- I wanted this to be one of my favorite hotels in London --- and it really is "very good" --- but it's still a bit ... quirky.
- Hyatt London
