World of Hyatt is my favorite hotel loyalty program (thanks largely to the value of Globalist status), and Park Hyatt is my favorite Hyatt brand. I’m always thrilled when the portfolio expands, and new Park Hyatts are added in exciting destinations, whether we’re talking about city hotels or resorts.
London is one of the biggest hotel markets in the world, yet Park Hyatt doesn’t have a property there. In 2020, plans were announced for a new Park Hyatt in London. This hotel’s opening has been delayed quite a bit, but there’s finally a positive update — this hotel is now accepting reservations for stays as of later this year!
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Basics of the Park Hyatt London River Thames
The 203-room Park Hyatt London River Thames is expected to open in late 2024. The hotel states it will open as of October 1, 2024, though as of now, reservations are only open for stays as of November 1, 2024.
The hotel will be located in the One Nine Elms development, which is a mixed-use skyscraper project currently under construction in London. Admittedly this isn’t the most central location for most peoples’ needs when visiting London, but then again, real estate is limited in the city, and this is also an area that’s growing.
The development will feature a 42 story River Tower with 103 Park Hyatt Residences plus the Park Hyatt Hotel, and then a 57 story City Tower with 334 residential apartments. Guest rooms at the Park Hyatt London River Thames will take up the first 18 floors of the smaller tower — that’s a bummer, since views will be limited.
The Park Hyatt will feature four food and beverage outlets, with three on the ground floor. These will include The Nine Elms Kitchen & Terrace (the all-day dining restaurant), The Nine Elms Bar & Lounge (the lobby lounge), TAMISé (a wine tasting room), and an Asian restaurant that hasn’t yet been announced.
On top of that, there will be a full floor dedicated to wellness, with a 20 meter swimming pool, a spa with six treatment rooms, and a gym with double height ceilings.
Base rooms at the hotel will be 290-398 square feet. Meanwhile entry level suites will be 560 square feet. So the accommodations are definitely on the small side, which isn’t a surprise, given that we’re talking about London.
Park Hyatt London River Thames rates & points requirements
With the Park Hyatt London River Thames now accepting reservations, what are rates like?
For those redeeming points, this will be a Category 7 World of Hyatt property, meaning a free night redemption in a standard room will cost 25,000-35,000 points per night. Meanwhile a free night redemption in a standard suite will cost 43,000-53,000 points per night.
Cash rates at the Park Hyatt London are roughly what you’d expect. I currently see rates starting at under £500 per night. I imagine those rates could get a bit more attractive as the opening date approaches, but we’ll see.
If you are looking to book a cash stay here, I’d recommend doing so through the Hyatt Privé program, which offers extra perks like room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, and a hotel credit.
London’s improving luxury points hotels
It’s interesting how currently London lacks the luxury brands from most of the major global hotel groups. There’s no Park Hyatt, Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, or Waldorf Astoria. Fortunately this is changing, slowly but surely, as the Park Hyatt isn’t the only new property on the horizon.
In 2025 we’re supposed to see the opening of the 196-room St. Regis London. The former Westbury Mayfair Hotel (which was a Marriott Luxury Collection property) is currently undergoing a significant renovation, and once complete, it will be rebranded as a St. Regis.
In 2025 we’re also supposed to see the opening of the Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch. This is a pretty special property, as an iconic London landmark is being transformed into a hotel for the first time. This is probably the new points property in London that I’m most excited about.
Bottom line
The Park Hyatt London River Thames is expected to open in late 2024, in the One Nine Elms development. The hotel is planning an October 1 opening, though is only accepting reservations for stays as of November 1.
I’m excited for there to finally be a Park Hyatt in London. For that matter, I’m excited that the St. Regis and Waldorf Astoria brand are also coming to London.
What do you make of the upcoming Park Hyatt London?
Don't underestimate the amount of traffic the presence of the US Embassy drives, especially if the hotel will be willing to honor a government rate. But even if it doesn't, the embassy drives a lot of private sector traffic in London. It's the busiest US Embassy in the world.
In 23 trips to London I’ve crossed to the south side of the Thames exactly twice, and I see no reason to stay there.
It’s close to the LGBT nightlife in Vauxhall. I’ve stayed in the area before at the Best Western and the HI Express and I didn’t find the location that inconvenient. Quick tube ride to the sights.
Having lived in Kennington, I can't say Nine Elms or any of the surrounding areas would be my first choice for a luxury hotel. But I don't see this PH as targeting high rollers; think of it as targeting the same demographic that would stay in Williamsburg instead of Midtown were they visiting NYC. That is to say, younger affluent travelers for whom Uber/Tube/hoofing it isn't a deal-breaker and who like the idea of being...
Having lived in Kennington, I can't say Nine Elms or any of the surrounding areas would be my first choice for a luxury hotel. But I don't see this PH as targeting high rollers; think of it as targeting the same demographic that would stay in Williamsburg instead of Midtown were they visiting NYC. That is to say, younger affluent travelers for whom Uber/Tube/hoofing it isn't a deal-breaker and who like the idea of being closer to real-deal London. Or whatever's left of it.
You won't see a Ritz-Carlton in London for legal reasons, same as Paris, Madrid etc.
I am one of the very people to have had a hard hat tour of the hotel. It is very impressive in terms of finish with impressive views from most sides. Having the pool above ground is very rare in London and, for a wellness stay, it will work well.
It is hard to see how serious high rollers will...
You won't see a Ritz-Carlton in London for legal reasons, same as Paris, Madrid etc.
I am one of the very people to have had a hard hat tour of the hotel. It is very impressive in terms of finish with impressive views from most sides. Having the pool above ground is very rare in London and, for a wellness stay, it will work well.
It is hard to see how serious high rollers will want to book in though. Even when my brother pitches up in London for his annual visit, which I normally book for him, I'd feel a bit odd putting him here.
Many Londoners would be of the view that this location is less than ideal. There is very little around there except for the US Embassy, lots of apartments and the Battersea Power Station development. Nine Elms is basically an industrial wasteland which is being redeveloped, and some of the nearby neighbourhoods are really not nice. You will need to get the tube to go anywhere. I’m amazed they couldn’t find somewhere better.
Really, it's only a 20 minute Uber Boat ride away from Westminster or Embankment piers for Central London, plus Uber Boat is much nicer than Underground. Park Hyatt/Nine Elms is looking stunning from the river.
It's really close to the US embassy. I noticed the construction a couple years ago when we had an appointment at the embassy for my wife. Yes, it's not convenient to most things, but it's an easy Underground ride into the city from the 9 Elms Northern Line Station. Get off at Leicester Square and you're in the main touristy bit. If you're not walking around London, you're likely taking the Underground somewhere. It's not as inconvenient as it seems.
A bit away from everything. Nah.
I might add that 290-398 square feet sounds so bonkers for a newly built property in an inconvenient location.
Regarding this property, you nailed it: inconveniently located. Hyatt apologists will rationalize it. If you're talking luxury hotels in London, more likely than not, it's Mayfair or St. James'. The luxury guest wants the convenience of being centrally located and will pay for it. As a note, every single luxury hotel project in London has seen substantial delays -- Mayfair St. Regis, Mayfair Mandarin Oriental, Admiralty Arch Waldorf Astoria, Ritz expansion, etc.
It's not just luxury hotels facing long delays. Any large construction or infrastructure project in the UK tends to very delayed completion.
Absolutely agreed. But, as Ben included express references to other luxury properties, it seemed worth setting readers' expectations about those properties. That's all.
But it also seems priced accordingly? No luxury hotel in Mayfair has base rooms starting at under 500 pounds.
I feel like this is one of those properties where there is maybe a year before it moves to category 8