Review: Andaz London Liverpool Street Hotel

While I transit Heathrow about a dozen times a year, I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve actually visited London. I’m not sure why, exactly, other than the fact that it’s expensive and the hotel situation is a bit rough. And the weather isn’t great. And the UK APD. And… well, nevermind. 😉

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In this case I was meeting some friends in London before we went to Copenhagen for New Years, so I booked a night at the Andaz London Liverpool Street.

The Andaz London is a Category 6 Gold Passport property, making a free night redemption 25,000 Gold Passport points per night. That being said, there was Points + Cash availability for my night, so I booked the one night stay for 12,500 Gold Passport points plus $150.

Liverpool Street is a bit out of the way for many “popular” London attractions, though it was a convenient enough tube ride from Heathrow. The total travel time from the airport to the hotel was about 70 minutes. And since it was cold, it’s worth noting that the hotel is only one block from Liverpool Street station, so there’s not much outside walking required.

The hotel’s exterior is gorgeous. It was originally an independent 19th century hotel, and only in the past few years was transformed into the Andaz. I love staying at chain hotels that don’t feel “cookie cutter,” because you get the best of both worlds — a unique-feeling experience, but the consistency and benefits you expect from major hotel chains.

Andaz London exterior

Andaz London entrance

Andaz London entrance

The lobby was dark and chic, and had some pretty cool Christmas decorations, including a “walk-through” present. At Andaz properties they don’t have a traditional front desk, but instead have “hosts,” who check you in, act as concierges, etc. They roam around and have iPads from which they can check you in.

Andaz London lobby

Andaz London lobby

Unfortunately my room wasn’t quite ready yet, so I plopped down in the lobby and logged onto the Wi-Fi to get some work done.

Andaz London lobby

It’s worth noting that just next to the lobby is a “pantry” of sorts, with complimentary soft drinks, water, espresso, cookies, etc. That’s a nice feature that most Andaz properties have (in addition to complimentary minibar soft drinks and snacks).

Andaz London lobby

Andaz London lobby

Andaz London lobby

Soon enough my room was ready, so I took the elevator up to the fourth floor, where my room was located.

Andaz London elevators

The public spaces have a really cool design, from the almost disorienting mini-atrium to the bright, indoor courtyard.

Andaz London atrium

Andaz London indoor courtyard

In a small way the hotel reminded me a bit of the Hotel Pulitzer in Amsterdam, given the number of twists and turns in the hallways, and even the number of stairs between rooms on each level.

Andaz London hallway

I was assigned room 422, an Andaz Large King room.

Andaz London room entrance

Andaz London floorplan

The room was beautifully designed, and large by London standards.

Andaz London Large King entrance

The room featured a red chair with an ottoman by the entrance. Then the bed was located to the left and the desk close to the window.

Andaz London Large King entrance

The bed was comfortable and plush, much more so than I’m used to in Europe.

Andaz London Large King

Andaz London Large King

There was artwork on the wall behind the chair with ottoman, and then the wall mounted TV was located just past the desk, so that it could be viewed both from bed and from the chair.

Andaz London Large King

Andaz London Large King desk

The views from the room were nice enough — not exciting given that it’s a low-rise hotel (as is common in London), but at least the area was charming. It would have been nice if the windows were a bit cleaner, though.

Andaz London Large King view

The bathroom was quite cool as well. At least I loved the finishes, even if it wasn’t the most practically designed. There was a door with a “porthole” separating the bathroom from the bedroom.

Right by the entrance was the walk-in shower.

Andaz London Large King bathroom

Andaz London Large King shower

Andaz London Large King sink/toilet

Then past it on the left was a sink and vacuum toilet.

Andaz London Large King sink

Then there was a bathtub as well.

Andaz London Large King bathtub

The shower was a bit on the small side and just featured a simple wall-mounted nozzle. The temperature/pressure control were excellent, at least.

Andaz London Large King shower

I’m not sure what brand of toiletries the hotel had exactly, but the scent was nice.

Andaz London Large King toiletries

Near the entrance was the minibar, which featured complimentary soft drinks, as well as spirits and beer for purchase.

Andaz London Large King minibar

Andaz London Large King minibar

Below that was the teapot and some complimentary snacks, including honey seeds and a granola bar.

Andaz London tea

Next to it was a decent size closet.

Andaz London Large King closet

Overall I was pleasantly surprised by the room. It was in great condition and had a fun and unique design. Many times when hotels go for “unique” designs it ends up looking shabby chic, but I was impressed by the continuity of the design.

It’s also worth noting that Wi-Fi is complimentary for all guests, and was high speed.

The morning of our departure we had breakfast at 1901 Restaurant, which is the hotel’s restaurant which serves the complimentary Diamond breakfast from 7AM till 10AM on weekdays.

Andaz London staircase

It’s a beautiful space physically, and since we were all a bit jetlagged we were the first ones there. It almost felt a bit “Night at the Museum” based on the design and how empty it was.

Andaz London 1901 Restaurant

Andaz London 1901 Restaurant

We were presented with breakfast menus, which read as follows (as a Diamond member, anything on the menu is covered:

The buffet spread was excellent by European (and in particular UK) standards, with fresh fruit, yogurt, meat, cheese, croissants, fresh pastries, bread, etc.

Andaz London 1901 Restaurant breakfast buffet

Andaz London 1901 Restaurant breakfast buffet

Andaz London 1901 Restaurant breakfast buffet

Andaz London 1901 Restaurant breakfast buffet

Andaz London 1901 Restaurant breakfast buffet

Andaz London 1901 Restaurant breakfast buffet

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Andaz London 1901 Restaurant breakfast buffet

Andaz London 1901 Restaurant breakfast buffet

Andaz London 1901 Restaurant breakfast buffet

Andaz London 1901 Restaurant breakfast buffet

Andaz London 1901 Restaurant breakfast buffet

While the buffet filled me up, I had stupidly also ordered the breakfast bagel, which was served with salmon and a side of scrambled eggs.

Andaz London 1901 Restaurant breakfast

Meanwhile one of my friends had the eggs royale, which looked good.

Andaz London 1901 Restaurant breakfast

In terms of the hotel’s other facilities, the hotel also has a health club located on the ground floor. It featured a good amount of modern equipment.

Andaz London gym

Andaz London gym

Andaz London gym

I only had a day in London and was out and about for most of the time, so didn’t really spend much time in the hotel aside from sleeping and working for a bit. The few staff I interacted with were friendly, but I can’t say I had any extensive interactions.

The Andaz doesn’t have the most central location in London, but the city is pretty easy to get around by tube, so I don’t have any qualms with the hotel’s location.

Andaz London bottom line

I was very pleasantly surprised by this hotel. It’s quirky and fresh, and is the perfect example of why I’m generally a fan of the Andaz brand. I’d definitely consider returning the next time I’m in London.

In the off season rates tend to be pretty low so I’d probably book a revenue stay if that were the case. But during peak season, Points + Cash is a great deal, and even free night redemptions are a great deal, keeping in mind the heinous 20% UK VAT, which makes paying for hotels in London almost prohibitively expensive at times.

If you’ve stayed at the Andaz London, what did you think? Do you have another favorite London hotel?