You’ll find all manner of hotels in London, from five-star luxurious old dames and modern boutique boltholes to small, homey stays. But in London’s East End, one spritely hotel offers plenty of fun and personality in a setting bursting with history. We recently checked into Andaz London Liverpool Street for a stay that’s full of character.

While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Review of Andaz London Liverpool Street

Andaz London Liverpool Street review Exterior
Exterior of Andaz London Liverpool Street

As the name suggests, the hotel boasts a prime location next to Liverpool Street Station, on the corner of Bishopsgate and Liverpool Street, along with convenient transport options. It’s an interesting location, since most people flee the city once the closing bell rings and there are few other hotels around, but that’s to Andaz’s advantage.

Inspired by the creative spirit of the East End, the hotel is a fun spot to eat, drink and stay, but it’s the history I’m most fascinated by. The Grade II-listed Victorian building, complete with its grand, red brick façade, originally opened in 1884 as the Great Eastern Hotel. A century later, British designer and restaurateur Sir Terence Conran bought the hotel and oversaw a full redesign; in 2007, Hyatt relaunched it as its first Andaz property.

Somewhat more interestingly, the hotel site was once occupied by the original Bethlehem (Bedlam) Hospital, an institution founded in the 1200s as a priory, which evolved into a mental institution by the 15th century. The original buildings are long gone, but this history remains part of the hotel.

The welcome experience

The Andaz brand emphasises vibrant design, and its London outpost does this with aplomb. The sweeping lobby blends the building’s Victorian heritage and travel antecedents with modern East London sensibilities. The feature wall behind the check-in desk was created by local art collective Le Gun, while plush velvet seating and rivets evoke the golden age of train travel.

Throughout the public spaces, the old sits alongside the new. There are marble floors, bamboo plants, and modern light fixtures with original fireplaces, plaster mouldings, and sweeping staircases. Beyond the lobby, though, the central fixture is a spiralled atrium that at first glance looks like the spiral ramp from New York’s Guggenheim Museum.

East End comfort

Andaz London Liverpool Street review King Room
Interior of King room

The hotel is larger than it seems, boasting 267 guestrooms and suites. In contrast to the historical wow-factor of the hotel’s public spaces, the residential-style rooms are calmer, think practical and soothing with tongue-in-cheek touches.

Walking into my spacious King room felt like walking into a chic studio flat. The décor is stylishly minimalist: by day, I’m cocooned in an Eames chair at the desk that doubles as a dressing table, or reading in armchairs bathed in natural light by the windows; by night, there’s a plush king bed that offers restorative sleep. Even the colour scheme is simple, white ceilings, grey walls and drapes, and a thick carpet in black and grey stripes. The subtle styling continues in the surprisingly expansive bathroom, which is rendered in white subway tiles and black accents.

The personality touches? They come from Jacobsen lights, a tripod floor lamp, illustrative “tattoos” by local artist Sophie Mo on the tan leather headboard, one colourful artwork referencing East End quirk, and a marble-inspired backsplash in the bathroom vanity. Some of my favourite parts are the complimentary minibar, T-London bath amenities, and luxe yakuta robes.

Food and Drinks

Andaz London Liverpool Street review Rakes Parlour
Step inside the colourful spaces at Rakes

Guests are spoilt when it comes to dining at Andaz London Liverpool Street. My stay begins with the complimentary daily happy hour, where I sip Champagne and nibble canapés while chatting with other guests in the hotel lobby. Later that night, I slipped into the welcoming Lady Abercorn’s Pub & Kitchen, a convivial, ever-so-slightly nostalgic pub rendered in wood panels and gilded crown moulding, to share bar bites and local craft beers with the after-work crowd (the staff kindly even booked me a table so I could watch the Formula 1 race the next afternoon).

Two other outlets are available for all-day sustenance. Rake’s Café Bar is inspired by “A Rake’s Progress”, the notorious series of paintings by English artist William Hogarth, the last of which is titled “The Mad House” and set in Bedlam. In the morning, the upscale space serves up decadent a la carte breakfasts (they had a sinfully delicious collaboration with Eggslut during my stay) with artisanal coffee; by night, there’s a well-crafted menu of delicious gastropub fare with creative cocktails (also inspired by Hogarth’s paintings) and DJ sets.

Finally, there’s Eastway. This relaxed East End brasserie is more sedate than its counterparts, with plenty of wood and dark colours. Breakfast here is an extensive buffet that includes the famous Brick Lane Beigels, a wellness corner, plenty of local produce, and made-to-order plates (the masala omelette is worth trying), but there are menus available all day, with a focus on grilled specials.

Is there more?

Andaz London Liverpool Street review Masonic Temple
The Masonic Temple is available for hire

Like the rest of the hotel, the other amenities at Andaz London Liverpool Street aren’t quite what you’d expect. There are live DJ sessions on Friday and Saturday evenings, and a well-thought-out gym (set in the old Egyptian-inspired temple, and including some mysterious, original symbols) with a steam room, and picture-ready Brompton bikes available to hire.

My favourite part, though, is the original Masonic Temple. Built in 1912 and still used by the Freemasons, it doubles as an event space. Stepping through heavy double doors and down the winding steps, you walk into an opulent space of grand Grecian architecture featuring mahogany panels, marble, soaring columns, a stunning zodiac ceiling, and Masonic chairs (including the Grand Master’s throne). Ask nicely, and the staff might just let you in for a peek.

Final thoughts

Admittedly, I’m not often in East London. But this stay at Andaz London Liverpool Street gave me a new perspective on the city. Through its carefully considered, whimsical aesthetic and dining, it captures the best of the area’s creativity, and it’s all delivered by smiling, helpful staff. I’d go back for the comfort, convenience, and fun.

Learn more about Andaz London Liverpool Street or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia

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