Review - Andaz Hotel London

Personalised check in is offered © Andaz Hotel

A glowing red light lured me in through the glass façade, delivering me into a lobby of muted browns, leather loungers and designer clad guests. Momentarily confused by the lack of reception, I was soon aided by a suited and booted hotel employee who checked me in via his laptop at a table for a more personal level of service.

Previously the Great Eastern Hotel located in Liverpool Street, London, the majestic Victorian building that now houses the Andaz Hotel was designed by Charles Barry. He was the architect behind the Houses of Parliament so expect grandeur and elegance, but with an ultra modern twist.

The wide hallways conjured up the days when porters lugged oversized leather trunks from steam-fuelled trains, whilst the splashes of striking photographs and modern art alluded to the thriving arts community of nearby Shoreditch.

My generously proportioned room was clad in contemporary and chic décor, with dark wood, tones of grey and splashes of red. After being briefed on all the modcons, which were more than easy to understand, I was alerted to the mini bar. It was stocked with complimentary fresh-pressed juices, water, snacks, tea and coffee making facilities - a nice touch given the tendency of many 5-star hotels to force guests to pay huge room service bills.

In fact, it was the attention to detail that really struck me as being second to none at the Andaz Hotel. Aside from the in-room treats, Andaz impressed me by offering free soft drinks in the lobby, daily canapés every evening in reception and countless other added extras that elevated my stay from simply enjoyable to outstanding.

After purging the mini bar, we chose the modern British fare of the 1901 restaurant for our evening meal, although there were four other hotel eateries to choose from, including sushi, pub grub and seafood.

The grand dining room was immediately striking, with a huge stained glass, domed atrium, a giant glass cabinet displaying cheeses and wines and a long central bar with enough alcohol to mix every cocktail under the sun. My poison of choice was a thirst-quenching Kentucky Temple, mixed with bourbon, peach puree, lemon, orange, cardamom, honey and ginger ale - a tongue tingling concoction of a cocktail.

Dinner was equally as palate pleasing with my shellfish starter consisting of clams, prawns, deep-fried langoustine, pickles and froth, which was probably best described as a "beach on a plate". My dining companion opted for the ultra tender pan-fried duck liver on a chicory tartin and blood orange, which was cleared in record speed.

Next was a main of poached and roasted rump of beef served with a side of indulgent truffle mash - a heavenly paring that satisfied, with a rich meaty flavour and cloud-like softness. Somehow, I managed to squeeze in an apple baked sponge with lemon, caramel sauce and custard, all of which was like an exciting twist on my gran's age-old recipe. It felt only right to also tuck into my guest's crème brulee with blood orange as I cracked my spoon through its perfectly crisped roof to slather up its shudderingly sweet centre.

Upon rolling back to my room with a more than full stomach and a content grin on my face, it was the selection of miniature cupcakes left in my room that pushed me over the edge. Though to be fair, I did sample only one - the other three were scoffed at breakfast before I explored the delights of East London.

From browsing the galleries on Vyner Street to meandering through the stalls and shops of Spitalfields market, the area has a wealth of entertainment to tempt guests out of their rooms. However, between the luxurious bedding, quirky added extras, fantastic dining options and tranquil spa, Andaz Hotel offers plenty to keep you within it's walls for an entire stay.

Andaz Liverpool Street
40 Liverpool Street, London EC2M 7QN, UK
Tel: 0207 961 1234.
Website: http://london.liverpoolstreet.andaz.hyatt.com
Prices start at £145 per room, per night based on a room only rate.