Hyatt’s London Expansion: A Welcome Addition
Hyatt has been making bold moves in Central London over the past few years. The last time we were here, during the Queen’s funeral, our options were limited to the Hyatt Regency The Churchill, the Andaz London Liverpool Street, and a handful of boutique properties carrying the Hyatt name. Fast forward to today, and the lineup has expanded significantly. Now, travelers can choose from an array of options, including the newly opened Park Hyatt London River Thames, Hyatt Regency London Albert Embankment, Hyatt Place London City East, Hyatt Place London Paddington, and our pick for this trip: the Hyatt Regency Blackfriars.
I’m not entirely sure what prompted Hyatt’s sudden love affair with London, but I’m certainly not complaining. While we adore the Andaz Liverpool (a review for another day), this trip was all about location. We wanted to be close enough to the key spots on our itinerary without constantly battling the city’s transit system. London during Christmas is a spectacle—draped in twinkling lights, overflowing with holiday charm—but it also means navigating through relentless crowds. We were determined to avoid that chaos on the first leg of our stay.
After mapping out our holiday plans and weighing what we value most in a hotel, the Blackfriars emerged as the obvious choice. It checked all the right boxes: central but not overwhelming, stylish but not pretentious, and, most importantly, a peaceful retreat in a city that thrives on movement.
Cost of Stay: A Good Deal (For Now)
The Hyatt Regency Blackfriars, categorized as a Category 5, averages 17,000 points per night or £261 if you’re paying cash. Compared to other Hyatt properties in London, it sits comfortably in the middle—less expensive than the Park Hyatt London River Thames at 25,000 points per night but pricier than the Hyatt Place London City East at 12,000 points.
Stacking it against the Andaz London Liverpool Street, which is a Category 6 at 21,000 points per night, the Blackfriars felt like a solid value. It delivers a high-end experience without quite reaching Andaz’s price tag, but let’s be honest—Hyatt loves a good category bump. I wouldn’t be surprised if it edges up to a 6 before long.
For our seven-night stay, we spent 137,000 points, which sounds hefty until you consider London hotel prices in December. At that rate, I half-expected our room to come with a personal butler and an unlimited supply of tea and biscuits. Alas, no royal treatment, but still a worthwhile redemption.
Location and Accessibility: Prime Spot for Exploring London
Perfectly situated in the heart of the city, the Hyatt Regency Blackfriars is mere steps from Blackfriars Station, making it an ideal base for navigating London by Tube. If you prefer to explore on foot, you’re in luck—St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tate Modern, and Shakespeare’s Globe are all within an easy stroll, along with a fantastic selection of restaurants and theaters.
Perched just across from Blackfriars Bridge, the hotel also offers some of the best views in town. We regularly found ourselves pausing to soak in the sight of the London Eye, Big Ben, and The Shard. This is one of those locations where Hyatt absolutely nailed it—both practical and picturesque.
Arrival and Check-In: A Tale of Two Entrances
Upon arrival, we quickly learned that the hotel has two main entrances—something that would have been useful to know beforehand. The one we initially used looked nothing like the polished images on Hyatt’s website. Instead of a grand, Instagram-worthy entrance, we were met with a view of an unremarkable building across the way. Only later did we discover the other entrance, which faces the city and provides a far more picturesque welcome. Lesson learned.
Check-in was smooth, as expected for a Hyatt Globalist—quick, efficient, and painless. We arrived just a few days before Christmas around 6 p.m., and as we waited, we were offered a choice of mead wine or champagne. Never one to turn down a local tradition, I opted for the mead. As a whisky drinker, I can confidently say it won’t be making regular appearances in my liquor cabinet. Still, I appreciated the festive effort, with its warm spices and holiday aroma adding to the ambiance.
Adding to the warm welcome, we unknowingly arrived during the hotel’s Happy Hour. Just across from check-in, the bar was serving complimentary drinks and appetizers for Globalists. Naturally, we took note of the timing—because free drinks and snacks should never be ignored.
Room and Accommodations: Comfort with a Few Surprises
I was pleasantly surprised to be able to use one of our Suite Upgrade awards, landing us in the Regency Suite High Street View. Initially, I worried that the street-facing location would mean a symphony of honking cars and traffic noise, but to my relief, we never heard a single horn. Either the soundproofing was top-notch, or London drivers had suddenly discovered patience.
A welcome surprise awaited us—Hyatt had decorated our room with balloons and cake for my wife’s birthday, something I had completely forgotten mentioning at booking. This wasn’t some extra perk we paid for (unlike a certain disaster at Hyatt’s Great Scotland Yard Hotel, which I’ll get into in another review), so the thoughtfulness genuinely impressed us.
The room itself was spacious by London standards, with a generous layout and plenty of natural light. The only downside? The thermostat seemed determined to keep us warmer than we preferred. It wasn’t a dealbreaker, just a minor quirk we chose to ignore rather than fuss over.
The bathroom featured an unexpected addition—a bidet. Outside of Japan, they’re a rare sight in Hyatt properties. The shower was also a standout, boasting the kind of water pressure that makes you momentarily consider moving in.
The bathroom featured an unexpected addition—a bidet. Outside of Japan, they’re a rare sight in Hyatt properties. The shower was also a standout, boasting the kind of water pressure that makes you momentarily consider moving in.
The rest of the room had all the expected amenities: a TV, desk, couch, chairs, coffee and tea maker, and a mini fridge that, much like the thermostat, didn’t quite do its job. The bed, however, was near perfection—so comfortable that it routinely derailed our morning plans.
Dining Experience: A Culinary Journey at Hyatt Regency Blackfriars
The hotel offers an impressive selection of restaurants and bars, each bringing a distinct flavor to the dining experience.
NYnLON bridges the best of New York and London cuisine with an upscale yet relaxed feel. Think grass-fed steaks, grilled shrimp and kale Caesar salads, and a well-curated list of sustainable wines. We dined here twice, and each meal was a hit.
The Chinese Cricket Club delivered a refined take on classic Chinese flavors. Unfortunately, the experience was marred by some miscommunication. We were assured the restaurant would be open on Christmas Eve—it wasn’t. We were also told takeout would be available for Christmas—also untrue. That said, when we finally did eat there, the food was worth the hassle.
Leaf & Cane, the hotel’s Latin American-inspired bar, remained a mystery to us. Converted from a former women’s jail, it sounded intriguing, but it was closed for the holidays.
City Lounge, across from check-in, provided a stylish retreat for morning coffee or an evening cocktail, complete with plush seating and well-stocked bookshelves.
Conclusion: A Stay Worth Repeating
My time at the Hyatt Regency Blackfriars was fantastic—so much so that I’m reconsidering my usual loyalty to the Andaz for future London stays. With its prime location, excellent dining options, and genuinely friendly staff, the hotel delivered a truly memorable experience.
When the biggest issue is that the bed was too comfortable to leave, you know you’ve found a winner. Whether you’re visiting London for the first time or the tenth, this hotel makes an excellent base. I’ll definitely be back.
The Hyatt Enthusiast
The Hyatt Enthusiast 