London’s Very First Park Hyatt Offers A Fresh Outlook On The City

Quietly opening in October 2024, the Park Hyatt London River Thames marks the brand’s very first British outpost. Spanning historic European cities to a beachy Maldivian enclave, Park Hyatt is perhaps best known for its Japanese outpost, the Park Hyatt Tokyo, immortalised as the setting for 2003’s Lost in Translation. But, hidden away as it is in Nine Elms, how does the Park Hyatt London River Thames stack up to the city’s globally renowned hospitality scene? Lauren Ho checks in to find out.

Hotel Review: Park Hyatt London River Thames

It’s a brand that’s always been notably absent from London’s luxury hotel scene, so the arrival of the Park Hyatt was always going to turn heads. But what is more intriguing is where it chose to make its debut. 

Located in Nine Elms, a regenerated riverside strip and local neighbourhood between the just-south-of-the-river hubs of Vauxhall and Battersea, Park Hyatt London River Thames offers a surprisingly fresh perspective of the capital, elevated by its setting within a sleek glass tower designed by architecture firm KPF. Alongside interiors by Japanese studio Super Potato that hint lightly at English influences with William Morris-inspired wall coverings and artwork by British artists, London’s first Park Hyatt has a residential sensibility that feels removed from the bustle, while still feeling firmly anchored to the city. 

Hotel Review: Park Hyatt London River Thames

STAY

Across its 203 rooms and suites, the tone at the Park Hyatt remains refined, with the modern structure softened by warm textures, a muted palette and a curated art collection which lets the views do the talking. As expected, there are standout marble bathrooms – especially in the suites, which have tubs looking out over the city – and all the necessary bells and whistles from electric blackout blinds to a well-stocked minibar. The upper floor suites have the best vantage points, while the hotel’s VIP floor has its own lift access for guaranteed privacy.

DO

Park Hyatt might be in an unexpected location, but this leans in its favour: Battersea Power Station, the Tate Britain, Oval Cricket Ground and riverside pathways are all within easy reach. The hotel is minutes from both Nine Elms and Vauxhall stations, making access to central London seamless, while the Uber Boat stop at St George’s Wharf is a five-minute walk away.

But the real draw is the spa. Spread over an entire floor, there’s a 20-metre heated indoor pool with a view, a light-filled gym and six treatment rooms and a relaxation lounge equipped with Somadome meditation pods. Meanwhile, the hotel also offers seasonal activities like a champagne wreath-making workshop over Christmas.

EAT

The Nine Elms Kitchen & Terrace is Park Hyatt’s all-day anchor, serving an international menu from breakfast (featuring everything from avocado on toast to dim sum) to dinner (offering classics including a Suffolk wagyu beef burger). The adjoining Bar & Lounge is the perfect spot for a pre-dinner cocktail. 

For something more refined, Yú Gé is a Cantonese dream helmed by chef Eng Soon Yeo, who has delivered a winner of a menu with dishes like prawn toast, the signature Peking duck and steamed whole fish.

THE FINAL WORD

Park Hyatt London River Thames brings a new kind of luxury to a part of London that is redefining itself. As expected, its offering is polished and refined, but its biggest strength is the fresh and unexpected outlook on London, a city with a lot of well-trodden paths. 

BOOK IT

Rooms at Park Hyatt London River Thames start from £695 per night, including breakfast. Book at hyatt.com