Checking in to Park Hyatt London River Thames

Bringing together industry leaders across multiple fields, including Multiplex for construction, Studio Moren for architecture, Super Potato for interior design, and Hyatt for hospitality, this impressive 203-room Park Hyatt London River Thames opened its doors in October 2024.

Situated in the 42 storey One Nine Elms River Tower, with residential apartments, commercial spaces, retail outlets and restaurants, the property is a model of urban regeneration, breathing new life into this newly developed area of London which, even as a local, I hadn’t had the chance to explore (or appreciate) properly yet.

Image credit: Hyatt

A brief history
Hyatt’s history began in 1957 when Jay Pritzker bought Hyatt House motel near Los Angeles International Airport, marking the start of what would become Hyatt Hotels Corporation. From here, Hyatt grew quickly, expanding in North America and internationally, leading to the birth of Hyatt International in 1968.

The luxury Park Hyatt brand was first introduced to the brand’s portfolio in 1980 with the opening of Park Hyatt Chicago. The brand’s concept was focused on refined luxury, intimate settings, and personalised service. Today, all Park Hyatt hotels are designed with a residential feel, and an emphasis on art, design, and a high-end F&B offering. Each Park Hyatt strives to reflect the local culture and character of the location it is set in which I can attest to having been lucky enough to stay in several Park Hyatt properties worldwide over the years including Paris, Mallorca, Bangkok, Goa, Vienna, Zanzibar, and New York. Naturally I was excited and curious to see what the new London property would offer, and how well it would integrate into this cosmopolitan city I grew up in.

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Park Hyatt London River Thames – seeing London in a new light
When General Manager, Rike Erdbrink, said of the new Park Hyatt London River Thames “the hotel positions London in a new light, primed to accommodate discerning travellers looking for elevated experiences” she wasn’t wrong. Instead of opening in one of London’s typical upscale areas like Mayfair or the West End, Hyatt went against the grain and chose to open its first UK hotel in Nine Elms, a bold decision some may have thought, but perhaps a clever one on reflection. Previously a site for industries such as car manufacturers and workshops, today Nine Elms is one of Europe’s largest regeneration projects, home to the US Embassy, the reimagined Battersea Power Station and other famous landmarks close by. In a fast-growing, if not somewhat overcrowded luxury hotel market in London, it is perhaps Park Hyatt’s unconventional location with its breathtaking city and river views that makes it stand out from the rest.

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Design and interiors
With a contemporary interpretation of classic English style, the design of the hotel is a masterclass in understated elegance. The lobby greets guests with a striking gold, swirl-like installation by Charlie Whinney called ‘Ebb and Flow’, inspired by the river Thames. Characteristic of all Park Hyatt hotels, the interior spaces here are adorned with carefully curated, powerful artworks and sculptures, including an immersive “park by water” experience. Elsewhere throughout the hotel you’ll find art from well-known artists including Ian Rayer-Smith, Jo Taylor, Francoise Delaire, Gabriel Leung, George Blacklock, and Ewan David.

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The hotel’s palette of neutral tones, soft textures, and luxurious fabrics are applied across the property to create a serene ambiance, while oversized windows allow natural light to flood in, reinforcing the sense of space that’s evident throughout the building. Each guestroom feels almost palatial, with high ceiling to floor windows doing their best to show London at its finest, with its impressive skyline of skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, and busy river activity. From high up here it’s impossible not to fall in love with London, whether you’re a local or a tourist.

Looking inward, wallpapered guestroom walls feature designs by the iconic English textile designer, William Morris, while white and ebony furnishings are offset by touches of leather and brass, and impressive lighting features. Our favourite features included the electronic blackout blinds (a basic feature admittedly, but who doesn’t love a “big reveal” in the morning); a chic and well stocked mini bar; and the toilet (yes!) with settings designed to offer you an exceptionally clean experience! Of course, every good luxury hotel should come with sumptuous bedding, and the Park Hyatt did not disappoint. We loved the contemporary, spacious bathrooms too, adorned with marble and equipped with generous power showers and deep soaking tubs.

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Culinary offerings at the Park Hyatt are varied and pleasing, with fun initiatives recently introduced to its outlets including Dim Sum masterclasses and Brazilian Churrasco. The Nine Elms Kitchen & Terrace offers a menu ‘inspired by the cultural diversity of London’. Sitting in our private booth and served by friendly staff, we dined on starters such as polenta chips and smoked salmon on rye bread, followed by hefty mains including pan fried dover sole and a succulent burger, all washed down with a delicious bottle of crémant. No room for dessert for us but we were tempted!

The Nine Elms Bar & Lounge warrants a visit not just on account of its extensive cocktail list, but also because of its collection of striking modern artwork which adorns the wooden panelled walls. A mix of high-end and sophisticated materials have been used in here, such as white marble, terrazzo, brushed steel, antique-finished bronze, oiled walnut and soft fabrics, while a unique lighting installation with 296 hanging lights creates a dynamic and glamorous feel.

TAMISé Tea Lounge & Wine Library is a chic spot offering a 300-label wine collection with views out to the River Thames; Cantonese restaurant, Yú Gé boasts a comprehensive menu of dishes ranging from dim sum and spring rolls to steamed whole fish and sweet and sour pork. There’s a reason it’s popular with the hotel’s regular Chinese clientele.

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As with all the Park Hyatt hotels I’ve stayed in, a notable feature are its swimming pools. The bigger the better seems to be the philosophy at the London property. Here, guests are treated to a 20 x8-metre heated indoor pool surrounded by plenty of loungers to relax on after a few laps. The spa area includes separate sauna facilities for men and women, a well-equipped gym, treatment rooms and a relaxation area boasting two state-of-the-art looking Somadome pods. These egg-shaped meditation pods use LED colour and light therapy along with binaural beat meditation and magnetic therapy to promote deep relaxation.

Recent healing experiences bookable for guests at varying times of the year include The Self Love Lab Floating Sound Bath Experience, which take place in the pool. Led by founder and sound healing expert Zehra Ibrabhim, guests float in the serene waters while being enveloped by therapeutic sounds frequencies, creating a profound meditation experience to nurture both mind and body. This pioneering aquatic sound bath brings a new dimension to London’s wellness offering.

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The hotel’s event spaces are equally impressive, designed to host everything from intimate gatherings to larger corporate events. Five meeting rooms are located on the first floor, while a 600-capacity pillarless ballroom and foyer can be found on the second floor. With harmonious acoustics and sophisticated décor, these spaces are perfectly suited for any occasion.

Almost a year on since it made its debut in a city competing with so many different hotels in the luxury space, the Park Hyatt London River Thames has proven itself to be the epitome of a classic, luxury hotel with well-thought-out interiors, wide-ranging dining options, and top-notch facilities. A staycation at the Park Hyatt left us feeling revitalized, a testament to the Park Hyatt’s commitment to elevating the guest experience in every facet.

Main image credit: Park Hyatt London River Thames