Spacious, serene and filled with soothing sophistication. Ideal for a calming base after the overstimulating sights of London, Park Hyatt London River Thames in Nine Elms offers the ultimate respite when it comes to a luxurious getaway complete with modern interiors, state-of-the-art wellness facilities and incredible river views. Sophie Ritchie shares more about this sublime city stay
Opened last October, Park Hyatt London River Thames is a modern haven of timeless luxury and serene surroundings, set within a tower so tall it can be spotted for miles around. Featuring 203 guestrooms spread across 18 floors, its striking glass and limestone facade acts like a beacon of architectural excellence, with an exterior design conjured by architectural firm KPF.
Soaring up into the sky, the building also houses an additional number of Park Hyatt-branded residences located on the upper levels, with an adjacent tower dedicated to further private lodgings. The two buildings are joined by a single glazed bridge – creating a magnificent architectural statement that sets the tone of this impressive stay as I wheel my mini suitcase towards its porter-flanked entrance.
Even upon arrival to this sleek skyscraper, I find myself swept through the doors like the suavest of conveyor belt-like routines. My suitcase somehow vanishes before I even arrive at the check-in desk (for once in London, I don’t have a panic attack) and after being met with a gleaming smile and friendly small talk, I’m personally shown to my King Corner Bedroom on the 17th floor after zooming up in a lift reserved only for those on the property’s upper two levels.
The sense of exclusivity begins long before I even swipe the key card, leaving me feeling world’s away from the email-filled chaos that followed me on the train here. I toss the laptop aside (metaphorically, of course) and get thoroughly settled into these swanky surroundings.
The Room
A modern space complete with jaw-dropping cityscape views courtesy of high ceilings and matching windows that feel tall enough to stretch into the clouds, natural light pours cleverly through the space to showcase the truly mesmerising views surrounding the building.
Its coveted corner position means my abode offers multiple mesmerising angles of both the River Thames and wider London through several of these floor-to-ceiling windows. The eyefuls are cleverly utilised to make the space feel much larger – and whilst the contemporary furniture is undeniably gorgeous, it naturally pales in comparison to the 360° riverside views surrounding me, undeniably the true jewel of this stay.
Forget those Hop-On, Hop-Off buses. From this 17th floor perch, London feels like a sightseeing dream – you could quite easily spend hours picking out different landmarks and your favourite London buildings. I spy the London Eye, Parliament, Big Ben, The Shard and a smattering of City’s most famous architecture before I’ve even finished my coffee courtesy of the room’s Nespresso machine. Come evening, when nightfall blankets the city and the buildings’ glimmering lights spring into action, it’s somehow even more captivating.
Muster the strength to drag your gaze away from the panorama and sink yourself into the many luxury furnishings that transform this from a simple viewing platform into a dreamily comfortable respite. Warming pops of orange in the form of leather seats, coasters and other small accessories blend into the crisp space, juxtaposed with sleek wooden floors, high end artwork and pristine white walls. You’ll notice the burnt orange hue in the toiletries as well – it’s an exclusive shade curated specifically for this property, distinguishing it from other Park Hyatt siblings which have their own individual colour palettes.
There’s a little something for every type of traveler within this room. Along with the magnificently large bed, I spot a small round table and chairs that make the prospect of working all afternoon almost inviting. However, in the adjacent corner there’s also a primely positioned chaise lounge for curling up and dreaming the day away. Business or pleasure, the metamorphic space is yours to enjoy.
Clever mechanical blinds can be pressed up and down with the press of a button (technically it took me four to work out the different settings, but I am a natural blonde) whilst the light switches offer multiple settings to discover too. Even the bathroom (uniquely located at the entrance of the corner room to maximise the space and windows’ scenery) is impressive – kitted out with a power rainfall shower, marble galore and tucked away high-tech toilet.
From this sky high spot, London feels so much calmer – as if observing it from a safe perch. For anyone who values their downtime after a non-stop itinerary, it’s the ultimate sense of comfortable exclusivity from the moment an abode’s door swings shut – you could easily forget this is still a prime Zone 1 postcode.
The Food & Drink
It’s no secret that the UK’s capital offers endless choices when it comes to dining out, but there’s plenty awaiting you within these art-clad hotel walls too. Providing guests with a spectrum of cuisines, Park Hyatt London River Thames satisfies many an appetite with its versatile variety of restaurants and bars.
On the ground floor, The Nine Elms Kitchen can be visited from dawn ‘til dusk for a wide selection of menu favourites – ranging from small plates and classic Caesar salads through to indulgent Wagyu beef burgers and pasta delights.
Come breakfast time, it’s a well-dressed feeding frenzy – where buffet delights and a la carte options can be devoured ahead of a busy day’s exploring. As well as the brunch classics, there’s a more unusual handful of Asian-inspired dishes worth ordering too, such as dim sum and a flavourful kedgeree.
For those seeking something both elegant and intimate, restaurant Yú Gé pays tribute to Park Hyatt’s oriental origins and provides a stunningly authentic Cantonese dining experience. Delivering fine dining dishes led with only the freshest of ingredients, this beautiful venue is the definition of a ‘special occasion’ restaurant. There are also multiple private dining rooms available for hire within the restaurant’s meticulously-designed walls, adding to the property’s personal ethos.
With all of that sumptuous food, you’ll need something to wash it down with. Luckily on-site wine library TAMISé offers a 300-strong selection of wines to sample, paired with equally exquisite views, small bites and crisp, contemporary interiors.
Pitstop here for a pre-dinner tipple – the comfortable sofas are perfect for sinking into whilst stylishly sipping an hour or two away. Should you still feel parched, The Nine Elms Bar (located about three steps from the lobby’s entrance) is open all day for tipples and light bites.
Things to try
Eye up the artwork: 20 world-class artists flow through the hotel, crafting an immersive “park by water” experience. In the lobby alone, it’s impossible not to miss the statement steam-bent ‘Ebb and Flow’ art installation which weaves through the space like a levitating bronze ribbon.
Go adventuring: Ideal for the explorers, the hotel’s central location makes it ideal for ticking off a travel highlight list on foot. Not only located closely to some of London’s most iconic landmarks, such as the lastminute.com London Eye, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace, its riverside position makes it ideal for meandering along the Thames Path to nearby Battersea Power Station – where a day of good old fashioned mall shopping can be enjoyed until one’s credit card combusts.
Spa the day away: There’s serious wellness appeal within these walls. Park Hyatt London River Thames’ tucked away spa is a modern haven of relaxation – with an entire floor dedicated to urban wellbeing. Prepare to feel transformed by the time you return the robe thanks to its pristine facilities, which include a shimmering heated infinity pool curated for both lounging and laps thanks to its 20 by 8-metre size. In the equally chic changing rooms, gender-separated saunas can also be enjoyed at leisure. For those in need of further TLC, The Spa at Park Hyatt London River Thames also includes six private treatment rooms where expert therapists melt tension away with bespoke experiences tailored to individual needs, whether that be a massage, facial or full day of pampering.
Work up a sweat: Pack your trainers and head to the on-site fitness center, where floor-to-ceiling windows make the prospect of working up a sweat almost fun. The space includes a vast selection of state-of-the-art TechoGym machines, plus free weights and additional personal training services. Should you prefer al fresco exercise, nearby Battersea Park makes an excellent location for showing off the lululemon.
The Wordrobe Verdict
When it comes to a sublime hotel visit, it’s all about the little details. Sweating the small stuff is what separates a property from being ‘‘nice enough’ to the kind of impeccable stay that will leave you scouring the diary for an upcoming reason to justify a speedy return. At Park Hyatt London River Thames, it’s evident that mastering the tiniest of attributes is why this brand is renowned for its refined approach to luxury hotel sojourns across the world.
Come for the interiors and stay for the views. If you’re seeking a modern city stay that combines a relaxingly comfortable feel with top-notch wellness facilities and a prime riverside position, this five-star hotel offers the ultimate respite when it comes to a luxurious London getaway.
Make it happen
Where: 7 Nine Elms Ln, Nine Elms, London SW8 5PH
How: Find out more and make a booking via hyatt.com
Getting there: The hotel is just seven minutes from Nine Elms tube station and Vauxhall’s transport links, and five minutes from St George’s Wharf (Vauxhall) for the UberBoat by Thames Clipper service. London City Airport is the closest airport, with London Heathrow and London Gatwick Airports within an hour’s journey.
Words by Sophie Ritchie, editor
