Park Hyatt London Themes - Property Review

Property Overview

• Location: Nine Elms District, South Bank of River Thames, near Battersea Power Station
• Opening Date: October 2024
• Significance: First Park Hyatt in the United Kingdom
• Building: Occupies lowest 18 floors of 42-story glass and limestone tower (floors 19-42 are Park Hyatt branded residences)
• Total Rooms: 203 guest rooms and suites
  • 31 suites
  • 2 Ambassador Suites
  • 1 Presidential Suite

---

Room Categories & Features

Suite Categories Reviewed

1. Park Suite (Initial Room - New Year's Eve)

• Corner room location
• Unique corner design with extremely high ceilings
• Floor-to-ceiling marbling in bathroom
• Plush, comfortable bed
• High-quality automatic curtains
• Stunning living room with river views
• Welcome amenity provided for New Year's Eve
• Issue: Structural problem with beams cracking loudly all night during storm (room-specific engineering issue)

2. Grand Deluxe Riverview Suite (10th Floor)

• Highest level upgrade before Ambassador Suite tier
• First category with two bathrooms (full bath + powder room)
• Hardwood floors with unique pattern
• Large L-shaped couch in living area
• Sophisticated lighting throughout
• Orange accent colors
• Automatic blinds in all areas
• Nespresso machine
• Issue: Only two bottles of water provided (insufficient)
• Illuminated lighting behind headboard
• Textured white walls with indentations (not flat)
• Freestanding TV
• Carpeted bedroom area
• Large closet space in bathroom
• Dyson wireless hair dryer (fancy but not practical)
• Two sinks
• Blaise Mountain bath products (first European Park Hyatt to use this brand, rolling out to other Park Hyatts in Europe)
• Standing leg bathtub with window view
• White marbling to ceiling
• Robes (coarse, not fluffy - spa robes are better)
• Rainfall shower with medium water pressure
• Premium toilet with full control panel (same as Park Hyatt Jakarta)

3. Ambassador Suite

• Only 2 on property
• Massive space with multiple bathrooms
• Three distinct areas: living, bedroom, bathroom
• Pricing: Starting around £8,000/night, not bookable with points, not available for Globalist upgrades
• Unique bed design
• Most sophisticated bathroom in property
• Tub faces river with incredible views
• Spectacular shower design
• Next-level lighting details
• Beautiful marbling throughout

Standard Room Categories

King Riverview Room

• Tubs in all rooms (rare luxury feature)
• Separate toilet area
• White paneling walls
• Illuminated closet space
• Safe
• Nespresso machine
• King bedroom with table lamp
• Full screen TV
• Riverview windows
• Ottoman in front of bed
• Carpeting around bed
• Automatic blinds
• Hardwood and tiled flooring

King City View Room (Entry-Level)

• Corner location
• Unique Feature: Better views than suites - can see London Eye from distance
• Same elegant design as other rooms
• Full amenities

Twin City View Room

• Two twin beds (one person each)
• Not ideal for families
• Elegant lighting features
• Can see London Eye
• Same premium design standards

---

Design & Architecture

Overall Design Philosophy

• Contemporary and refined
• Floor-to-ceiling windows throughout
• Open, light-filled feeling
• Panoramic river and London skyline views
• Modern yet classic aesthetic
• Residential, "home from home" feel
• Calm and serene atmosphere

Lobby & Public Spaces

• Absolutely fantastic with incredible artwork
• High ceilings
• Sophisticated hallways with wood paneling
• Unique lighting fixtures
• Elevated experience throughout

Hallway Features

• Wood paneling
• Unique lighting fixtures
• Elegant and serene atmosphere

---

Dining & Restaurants

Nine Elms Kitchen and Terrace (Main Restaurant)

Atmosphere

• Open, calm, and residential feel
• Connects to lobby
• River-side facing with natural light
• Relaxed rather than formal

Breakfast Service

• Full buffet + a la carte options
• Fresh pastries and baked goods
• Seasonal fruit and yogurt
• Cereals and granola
• Hot breakfast items
• Eggs prepared to order
• Coffee, tea, juices
• Unlimited specialty coffees (cappuccinos, lattes)
• Globalist benefit: 2 complimentary breakfasts per day
• High-quality ingredients
• Unique round ball pastries with cream filling
• Crispy hash browns, eggs Florentine
• Excellent juice and pastry selection

Lunch Service

• Light starters and salads
• Seasonal soups
• Fish and meat mains (simply prepared)
• Vegetarian options

Dinner Service

• More fine dining and formal
• Modern European cuisine
• Seasonal ingredients
• Thoughtfully prepared dishes
• Changes throughout year
• Calm, refined, intimate atmosphere
• Primarily attracts hotel guests

Nine Elms Bar and Lounge

• Main social space
• Calm, residential, refined atmosphere
• Soft lighting
• Comfortable seating
• Serves cocktails, wine, light food
• Relaxed meeting point (not nightlife destination)

Tamise (Status Unclear)

• Not open at time of review
• Not listed on hotel website
• Huge wine cellar visible
• May host "The Magic Table" experience (paid)
• Staff uncertain about operational status
• River views
• Unique hanging lights
• Significant potential if opened

---

Spa & Wellness Facilities

Spa Reception

• Dedicated floor for spa, fitness, and pool
• Unique design with shopping area
• Can purchase items
• Treatment rooms available
• Services like most Park Hyatts

Locker Rooms (Separate Men's/Women's)

• Very spacious
• Nice design
• Available to all guests
• Changing and shower facilities
• Sauna: Wood floor to ceiling (no steam room in men's side)

Pool Area

Critical Issues

• Full-sized indoor swimming pool
• Major Flaw: No hot tub or jacuzzi (shocking for luxury property)
• Cold lap-style pool only
• Visually empty and underwhelming
• Guard rail looks cheap (like YMCA knockoff)
• Does not feel luxurious
• Disconnected from rest of property design
• One of largest pools in London (but disappointing execution)

Fitness Center

• Much nicer than pool area
• Modern, clean, well-maintained
• High-quality cardio machines
• Floor-to-ceiling windows (no river views)
• Functional equipment
• Decently sized for 203-room property

---

Location & Accessibility

Neighborhood

• Nine Elms District, South Bank
• Rapidly redeveloped area with high-rises, promenades, cultural attractions
• Near Battersea Power Station (walkable - beautiful river walk)

Distance to Downtown

• 5-7 minute walk to bus/train station
• 20-30 minutes total to central London attractions
• Not in central London like other luxury hotels

View Limitations

• Very few rooms can see London Eye
• Most views obstructed by buildings
• Some entry-level city view rooms have better London Eye views than suites
• River views available but not iconic London landmarks

---

Service Experience

Positive Service Elements

• Front desk staff: Very nice and accommodating
• Restaurant staff: Friendly and attentive
• Door staff: Always present to open doors
• Good intentions from management
• Eventually resolved issues
• Manager meeting provided
• Room upgrade offered as compensation

Service Issues

• First night: Structural room issue (beams cracking loudly)
• Poor initial service recovery
• Room change took excessive time (not ready until 7:30 PM next day)
• Even after 4 PM checkout, took 3.5+ hours to prepare
• No personalized welcome amenity beyond standard New Year's Eve gift
• No note or gesture for inconvenience
• Uncomfortable interaction with one employee
• Pool attendant not friendly
• As new hotel, still working out operational details

---

Amenities & Details

In-Room Amenities

• Automatic blinds (all rooms)
• Nespresso machines
• Sophisticated lighting systems
• Illuminated closets
• Coat hangers only in closets (no other items)
• Limited bottled water (only 2 per room)
• Mini bar
• Slippers: Cloth material with cork bottom (not plush - disappointing)
• Iron and ironing board
• Dyson wireless hair dryer (fancy but not effective)
• Robes: Coarse texture (spa robes are fluffier and better)

Bathroom Products

• Blaise Mountain brand (new to Europe Park Hyatts)
• Different scent for each property
• Rolling out across European Park Hyatts
• Bath salts being added (in process)

Technology

• Full control panel toilets in premium suites
• Automatic window treatments throughout

---

Overall Ratings

Rooms: 5/5

• Brand new and modern
• Floor-to-ceiling windows
• Automatic blinds
• Hardwood floors and quality carpeting
• Excellent interior design
• Comfortable and well-appointed
• Great design in both standard rooms and suites
• Sophisticated lighting fixtures

Inspiration: 4/5

• Deduction primarily for location (away from central London)
• Very few rooms have London Eye/Big Ben views
• Most views obstructed by buildings
• 5-minute walk to transit + 20-30 minutes to main attractions
• Otherwise stunning property

Service: 3.5-4/5

• Would have been 2.5-3 after first night only
• Service recovery took too long (multiple requests over 3 days)
• Eventually made things right
• Room readiness issues (7:30 PM on second day)
• Uncomfortable employee interaction
• Pool attendant unfriendly
• Positives: Front desk excellent, restaurant staff friendly, door service outstanding
• No personalized amenity or note for inconvenience
• New hotel still working out processes

Value: 4/5

• Would consider staying again
• New St. Regis downtown is competition
• Pool area disappointing (no jacuzzi)
• One of biggest pools in London
• Newest Park Hyatt and newest luxury hotel in city
• Not perfect but very nice property worth considering

---

Final Verdict

Best For

• Travelers who don't mind being outside central London
• Modern design enthusiasts
• World of Hyatt members using points/suite upgrades
• Guests prioritizing new, contemporary luxury over location
• Those seeking calm, residential hotel experience

Consider Alternatives If

• You need to be in central London
• Pool/spa facilities are priority (no jacuzzi)
• You want views of London Eye/Big Ben from suite
• You're traveling with family (limited room configurations)

Key Takeaway Stunning modern property with exceptional design and rooms, but location outside central London and disappointing pool facilities prevent it from being the absolute best luxury option in the city. Service is improving but inconsistent as new property. Best Park Hyatt debut in UK, but not without notable flaws.