After an unforgettable stay with my best friend at the Park Hyatt London River Thames, I am excited to move closer to the heart of London for my next stop: the Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars.

While I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Park Hyatt, I chose the Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars for three key reasons. First, its central location along the Thames makes it perfect for exploring London and staying on track with my half-marathon training — I can easily fit in a 10-mile run right from the hotel. Second, I am meeting up with a few friends who work in the Financial District, just a 10-minute walk away. Lastly, the Hyatt Regency is about 10,000 points cheaper per night, which adds up to 30,000 points saved over my three-night stay. Those extra points will go a long way toward a future trip with my wife, family, or friends.

Hotel Award Booking (8/10)

The Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars is a Category 5 property in the World of Hyatt program (as of 2024). Award rates here range from 17,000 points per night (off-peak) to 23,000 points per night (peak), with a standard rate of 20,000 points per night. When I book my stay, the cash rates for a standard room averaged well over $400 per night. Luckily, the award rate during my visit is 20,000 points per night, making my three-night stay a total of 60,000 points — a solid redemption value.

I do not encounter any trouble finding award space for my November dates in London. At the time of booking, I have two room options: a King Bed or Two Twin Beds. Since I initially expect my friend to join me, I book the Two Twin Beds. However, when his plans change just before check-in, the hotel graciously switches me to the King Bed room upon request.

Sadly, there are no suites available when I arrive, so I do not get an upgrade — but since I am traveling solo, this is not a major issue. Upgrades matter far more when I am traveling with my wife, family, or friends.

Related: The Best Ways To Earn World Of Hyatt Points

Hotel Location And Local Transportation Options (10/10)

I can not imagine a better location for a hotel in London. The Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars sits right in the heart of the city, making it an ideal home base for exploring. I have no trouble walking pretty much anywhere, and I love how central the hotel feels. As far as I can tell, none of the major sites are more than a 30-minute walk away. Plus, being right on the river helps me keep my bearings — even if I do not have Google Maps open on my phone, I can easily find my way back.

For those planning a visit, the exact address of the Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars is:

19 New Bridge Street
London EC4V 6DB

Public Transportation

The proximity of the hotel to public transportation is unbeatable. Blackfriars tube station (Circle and District lines) is directly across the street, making it easy to get anywhere in central London.

When it is time to head to Heathrow at the end of my stay, I take the District line from Blackfriars to Earls Court. From there, I transfer to the Piccadilly line, which takes me straight to the airport. Another option is to take the Circle line from Blackfriars to Moorgate and transfer to the Elizabeth line. While the Elizabeth line is much nicer than the Piccadilly line, it costs about $8 more. Since both routes take about the same amount of time, I am perfectly fine sticking with the Piccadilly line.

Related: How To Visit London With Points And Miles

Vibe And Atmosphere (7/10)

The vibe at the Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars feels fairly sterile for most of the year. From a design perspective, nothing about the interiors of the hotel really stands out or feels particularly unique.

However, the restaurants within the hotel create a more distinct atmosphere with fun, thoughtfully designed spaces. I notice a lot of businesspeople from the area coming in for lunch, adding energy to the dining scene during the day. The basement bar also has a lively business-party vibe. I am there late one night, and after the nearby pubs close, the bar starts filling up — it is one of the only spots around still serving drinks after 10 PM.

I also happen to visit as the hotel is putting up its Christmas decorations. I have stayed at several hotels in London during the holiday season, and I have to say the decor here is especially classic. Large, beautifully decorated trees and garlands are tastefully placed throughout the property. It really gets me into the holiday spirit — especially since London is already such a magical place during Christmas. The hotel does a fantastic job creating a festive, welcoming atmosphere.

Hotel Check-In (8/10)

After exiting the Blackfriars tube (underground / subway) station, I walk across the street and head up a small set of stairs to the entrance. I assume this is the main entrance, but it turns out to be the back entrance.

To reach the check-in area, I have to take either the stairs or the elevator down one level. A doorman is there to assist me with my bag and guide me toward the check-in desks.

Note: If I had arrived by black cab or Uber, I would have been dropped off at the proper front entrance on the opposite side of the building. That entrance leads directly into the lobby, making check-in more straightforward.

I head straight to the check-in desk and hand the attendant my passport and credit card. She asks if I will be staying alone or if someone will be joining me. Since my friend has a last-minute change of plans, I let her know that I will be staying by myself and ask if a King Bed room is available. She confirms that one is ready. Perfect!

Check-in goes smoothly, though she apologizes that no suites are available during my stay. Within minutes, I have my keys and head up to my room on the 7th floor: Room 721.

Related: Save 50% With The Unique Hyatt Family Plan Rate

King Bed Room – Bedroom And Living Space (8/10)

Within minutes, I have my keys and head up to my room on the 7th floor: Room 721.

The Living Space

As I step into the room, the first thing I see on my left is the bathroom, followed by a stylish full-length mirror. The modern design of the mirror catches my eye, and I think it adds a nice touch to the overall decor.

Immediately to my right is the “closet,” though it is really an open shelving system with drawers. The safe is built into the shelving and fully exposed, and there is a small enclosed section with an ironing board. Since I like to unpack while traveling, I appreciate how much storage space there is — plenty of drawers, hangers, an iron and ironing board, and even a dedicated spot for my luggage. While I usually prefer a fully enclosed closet, this open design works well and feels thoughtfully laid out.

Built into the closet area is the minibar, featuring a Nespresso machine, a kettle, and a mini-fridge stocked with two bottles of water. I am not sure if these are usually complimentary, but as a Globalist, I get two bottles replaced daily at no extra charge.

Just past the closet is the TV. It is mounted quite far from the bed, but to compensate for the distance, it is one of the largest TVs I have ever seen in a hotel room.

In the corner, there is a lamp, chair, and small table that doubles as a workspace. Even though there is no traditional desk, the table is the perfect height for writing or taking phone calls comfortably.

One feature I really appreciate is the full-length windows. Since London is not exactly known for its sunshine, I am glad the room lets in as much natural light as possible. I get a great view of the Shard, which is one of the coolest buildings in London.

The Bedroom

The room itself is long and narrow, which explains the extra-large TV. At the far end of the room is the king-sized bed with a daybed situated at the foot. There is plenty of space between the bed and the TV, making the room feel surprisingly spacious — a nice perk in the middle of London, where space often comes at a premium.

On either side of the bed are standard bedside tables with an alarm clock, phone, notepad, and pen. There are also conveniently placed outlets and light controls, which are essential given the size and layout of the room.

The bed is extremely comfortable, with thick bedding that feels luxurious. However, the heavy blankets are a bit of a double-edged sword. Even when I set the room to the coldest temperature, I still get hot and end up sleeping on top of the comforter — but it is still very cozy overall.

The only real frustration I encounter is trying to plug in my travel adapter. For some reason, the outlets in the room just will not accept it, even though I have no issues using it in the club lounge. I am not sure what is causing the problem, but it is a bit of an annoyance.

Considering how valuable space is in this part of the city, I am impressed with how comfortable and functional the room feels.

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King Bed Room – Bathroom (9/10)

As I mentioned earlier, the bathroom is immediately to the left when I enter the room. The first thing I notice is how immaculate it looks — even after being open for over a year and a half, the entire space still feels brand new. The sink is directly to the right, complete with standard amenities and a built-in makeup mirror. I really like the large mirror above the sink — it has a modern, sleek design that elevates the space.

Straight ahead is the shower, which features stunning tile work. The dark green subway tiles are arranged vertically, adding a modern and luxurious feel. There is a small step up into the shower, and I appreciate that the water controls are thoughtfully placed — no cold water blast when I turn the shower on! This makes it easy to adjust the temperature before stepping in. Furthermore, the robe and towel placement are great so that I do not have to think about grabbing them before stepping into the shower.

The shower has both a rainfall shower head and a handheld wand. The water pressure is excellent, and the water gets nice and hot, which I always appreciate after a long day exploring the city.

The bath products are from Pharmacopia, the standard brand for Hyatt Regency properties, and come in wall-mounted bulk containers. While some hotels fall short on product quality, these feel premium and fit the overall vibe of the room.

There is also a bathrobe conveniently hanging next to the shower — a thoughtful design element that I wish more hotels would incorporate.

Interestingly, the shower does not have a door. Normally, I am not a fan of doorless showers because of water splashing onto the bathroom floor, but the design works perfectly here. Thanks to the rainfall shower head and the layout, the water stays contained — I do not have any issues with “rogue water.”

The toilet is tucked away on the left side of the bathroom, directly behind the bathroom door. Since the door swings inward toward the toilet, it could be awkward if someone opened it while another person is using the restroom — but since I am staying alone, it is a non-issue.

Hotel Amenities And Facilities (7/10)

Given the historic nature of the Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars, space for amenities is somewhat limited. However, the hotel still manages to offer two key facilities: a well-equipped gym and an excellent club lounge.

Gym

The gym occupies the entire bottom floor, though the area itself is not very large. After exiting the elevator, I turn right and scan my keycard to enter the gym.

Directly in front of me is a small changing room and a bench, while a towel station with sanitizing wipes sits immediately to my left. There is also a water station stocked with disposable cups.

The gym is divided into several sections:

• Free Weights: There is a generous selection of dumbbells (in kilograms, as expected), medicine balls, and stretching poles.
• Cardio Equipment: This area includes a rower, a Peloton bike, two treadmills, and an elliptical machine.
• Weight Machines: The selection includes a leg extension machine, a chest press, and a cable machine.

One downside is that the cable machine is a tight fit — so much so that using the pull-up bar would be challenging, as I would likely hit my head directly into the light!

That said, I do not end up using the gym. With the Thames River less than 100 yards away, I opt for a scenic 10-mile run along the river instead — definitely my preferred workout when the weather is perfect!

Club Lounge

In my opinion, this is easily the best club lounge I have experienced post-COVID (though I have not been to Asia in nearly a decade, so take that statement with a grain of salt).

The lounge is located directly across from the check-in desks and functions as an extension of the lobby. It features plenty of tables, chairs, and cozy spots for both work and relaxation. I spend a good amount of time here throughout my stay, as it is a very comfortable and inviting space.

While the lounge is technically open to all guests, those with club access get the real perks. For me, the standout feature is the barista-made coffee — a rarity in hotel lounges. Many lounges rely on automatic coffee machines, but here, the staff makes proper espresso-based drinks to order. All I have to do is provide my room number and request whatever non-alcoholic beverage I want.

Throughout my stay, I enjoy countless Coke Zeros and expertly crafted cappuccinos. The beans are freshly ground with each order, making the coffee genuinely good — not just passable “hotel coffee.” This is a huge value-add, especially if traveling with family, as I can load up on water bottles or grab a to-go coffee before heading out.

The lounge offers a “Happy Hour,” which runs daily from 5-7 PM. While the selection is not enough to replace dinner, it offers a nice variety of snacks served on charming British-style tea stands, providing a local touch. and rotates selections on a daily basis. The complimentary drinks include house red and white wine, beer, and still or sparkling water. I try to order sparkling wine one evening but learn that it is not included, so I opt for sparkling water instead.

Breakfast (7/10)

Breakfast takes place at the Chinese Cricket Club, located one level above the check-in desks and near the tube station entrance. The restaurant offers a buffet-style breakfast with a decent variety of options.

When I arrive, I wait patiently to be seated. It is clear that the restaurant is understaffed, as waiters and waitresses are responsible for seating guests in addition to serving tables.

Once I am seated, the waiter asks if I would like coffee or tea. On my first morning, I order a cappuccino but quickly realize it is made by a machine, not freshly brewed by a barista. After that, I switch to drip coffee and grab a cappuccino from the club lounge instead, where it is served in a to-go cup — a much more convenient option.

While waiting for my coffee, I check out the buffet, which is organized into three main sections:

• Hot Dishes. This area includes traditional English breakfast staples like streaky bacon, sausages, hash browns, and other hot items. There is also a small salad section, cold cuts, and fresh fruit. I am especially impressed by the fresh avocado available every morning — something I rarely see at a London hotel breakfast buffet.
• Grains And Breads. This section offers a variety of cereals and a nice selection of breads. My favorite is the fresh bread, which I suspect is purchased from a local bakery rather than baked in-house. One thing I love about London is the abundance of fresh bread everywhere — but I digress!
• Juice And Coffee Station. Here, I find drip coffee and several types of juice.

Overall, the food quality is fine — nothing spectacular, but it gets the job done. It does not compare to the exceptional breakfast at the Park Hyatt London River Thames, but for a Hyatt Regency breakfast buffet, it is perfectly adequate. As someone who values having breakfast at my hotel, I am more than happy to eat here.

On-Site Dining (8/10)

The Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars features two full-service restaurants, a bar, and in-room dining. The first restaurant, Chinese Cricket Club, is where I enjoy breakfast each morning. It also serves lunch and dinner, though I do not have the chance to try those meals. Directly across the hall is NYnLON, described as an upscale bistro “with a healthy bias.”

Outside of breakfast, I do not dine at any on-site restaurant or use the in-room dining option.

I do, however, visit the hotel bar, Leaf & Cane, on my last evening. Located one floor below the check-in area, it has a fantastic Latin-inspired vibe that extends from the decor to the cocktail menu.

As I walk in, I see a long, beautifully designed bar with elegant lighting and stylish decor. At the far end of the room is a mix of comfortable seating and a small stage — though no live music is playing while I am there.

The most unique feature of the bar is its outdoor seating area. Beneath the street are a series of old bunkers about five feet deep. I have heard these were originally jail cells used to detain “women of ill-repute” picked up by the police for the night. Thankfully, they have been completely renovated into cozy outdoor alcoves — perfect for enjoying drinks with friends in a truly distinctive setting.

For my visit, as I am flying solo, I choose to sit at the bar. The bartender starts me off with a complimentary pub mix, which he kindly refills after my first drink. I order a Holy Elixir, a complex and flavorful cocktail made with Casa Dragones tequila, Mezcal Amores Espadin, Tio Pepe Fino Sherry, toasted yerba mate, lemongrass, citrus, and clarified milk. It… is… absolutely…delicious — but at £17, it is definitely a splurge.

Afterward, in line with the theme of the bar, I finish my night with a refreshing Latin American lager, savoring the great drinks and even better conversation with the bartenders.

Staff And Service (7/10)

The staff at the Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars are friendly and kind, but I notice that I often have to flag someone down to get assistance. For example, when I arrive at breakfast, there is a clear “Wait to Be Seated” sign, but no one is there to greet me, so I have to wave someone over to get seated.

A similar situation happens during the Globalist happy hour in the lounge. I stop by to grab some bites, order a drink, and do a bit of work. However, I end up waiting about 10 minutes in the middle of the lounge before I can get the attention of any staff members. While it is not a major issue, I think a bit more proactivity from the staff would improve the experience. To be fair, I wonder if it is simply a staffing issue — a challenge many hotels are facing these days.

That said, I have to give a special shoutout to the two bartenders working the hotel bar one evening. When I arrive, the bar is nearly empty, so it is just me for a while. We end up chatting for about half an hour about a wide range of topics, including the U.S. political system, which they are curious about. Since my entire day job team is based in London, I am used to these kinds of discussions and comfortable asking about aspects of British society as well. It is a fascinating conversation, and I really enjoy the personal connection.

World Of Hyatt Status Benefits And Recognition (10/10)

The World of Hyatt program is well-known for offering valuable status benefits, especially since its smaller global footprint means it has to work harder to attract loyal customers. I am happy to say that the staff at the Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars does a great job recognizing my Globalist status.

Upon arrival, I am warmly welcomed and personally thanked for my loyalty to the World of Hyatt program. Throughout my stay, I am able to take advantage of several valuable benefits, including:

• Free Daily Breakfast: Enjoyed in the hotel restaurant, where the food selection is excellent.
• Unlimited Club Lounge Access: I make good use of this perk, and I am impressed by the overall service and offerings in the lounge.
• Welcome Amenity: A personalized letter from the hotel and a delicious mini-cake — a thoughtful touch that makes me feel appreciated.
• Late Check-Out: While I do not need it this time, it is always nice to know the option is there.

During check-in, the front desk attendant sincerely apologizes that no suites are available for an upgrade. She assures me that if one had been available, they would have gladly upgraded me. While I would have enjoyed the extra space, I appreciate the genuine acknowledgment of my status and their effort to provide the best experience possible.

Related: The Best Credit Cards For Hotel Status

Final Thoughts

The Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars offers a compelling mix of central location, modern design, and thoughtful amenities that make it an excellent choice for both business and leisure travelers. While the rooms are stylish, spacious, and well-equipped, the real highlights for me are the exceptional club lounge with barista-made coffee and the unique Leaf & Cane bar with its Latin-inspired vibe.

Though the service can be a bit reactive at times, the staff are warm and accommodating once engaged. The historic charm of the property, combined with its unbeatable proximity to the top attractions in London and transportation links, makes this hotel a smart points redemption — especially for World of Hyatt Globalists looking to maximize their benefits.

Would I stay here again? Absolutely. The balance of comfort, value, and prime location makes the Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars a standout choice for anyone visiting the heart of London.