London is, without a doubt, my favorite city in the world. From its iconic landmarks and grand architecture — blending the historic with the ultramodern — to its legendary pubs and an endless variety of restaurants offering incredible food from every corner of the globe. Working for a British company, based in London, I have the opportunity to visit at least once per year. I look forward to these annual work trips, as it gives me continuous opportunities to explore London and beyond.

Beyond my love for London, the Park Hyatt brand has always held a special place in my travels. Known for its breathtaking architecture, exceptional service, and understated luxury, the Park Hyatt consistently offers an experience that makes me feel like my only job is to relax. It is the epitome of refined luxury for a chain hotel. So, when I heard that a new Park Hyatt had opened in London, I knew I had to try it. The promise of blending my favorite city with my favorite hotel brand was irresistible, and I was eager to see if it would live up to the high standards I have come to expect.

Hotel Award Booking (9/10)

The Park Hyatt London River Thames is a Category 7 hotel in the World of Hyatt program (as of 2024). The standard award rate for a room at this hotel is 30,000 points, but can range between 25,000 (off-peak) to 35,000 (peak). At the time of my booking, the average cash rate for a standard room is well over $700 per night. Thankfully, at the time of my visit, the award rate is 30,000 points per night; a total of 60,000 points for my two night stay. This is a great award redemption. 

Given the newness of the hotel – it only opened a month prior to my visit – there is plenty of standard room award space. On this particular trip, I have two room options: King Bed or Double Twin Bed. As I am traveling with a friend, I opt for the Double Twin Bed room. Unfortunately, there are no suites available. I will save my Suite Upgrade Award (a benefit of being a World of Hyatt Globalist) for another trip. 

Note: Before my actual trip, I try some “dummy” bookings at the Park Hyatt London. I am not able to find a single room which accommodates four people; however, the standard suites allow three people per room.

Related: The Best Ways To Earn World Of Hyatt Points

Hotel Location And Local Transportation Options (5/10)

The Park Hyatt London River Thames sits in an up-and-coming neighborhood near the iconic Battersea Power Station, just south of the Thames on the west side of the city. This area has been transformed from an old industrial zone into a stylish destination, anchored by the Battersea Power Station, which now houses an upscale shopping mall along with numerous restaurants, pubs, and green spaces.

Park Hyatt London River Thames Location

Despite the up-and-coming neighborhood, getting to the major attractions in London does take a bit longer from the Park Hyatt London compared to the more centrally located Hyatts: Great Scotland Yard, Andaz London Liverpool Street, and Hyatt Regency London Albert Embankment and Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars. This surprises me a bit as Park Hyatt hotels are typically situated in prime, central locations within major cities, offering easy access to top attractions, dining, and cultural experiences.

For those planning a visit, the exact address of the Park Hyatt London River Thames is:

7 Nine Elms Lane
Nine Elms, London SW8 5PH

Public Transportation

When I land at Heathrow, fresh off my Virgin Atlantic A330-900neo Upper Class flight, I take the Piccadilly Line (Terminals 2 and 3) to Green Park station, where I transfer to the Victoria Line towards Vauxhall station. The journey takes just over one hour, and despite the transfer, it is a straightforward route to the hotel with minimal hassle – and significantly less expensive than a Black Cab or Taxi.

The Park Hyatt London Rive Thames itself is relatively well-connected, with multiple tube stations within a five minute walk. The Nine Elms station, to the south, is on the Northern Line, which provides a direct route into Central London. Meanwhile, the Vauxhall station serves the Victoria Line and offers easy access to popular sites like Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace. 

Note: For travelers coming from Paris on the Eurostar, both the Victoria and Northern Lines offer direct connections from St. Pancras Station to Vauxhall (Victoria Line) and Nine Elms (Northern Line).

Vibe And Atmosphere (10/10)

The vibe at the Park Hyatt London River Thames is one of refined luxury — a true oasis within the city. While the experience naturally differs from that of, say, my stay at the Park Hyatt Maldives, it delivers the same high level of elegance and sense of place. In fact, I find this property even more luxurious than the Park Hyatt Vienna. I am able to fully relax here, surrounded by stunning architecture, exceptional dining, and an impressive attention to detail in every aspect of the service.

As a new build in London, the hotel had complete freedom to design the entire space and guest experience from the ground up, and they deliver beautifully. From the moment I step inside, I feel immersed in an atmosphere of sophistication and comfort that is hard to come by in daily life. The entire operation runs with a level of polish that is remarkable, especially given that the hotel has only been open for a month.

One of my favorite architectural highlights is the massive art installation on the first floor. Crafted from wood and metal, the piece flows through the space like a river, clearly inspired by the River Thames. Throughout the lobby and restaurants, large custom art pieces add a striking touch, showcasing the high standard of luxury that the Park Hyatt London River Thames aims to achieve.

Hotel Check-In (9/10)

When I arrive a the Park Hyatt London, I am a bit unsure where to enter. After a little looking, I find the entrance tucked between the two buildings, right beneath a walkway that connects them.

As I reach the main entrance, a bellman (a typical Park Hyatt sight) warmly opens the door and provides a friendly greeting. I am immediately struck by the beautifully designed bar area and stunning art installation that flows across the ceiling. 

The bellman directs me to the right, where the check-in desks are located. The front desk staff welcomes me with a smile and asks for my name, passport, and credit card. During the check-in she makes friendly conversation and genuinely makes me feel welcome. 

After confirming my Double Twin Bed room, the front desk staff thanks me for being a Globalist. She then walks me through my hotel specific benefits – most importantly, complimentary breakfast – before personall escorting me to the elevators and showing my to my room on the 8th floor. 

Double Twin Bed Room – Bedroom And Living Space (10/10)

As I step off the elevator on the 8th floor, I take a sharp left and head to room 804. Even the hallways here are stunning – I am a sucker for beautiful wood paneling. 

The Living Space

Upon entering the room, there is a full-length mirror immediately to my right, perfect for getting ready in the morning. Hardwood floors extend throughout the entire space, with a soft rug under the beds to keep my feet warm. To the left are the bathroom facilities, and moving forward, the closet spaces line both sides of the entry hallway. On the left, there is a bench with a bar above it, ideal for hanging my coat or rain jacket. On the right, I find a full closet equipped with ample storage, hangers, laundry bags, a safe, and a hair dryer.

Note: The hotel offers complimentary shoe shines to all guests. Sadly, I only discover this at the end of my hotel stay. My Nike high tops definitely need a shine. 

Just past the closet, there is a well-stocked minibar offering various drinks, snacks, a Nespresso machine, and a kettle. While the coffee and tea are complimentary, other items are available for purchase. Here I find one of the only pieces of potentially poor planning. Whenever I make a cup of tea, the steam from the kettle creates significant condensation on the mirrored surface of the minibar. This raises some concerns about long-term wear-and-tear.

Next to the minibar is a large TV with a selection of international channels. To the left of the TV, there is a table and chair that can double as a desk.

At the far end of the room, floor-to-ceiling windows offer what must be one of the best views in the hotel. I can see the Thames River, the London Eye, and a gorgeous expanse of central London. On a clear day, the view is breathtaking, including views of the London Eye. A comfortable bench runs the length of the window, inviting me to sit and take in the cityscape.

The Bedroom

Directly across from the TV are the twin beds, which are a bit wider than typical American twins. While I am usually partial to a Westin Heavenly mattress, I have to say: this is the softest, most comfortable mattress I have ever experienced in a hotel. After years of travel, it is a rare treat to find a bed this comfortable. Best. Sleep. Ever.

Each bed has a side table with a lamp, and while it appears to have a drawer, it actually pulls out to create extra surface space. Above each side table are two UK-style power ports, which fit my adapter with ease, along with control panels for the window shades and lights. It is incredibly convenient to be able to turn off all the lights with a single button. The room also features blackout curtains controlled by a button for complete darkness at night. The perfect recipe for a good nights sleep.

Double Twin Bed Room – Bathroom (8/10)

The bathroom layout in a standard room at the Park Hyatt London River Thames is thoughtfully divided into two separate areas. After entering the bathroom, a quick U-turn to my right brings me to the water closet, which has a toilet with a built-in bidet and a separate sink. This setup is ideal, as it allows one person to use the restroom while the other is showering or getting ready. That said, I found the bidet controls a bit perplexing. Despite my PhD and extensive training in operating complex neuroimaging equipment, the bidet gets the best of me on this trip!

Note: After my stay, I see on multiple forums that other guests have similar problems with the bidet. My ego breathes a sigh of relief!

The main bathroom, located to the left of the room entrance and closed off with a pocket door, is beautifully designed and spacious. To the right is a large soaking tub, complete with a separate set of luxurious Molton Brown toiletries. These London-made bath products small incredible. I make sure to bring a few “souvenirs” back as gifts for my family. In the center of the bathroom are his-and0her sinks. One particular impressive feature is the bathroom mirror. Even after a hot shower, the mirror remains steam-free. This makes getting ready in the morning so much easier. 

Now, to the left is a massive marble shower, complete with plush robes hanging nearby. The shower features both a rainfall shower-head and a handheld wand. Most importantly, both shower opens have excellent water pressure a consistently hot water. A feature I do not take for granted. Two additional standout design elements are: a door that keeps the water from spraying onto the bathroom floor and conveniently placed handles right by the door. This allows me to adjust the water temperature before stepping into the shower. 

Hotel Amenities and Facilities (10/10)

Out of all my stays in London, the facilities at the Park Hyatt London are easily the nicest amenities that I have ever experienced at a London hotel. From the pool to the gym, every aspect of the hotel is thoughtfully designed, and I really enjoy using the facilities each day of my stay.

Spa And Changing Rooms

The hotel offers a full-service on-site spa with a variety of treatments. While I typically skip spa treatments at city hotels – so I can spend more time exploring – I do make use of the changing room. 

I scan my room key card to enter the changing room and immediately, I am impressed by the pristine condition of the entire area. To the right is a spacious locker room with several dozen lockers, each locks with a personal code. I store my belongings here before heading to the gym for a weightlifting session (more on the gym later), with plans for a quick dip afterwards. Inside each locker, there is a robe, multiple towels, three hangers, a plastic laundry bag, and a pair of plastic sandals for the pool. To the left, there is a grooming station equipped with a hair dryer and various amenities like combs and cotton swabs. 

Further into the changing room, sinks are positioned on the left hand side, while on the right are large showers.

At the very end of the locker room is the Finnish dry sauna. After my workout and a dip in the pool, I enjoy a quick “schvitz” in the sauna. It is a regular part of my workout routine back home, and one I am very grateful to continue while on the road. 

Note: While you need a room key card to enter the changing room, to exit, you need to click on the “Exit” button on the wall to open the doors. 

Gym

The gym at the Park Hyatt London is located within the spa complex on the 1st floor – one level above the ground floor. After stepping off the elevator, a spa receptionist greets me and kindly directs me to the gym and pool entrances. I scan my room key card to access the gym. Just inside, there is a station on the right with towels and a water dispenser. There is also an InBody scanner available for guests interested in measuring body composition – a nice touch, considering the cost of these scans elsewhere. 

Turning left, I find a selection of TechnoGym cardio equipment, including a rower, two stationary bikes, an elliptical, and four treadmills. Personally, I prefer to run on the scenic path along the Thames when the weather allows. Opposite the cardio machines is the weightlifting area, featuring a cable machine, a chest press, and a combined leg extension / leg curl machine.

At the end of the gym is a set of dumbbells and two benches. 

Note: The dumbbell weights are in kilograms and not pounds (1 kg = 2.2 lbs)

To the left of the weights area, there is another upright bike with Peloton-like programs. Meanwhile, to the right of the free weights is a rack filled with additional fitness gear, including kettlebells, medicine balls, jump ropes, and stability balls. This open space is perfect for functional exercises and rounds out the gym nicely.

Pool

What is my favorite hotel amenity? Easy. The pool. The pool at the Park Hyatt London is one of the largest hotels pools I have ever seen in a city hotel. After a quick rinse, I slip into the water and slowly glide to the far end. The water is the perfect temperature – not too hot, not too cold. Around the entire pool, the “infinity edge” creates a tranquil retreat. I hardly believe I am still in London. 

 

Surrounding the pool are 15 comfortable loungers, each equipped with a small table and towels. As silly as it sounds, not having to search for the towels at a hotel pool is the ultimate luxury. In the pool area, the hotel provides citrus-infused water. A nice touch which reinforces the “luxury” aspect of the hotel. I spend about an hour in the pool, quietly meditating in the water and relaxing on a lounger. The perfect combination after my long flight. 

Note: The pool is ideal for families, with a depth ranging from 3ft (1.0m) at the shallow end to about 5ft (1.5m) at the “deep” end.

Breakfast (9/10)

Breakfast at the Park Hyatt London is served in the Nine Elms Kitchen restaurant on the ground floor. True to the overall style of the hotel, the space is beautifully designed, with an open kitchen at the center. The guest seating wraps around the kitchen area, with a section reserved for the buffet. 

Each morning, I am warmly greeted by the hostess, who takes my room number and escorts me to a table. The restaurant has both booth or table-and-chair seating options. As I am with a friend on this trip, I opt for the booth.

As soon as I sit down, a server arrives to welcome me and offer coffee or tea. Naturally, I order tea on my first morning – when in London – and coffee on the second morning. The tea is served in a traditional teapot, while the coffee is clearly of high-quality; potentially even hand-pressed.

The server explains the breakfast set up, which has a unique approach. The buffet is open to all guests, while the menu is split into two sections: signature dishes (made-to-order and included with the buffet), with additional more premium items available for purchase. As I am a Globalist, I am entitled to one signature dish along with unlimited servings from the buffet. 

Each day, I sample a different signature dish. On the first day, I try the walnut pancakes with berries and vanilla chantilly, while my friend orders to congee Delicious. On the second day, I order the steamed dim sum, served in a cast-iron pot with soy and sweet-and-sour sauces. Delicious. My favorite dumpling is the black truffle and mushroom. 

While I wait for the signature dishes, I visit the buffet, which offers a blend of continental and full breakfast options. There is a spread of fresh breads, pastries, fruits, yogurt, deli meats, and salads, all of which pair nicely with the signature dishes. My favorite item from the buffet is a pastry with a Biscoff-style cookie butter filling. Thank goodness for the gym! 

On-Site Dining (TBD)

The Park Hyatt London River Thames offers a range of dining options; however, at the time of my visit, only two were open for customers: Nine Elms Kitchen and Nine Elms Bar. The Nine Elms Kitchen is an all-day dining venue, which includes an outdoor terrace space during the summer months, while the Nine Elms Bar is a relaxed setting for cocktails, mocktails, and a selection of small and large plates.

There are also two more dining venues on the horizon: 

• Authentic Cantonese Restaurant: Serving authentic Cantonese dishes and other specialities from China.
• TAMISé: a wine bar with a wine tasting room and professional wine cellar

I am particularly excited about TAMISé, which promises a selection of over 1,000 wines and will feature an afternoon tea service on the weekends. 

Staff And Service (9/10)

It is clear from the moment I step into the hotel that the Park Hyatt London River Thames takes great pride in its exceptional staff and service. One aspect that always stands out during my stays at a Park Hyatt property is the friendliness of the team. At the Park Hyatt London, whenever I pass an employee, I always exchange pleasantries. It is never a lengthy conversation, but as a social person, I appreciate the personal touch. 

Beyond the warm welcome and day-to-day interactions, the staff is always committed to helping me. Whenever I have a question, they either already know the answer, or go out of their way to find it. It almost seems as though the words “I do not know” are trained out of the staff!

The staff also goes the extra miles when providing directions. One particularly memorable is when I ask a staff member for the gym location. Not only does the staff member give me detailed directions, but actually escorts me to the gym, gives me a tour, and asks if there is anything I need before leaving. This is what truly “next level” service looks like. Even the turndown service is performed to perfection. Each night not only is the bed made (as expected), but the housekeeping staff lay out my slippers, refresh the ice bucket, and put new water and clean glass on the nightstand. 

Note: The housekeeping team tends to clean the rooms rather early in the day – around 9:00 – 9:30. Learn from my mistake and make sure you leave the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door if you tend to sleep late. This is especially true if your schedule is completely off from jet lag. 

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

One of the best ways to maximize my World of Hyatt benefits is by using them for premium hotel stays, like at Park Hyatt properties. And the Park Hyatt London certainly delivered on the value. At check-in, the staff warmly welcomes me and thanks me for my loyalty to the World of Hyatt program. 

Here are just some of the additional benefits my Globalist status provides:

• Free Daily Breakfast
• A Welcome Amenity (personalized letter from the hotel, fresh fruit, deluxe pastry, and a full bottle of white wine)
• Late Check-Out

During the check-in process, the front desk staff expresses her sincerest regret there are no suites available for an upgrade. She assures me, if one had been available, they would have upgraded me. 

Final Thoughts

My stay at the Park Hyatt London River Thames was a beautifully luxurious experience, with thoughtful service, stunning design, and amenities that made every moment enjoyable. From the refined dining at Nine Elms Kitchen to the spacious pool and meticulously designed rooms, this hotel embodies the best of the Park Hyatt brand. While the location is not directly in the central tourist area of London, the serene setting and high-end features make it a worthwhile retreat.

I only wish my stay had been longer to fully enjoy everything this property offers. As I prepare to head to my next stop, the Hyatt Regency Blackfriars, I am already looking forward to a return visit — hopefully with more time to explore both the hotel and the vibrant Battersea neighborhood.