You walk out of Liverpool Street Station, and the city just hits you. It’s loud. It’s frantic. It is undeniably London. Right there, tucked into a massive red-brick Victorian building that looks like it belongs in a Sherlock Holmes story, is the Andaz London Liverpool Street. But don't let the 1884 facade fool you. It’s not some stuffy, hushed-hallway relic where you have to whisper in the lobby. Honestly, it’s one of the most polarizing and fascinating stays in the City of London because it refuses to act like a traditional five-star hotel.
Originally the Great Eastern Hotel, this place has survived world wars, the decline of the British rail empire, and a massive 21st-century identity shift. Hyatt took it over and turned it into an Andaz, which basically means they stripped away the "yes, sir" formality and replaced it with a vibe that feels more like an East London art gallery. If you’re looking for white-glove service where someone carries your briefcase while wearing a top hat, you’re in the wrong place. But if you want a secret Masonic temple hidden behind a wall and a breakfast spread that actually tastes like real food, you’re home.
The Weird History You Actually See on the Walls
Most hotels renovate and bury their past under layers of beige drywall. The Andaz London Liverpool Street did the opposite. They kept the bones. You’ll be walking down a sleek, modern hallway with neon lighting, and suddenly you’re staring at a sweeping marble staircase that feels like it’s 150 years old. Because it is.
The building was designed by Charles Barry Jr. and Edward Middleton Barry—the same family behind the Houses of Parliament. You can feel that weight. But then you look at the elevators, and there’s street art inspired by Shoreditch. It’s a jarring mix. Some people hate it. They think it’s a design identity crisis. Personally? I think it’s the only way to stay true to a location that sits exactly on the border between the suit-and-tie Financial District and the graffiti-covered streets of Spitalfields.
The Masonic Temple: No, Seriously
There is a literal Masonic Temple inside this hotel. For decades, it was forgotten, boarded up behind a wall during one of the building's many transitions. When the hotel was being renovated in the late 90s, workers found it. It’s a Grecian-style marble chamber with a zodiac ceiling and heavy mahogany chairs. It’s breathtakingly eerie.
Today, they use it for fashion shows and "Gothic" dinners. You can’t just wander in there to check your email, but if you ask the staff nicely (and it’s not booked for a private event), they might let you peek in. It is easily the coolest thing about the property and a reminder that London is built on layers of secrets.
Rooms That Actually Give You Space to Breathe
London hotel rooms are notoriously tiny. You usually pay £400 a night to sleep in a closet where the sink is six inches from your pillow. The Andaz London Liverpool Street is a rare exception because of its original architecture. The high ceilings make even the standard rooms feel massive.
- The Red Color Palette: It’s bold. You’ve got these deep crimson accents that pay homage to the red brick of the exterior.
- The Mini Bar: One of the "Andaz" brand pillars is that the non-alcoholic stuff is free. It’s a small thing, but being able to grab a juice or a bag of chips without feeling like you’re being robbed for £8 is a nice psychological win.
- The Bathrooms: They went for a sort of industrial-chic look. Think white subway tiles and heavy-duty fixtures. It’s clean, it’s functional, and the water pressure actually works, which is a miracle in an old Victorian building.
One thing to watch out for: The "Interior" rooms look into the hotel's central atrium. Some people find this cozy; others find it a bit claustrophobic because you don't get that direct sunlight. If you’re a light sleeper, these are actually better because they're shielded from the 2:00 AM sirens of Liverpool Street. If you want the view, ask for a room facing Bishopsgate, but bring earplugs. The city never shuts up out there.
Where You’re Going to Eat (Because You Have Options)
Most hotels have one mediocre restaurant and a sad bar. This place has five. It’s basically a mall of food.
Lady Abercorn’s Pub & Kitchen is named after a sassy 19th-century traveler, and it feels like a neighborhood pub that just happens to have really good interior design. It’s where you go for a pint after a long flight. Then you have Miyako, which is a tiny, authentic Japanese spot. It’s not "hotel Japanese"—it’s actually good. Like, people who live in London actually travel here specifically for the sashimi.
Then there's the 1901 Wine Lounge. This is where you sit under a massive stained-glass dome. It survived the Blitz. Let that sink in. While the rest of the neighborhood was being leveled by bombs, this glass dome stayed intact. Drinking a glass of wine under it feels like a bit of a privilege.
The "Local" Factor: Shoreditch vs. The City
The real reason to stay at the Andaz London Liverpool Street isn't just the hotel itself; it’s the location. You are standing on the literal fault line of London culture.
Turn left, and you’re in the City. You’ll see thousands of bankers in navy suits rushing toward the Gherkin or the Lloyd’s building. It’s high-stakes, high-stress, and very polished.
Turn right, and you’re in Spitalfields. Within five minutes, you’re at the Old Spitalfields Market. Ten minutes, and you’re on Brick Lane smelling curry and looking at some of the best street art in the world. You can spend your morning in a high-powered meeting and your afternoon hunting for vintage vinyl records and eating salt beef bagels at 1:00 AM.
Is it Worth the Price?
Let’s be real. It isn't cheap. You’re paying for the convenience of being on top of a major transit hub and the "cool factor" of the Andaz brand.
But here is the nuance: If you are a business traveler who hates the sterile, "every room looks the same" vibe of a Hilton or a Marriott, this place is a godsend. It has personality. It feels like London. If you’re a tourist, it’s the perfect base because the Central Line, Circle Line, and Elizabeth Line are all right there. You can get to Heathrow in about 40 minutes on the Elizabeth Line now, which changed the game for this hotel.
The Downsides:
- The Check-In Process: They don't have a desk. They have "hosts" with iPads. Sometimes this is great and fast. Sometimes, if the Wi-Fi is acting up or it's a busy Friday afternoon, it can feel a bit chaotic. You just want to check in, and someone is trying to "mingle" with you.
- The Noise: As mentioned, Liverpool Street is a beast. The double glazing is good, but it’s not magic. If you’re a sensitive sleeper, you’ll hear the hum of the city.
- The Vibe: It’s "hip." If you find "funky" decor and staff in casual uniforms annoying, you’ll hate it here. It’s designed for a younger, or at least a more modern-minded, demographic.
What Most People Miss
Don't just stay in your room. The Andaz often hosts "hidden" events. They have a residency program for artists, so the pieces in the lobby change. They also have a pretty incredible gym in the basement that actually has enough equipment to get a real workout in, which is rare for Central London.
Also, check the hallways. Each floor has different artwork and slightly different layouts because of the way the old railway hotel was constructed. It’s a maze, but a fun one.
Practical Steps for Your Stay
If you’re planning to book, keep these specific tips in mind to get the most out of the experience:
- Skip the "Standard" Upgrade: Unless you really need the extra 5 square meters, the standard rooms are plenty big. Save that money for dinner at nearby Duck & Waffle (which is a 2-minute walk away and has the best views in the city).
- The Elizabeth Line is Your Best Friend: Don't take a black cab from Heathrow. It’ll cost you £100 and take two hours in traffic. The Elizabeth Line brings you straight to Liverpool Street station for a fraction of the price and is significantly faster.
- Weekend Stays are Cheaper: Because it’s in the City, the Sunday and Monday rates are often much lower than the midweek "banker" rates. If you’re a leisure traveler, aim for a weekend stay.
- Breakfast is a Must: Even if it’s not included in your rate, try it at least once. The 1901 ballroom where breakfast is served is worth the price of admission just for the architecture.
- Explore the "Secret" Stairs: Find the original Victorian staircase near the back of the building. It’s one of the most photographed spots in the hotel for a reason—the geometry is perfect.
The Andaz London Liverpool Street manages to do something most hotels fail at: it stays relevant without erasing its history. It’s a weird, grand, loud, and beautiful hybrid. It’s basically London in a nutshell. Stop looking for a "perfect" hotel and start looking for one with a soul. This one has plenty.
To make the most of your trip, check the local Spitalfields Market schedule before you arrive; the Thursday antiques market is particularly good for finding things you actually want to take home. Also, if you’re heading to the East End for dinner, book your tables at least two weeks out—places like St. John Bread and Wine or Manteca fill up fast, even on weeknights.