London for 4 Recs

I'll first start off saying I know there are a lot of topics about this. I've read every one. I still feel very indecisive about which hotel to stay at for an upcoming trip for a family of 4 for 4 nights.

I have two kids 6 & 9. We will need 2 rooms. I've tried getting a family rate and none was to be had. I do have a reservation right now for Andaz, but wondering about switching to Churchill or GSY.

I don't have status. We are not much of breakfast eaters. Hotel restaurants and suite upgrades are not of interest (although I have gotten free upgrades before but know this is likely not to happen).

What I am looking for: 1. Nice neighborhood (pleasant to walk around from the front door). Kids would probably love if there were parks nearby. 2. Quick local spots to grab a morning coffee and maybe a pastry. 3. If I take the subway I don't want to change so many lines to get somewhere. Want easy access to things. (Needs to be walkable to subway max 10-15 min). 4. Don't want my room to feel like I'm in a basement (little natural light, tiny/no windows, 'view' of inside of hotel).

We truly don't spend much time in the hotel when we travel except for sleeping. We are usually up and go kind of people and will be for our 4 nights in London.

Can someone help convince me of something? TIA.

in hyattby electric082021

67%

28d

Pikachoo12

27d

Blackfriars is nice! It’s in a safe neighborhood due to the business district. It’s across the street from the tube station and it’s in the Thames River, no park, but you can take evening strolls along the River Thames!

dummonger

Globalist

27d

This was my second choice. Can confirm it’s in a safe/convenient nabe

Lanky-Trip-1234

27d

I concur. I was just there in March. Having a tube stop across the street made exploring very convenient.

Upset_Title

28d

I just got back from GSY and I can safely say it’s my last time. Robotic staff, they don’t read the notes before you arrive, if you’re a globalist and unlucky like me, you’ll request a high floor away from elevator and they’ll put you on the lowest level next to the elevator, and tell you you’ve been upgraded!

luxurytravelinstyle

27d

That’s too bad - I stayed at the GSY in February and absolutely loved it! I had the Sherlock Suite as a paid upgrade. They are actually quite good at responding to inquiries regarding room upgrades via email. I just thought the location was absolutely perfect to walk to anything in Central London. Parks all around - the Eye and the Thames just a few blocks away. Main line tube a block around the corner. I also got very warm reception from staff. The doormen were the best as well. I highly recommend communicated with the property ahead of arrival. Our room was right on the street - very quiet. Away from elevator. I do have Globalist status which helps - but I truly adored this property.

chesterwhipplefilter

Globalist

27d

Love the Andaz and have done a 2 room connecting for family of 4, which was perfect for our needs. They have a "family room" you can book so you don't even have to worry about confirming the connecting part. Hotel is basically on top of Liverpool station so very easy to get anywhere you want in London, but there's still a ton of restaurants, etc around the hotel. Including Eately.

ProfOP1231

Globalist

27d

The Andaz is great. That would be my top option.

An unsung hero, IMO, is the Hyatt Place Londom City East. Less than 5 minutes from the District line, 15 minutes from Tower of London, super clean and new.

It's in a dirtier part of London, but I've stayed there 3 times.

The neighborhood is dirty (it's not Oxford Street by any stretch of the imagination), but it's a great little hotel.

ProfOP1231

Globalist

27d

I will note that it's the HP LCE is not for everyone, I would use Google maps to look around it (like the car look).

I love it and haven't had any issues, but you may feel differently.

InaccessibleRail70

27d

I did not like the Churchill. Nice location but soulless, and everytime I walked though the lobby it was crowded with men in suits being loud and rude and as a solo female traveler, it made me uncomfortable (not sure if the boys club atmosphere was related to the cigar bar). I will say, I did have a problem with my room in the middle of the night (cigarette smoke somehow pouring into the room), and they were able to swap me to a lovely room and helped me move. The next day I had a personal note from the manager with a gift bag - they really went above and beyond to Make It Right, but the general atmosphere still made me uncomfortable.

dummonger

Globalist

27d

Also recommend the Andaz. Just came back from there and thought everything was great. Somehow reasonable on points too?

bernaltraveler

Globalist

27d

If you don’t have Hyatt status maybe you should look elsewhere. Unless maybe you have a lot of Hyatt points to burn? I’ll be there in September. First time since 2017, and I pinged my Hyatt loyalist friends who travel there a lot and they said it’s just not a strong portfolio for Hyatt. Serviceable, but nothing great. I ended up using up some old Marriott points on The Bankside. I really prefer Hyatt where I can, but doesn’t seem to be a lot of value in their London properties.

ducky743

Globalist

27d

I've only stayed at GSY, but I'd pick HR Churchill given your criteria. I don't think there is one hotel that clearly checks all boxes though.

HR Churchill is the best combination of location near a park (close to Hyde Park and a small green space literally across the street) and just a generally pretty area of the city
HR Churchill has the best options for local food. Andaz Liverpool isn't bad with Spitalfields market nearby. Just a bit more corporate-y over there in my opinion.
GSY/Andaz Liverpool are the best connected on the Tube. I prefer GSY because you can walk to more of the central tourist sites and not even need the subway.
I can't speak to the others, but I found GSY's room small, cramped, and basementy. The hotel is beautiful. The design is fun. The location is excellent for most tourists. I just wasn't impressed with the room design.