A few weeks ago, mum and I commenced the London portion of our European tour with a stay at the Andaz London- Liverpool Street. We left Paris a day early feeling uncomfortable by about everything going on in that city at the moment. I called Andaz to add a night to the room and they were accommodating in merging two reservations together and also allowing us early check-in to the double twin bed requested room.

The lobby was dark and chic with the check-in desk being one long table that felt oddly open.

From the lobby, you could read a message and have a glimpse at the floors above.

I loved their decorations and this chair became ‘my spot’ when all of their bars and restaurants were booked for holiday events. That’s right three of their four bars/restos were booked each night. (The open one was a small Japanese outfit we did try once). While they made for some serious people watching entertainment (a man pissed himself in the lobby!), I was really unimpressed that a glass of wine, cocktail, or nibble was basically impossible to obtain in a chain hotel with so supposedly so many food options.

On our last night when it was freezingly raining outside, we called the front desk, inquiring if any of their venues were open and were told they were not. Again. Downstairs, we asked the front desk about a nearby pub we could just run into and were directed to Shoreditch. While Shoreditch isn’t far when it’s a pretty day, it sure is when you are two ladies in the dark and frozen with sleet. It felt like they didn’t know their own city. So, we set out on our own and found plenty of closer pubs. When we returned to the hotel, we found the restaurant open for hotel guests. (Finally). I thought mum’s head was going to explode at the misinformation. 

At least they had three hours per evening of complimentary mulled wine and snacks. 

Our room was just above this funny little pool table area and event space. It was not the quietest. 

Our basic room was well outfitted and clean. 

The twin beds requested were thankfully ready on arrival. The extra inch of space and separate duvets probably kept me from getting mum’s cold throughout the stay. 

A nook of coffee and complimentary snacks wasn’t too far away and was replenished daily.

The bath was basically that of a modern farmhouse.

Pressed cotton robes and slippers were a nice touch and necessary when trying to warm up from the London weather. 

All in all the stay was just fine – I just expected more from the Andaz based on what I had read about them. We were given someone else’s bill, but with my name on it, upon checking out. I let them know about this later and I don’t think they ever understood what happened. Oh well. For $200 a night in a city of pricey hotels, especially during the holidays, what could I expect? After multiple emails pressing me for a review of my stay, I shared my  thoughts. The manager responded promptly offering an upgrade next trip, but I really think I’d rather not sleep in a corporate event again.