Andaz
Swanky and upscale, the design at the Andaz (East London's first-ever five-star hotel) cleverly symbolizes its geographical position between the East End and the City, blending pinstripes and framed graffiti art with added touches of opulence throughout—guest rooms are colorfully decorated with designer furniture and intensely comfortable beds. The hotel provides an enjoyable check-in ritual too—guests are offered a glass of Prosecco on arrival—as well as a daily 6 pm canapé and wine hour in the sumptuous foyer. There has been a hotel on this site since 1884 when the Great Eastern Hotel was built adjacent to Liverpool Street Station at the height of the railway era. Ask any of the reception staff about the hotel's history, and they'll mention the hidden Masonic Temple discovered during the refurbishment (where Lady Gaga later staged a photoshoot). If you walk down to the on-site restaurants instead of taking the elevator, you'll get another taste of the past by spotting the once-grand ceilings and wide stairwells. From the stunning light green Rake's Bar to the striking red walls of Lady Abercorn's, each bar and dining area offers a change in color palette, decor, and menu. From all-day dining at the Brasserie to fine Japanese dinners at Miyako, you could easily spend an entire visit eating your way around this place. And as each restaurant has a door leading directly to the street, they're always frequented by locals, many of whom possibly don't even realize they're in a hotel, adding to the lively atmosphere.
