After having stayed in both hotels two times within four weeks, I thought I write about our experience. As always feed back and comments are welcome.
Location:
Andaz Liverpool Street
Ideally located, if you arrive by train, for example from Norwich, Cambridge or Stanstead Airport. The hotel is situated in the City of London, not far from the Gherkin. The Barbican Centre isn't too far either, only around ten minutes walk or three stations with the Tube. Spitalfields and its markets are also within easy reach.
Hyatt Regency The Churchill
Situated at Portman Square and only a few steps from shopping central. Selfridges and Oxford Street are only a block away. If you like design furniture you can satisfy those needs, too.
People interested in history should like the location as well. Portman Square is very old, dating back to 17th century. If you follow Wigmore Street and turn right into Duke Street you end up at the Wallace Collection and Manchester Square, where the infamous pig faced woman lived, of course it was only a hoax.
At the corner of Wigmore Street and Wimpole Street you can see the house that caused the first nuisance trial (Sturges versus Bridgman). The court decision is still influencing judgments today.
There is of course Wigmore Hall and Cavendish Square, where Lord Asquith, a British Prime Minister and many other famous people including the founder of the University of Westminster, lived.
It's also a great location for hotel lovers. The Marriott Marble Arch, The Leonard, The Radisson Portman Square and The Langham aren't far away.
Both hotels have a Central Line Tube Station nearby and if you want to stay in one and visit the other or split your hotel stay as we did, you can easily connect. The nearest Tube Station for the Churchill is Marble Arch, for Andaz Liverpool Street Station.
Design:
Andaz Liverpool Street
As described earlier the hotel has a Victorian facade and a modern interior.
Hyatt Regency The Churchill
Classic brick building with classic interior and an Asian touch.
Rooms:
Both hotels have very comfortable rooms and are functioning, but guests, who prefer separate bath and shower cubicle are wrong here.
Andaz Liverpool Street
Rooms face either the street or the atrium. Some guests could be disappointed, though. If you book a King room you can end up in a room with a small window and facing the lift, so not a lot of day light is filtering in.
If you are noise sensible, rooms facing the street could be too loud.
Hyatt Regency The Churchill
The Hyatt has started a refurbishment of the hotel. In some rooms there is some wear and tear, like worn carpets or scratches on the wall. The renovation is finished by the end of May.
Internet:
Internet is free of charge at the Andaz Liverpool Street and fast.
If you aren't at least a Platinum member of the Hyatt Gold Passport program internet is charged and slow at the Hyatt Regency The Churchill. Uploading photographs or videos can be time consuming and difficult. Hopefully this is changing with the renovation.
Photography:
Photographers are welcome at the Andaz and can shoot to their hearts content.
At the Hyatt Regency it's not allowed to take photographs in the public spaces. It might have something to do with the owner or the type of guests staying at the hotel.
Restaurants/Bar
Andaz Liverpool Street
1901, East Way, George Pub, Miyako, Catch and Champagne Bar, In Room Dining
Hyatt Regency The Churchill
Locanda Locatelli (Italian, 1 Michelin star), Montagu, (English cuisine), Churchill Bar, In Room Dining
See also my travel report about the Andaz regarding the East Way.
In both hotels we had In Room Dining.
The Andaz offers a big choice of modern British cuisine and also lets you decide how you want it and some Asian dishes. For example you can have steak, fish or chicken. Choose the preparation method, like grilling, the side dishes, like mashed potatoes and green beans. You can also create your own salad by choosing what type of greens you want, you can add tomato, cucumber, carrots and much more and choose a dressing. If you want to add shrimps or chicken, it costs extra.
The Nasi Goreng comes also highly recommended.
At the Hyatt Regency the In Room Dining is small, but the quality of the food is high. There are such comfort food as Pasta Bolognese (very delicious by the way) or The Churchill Club Sandwich, typical British fare and a choice of Middle Eastern and Indian dishes.
French Toast is in both hotels excellent.
At the Andaz you can have savory (bacon and maple syrup) or sweet versions (berries and maple syrup).
At the Hyatt Cinnamon French Toast with maple syrup and and apple compote (with raisins) is served.
It is good both hotels are generous with maple syrup. Nothing is worse than too few of it.
Guests:
Andaz Liverpool Street: mostly British
Hyatt Regency The Churchill: mostly Indian and Middle Eastern
Staff:
In both hotels all staff are friendly and efficient.
At the Andaz expect a more impersonal service and check out time at 12 Noon is strictly enforced.
At the Hyatt Regency staff is personal without being intrusive and the check out time isn't very strictly followed.
In our case we don't have any preference. It's all depending what our mood is like.
Overall I would recommend the Hyatt Regency The Churchill, if you look for a traditional Grand Hotel experience.
If you prefer a more modern experience and free, fast internet I would recommend the Andaz Liverpool Street.
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