By Ingrid Salte

London’s hotel scene has no shortage of luxury, but the newly opened Park Hyatt London River Thames offers more than just five-star hallmarks. From the moment you step into its soaring lobby, you are enveloped in an atmosphere of understated elegance and luxury – offering the perfect city retreat.

Riverside heritage

Towering 18 storeys above the south bank of the river, the hotel forms part of a striking new London skyline in the ambitious development of Nine Elms. Once an industrial area, Nine Elms has transformed into a vibrant neighbourhood of riverside paths, public gardens, and contemporary architecture.

The interiors pay homage to its riverside heritage, with a curated art collection of Eastern and Western influences, each telling a story of life by the water. A bespoke wood and bronze sculpture, ‘Ebb and Flow’ by the British artist Charlie Whinney, weaves through the lobby, complemented by the grand painting ‘Land and Water’ by Ian Rayer-Smith.

Unrivalled city views

A debut for the Park Hyatt brand in the UK, the hotel makes a confident entrance onto the London luxury hotel stage. Envisioned by the renowned architects KPF, the glass tower is a contemporary and sophisticated statement on the city skyline with vertical frames and floor-to-ceiling windows.

The transparent exterior floods the interiors with natural light and unrivalled views of the city and its iconic landmarks. Crafted by the celebrated Japanese design studio, Super Potato, the 203 rooms and suites feature high ceilings, clean lines and natural textures – creating a calm refuge from the capital’s hustle and bustle.

Refined dining

While the fine dining scene of Mayfair is only a short ride away, Park Hyatt London River Thames makes a compelling case for staying in. Yú Gé is the hotel’s elevated yet authentic Cantonese restaurant, headed by Chef Eng Soon Yeo, formerly of Michelin-starred Hakkasan Hanway. The delicate dim sum and perfectly prepared Peking duck are worth lingering over.

The Nine Elms Kitchen offers refined yet relaxed all-day dining, with an outdoor terrace perfect for warm summer days. For a more intimate setting, the Nine Elms Bar & Lounge combines an ambient atmosphere with elevated comfort food and signature cocktails. If you prefer the comfort of your room, there’s round-the-clock in-room dining – including the indulgence of an à la carte breakfast in bed with the city skyline beyond.

Urban sanctuary

Reflecting the hotel’s devotion to wellness and mindfulness, the spa at Park Hyatt London River Thames is an urban sanctuary of calm. Morning sunlight spills across the 20-metre indoor pool as it stretches towards the river, creating a space of complete relaxation. In six private treatment rooms, bespoke therapies guide guests on personalised journeys to restore and renew.