THE HOTEL
Tucked away in the middle of Westfield Shopping Centre, this aparthotel is aimed at longer stays with studios and one-bedroom suites, all with kitchenettes. It shares a restaurant and other facilities with the adjacent Hyatt Regency. The nearby Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is great for runners and you can also hire bikes and explore the Hackney Marshes or ride along the canal paths. The park is also home to the famous ArcelorMittal Orbit slide and you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to shopping and dining options.
THE CHECK-IN
The hotel entrance is on the ground floor, accessed via the shopping centre, but the 24-hour reception is one floor up, reached via a lift. It was buzzing with guests, mainly due to young delegates gathering for a FIFA tournament (the game console version, not actual football). The long reception desk leads to a spacious lounge, then a bar, then through to the restaurant/breakfast room. Reception staff were under pressure but helpful.
THE ROOM
Our one-bedroom suite was compact but well designed. The kitchenette had everything you would expect, but in miniature. A small dining table could double as a desk. I was travelling en famille and the sofa bed was already made up for my 13-year-old, who was delighted to have a TV at the end of his bed! He also enjoyed the views from the floor-to-ceiling windows of the surrounding high rises. The bathroom had a large walk-in shower. Everything was clean and functional. Pets are also welcome.
THE FACILITIES
There’s a fitness centre on the top floor with even better views. The restaurant was still fairly new so there was only one other table of diners. It meant we had super attentive service from our chatty waitress. Mains, priced £15-£29 (for the Rib-Eye) included a nod to the location with a Brick Lane Chana Masala and Tandoori Roast Chicken Breast on a fresh, tasty slaw. The pea & mint soup was poured hot from a jug. A hot and cold buffet breakfast is included in the nightly rate and is kept well replenished – smoked salmon and fruit smoothies a highlight.
THE BUSINESS
Purpose-built and flexible conference and events spaces are on the third and 12th floors and total 700 square metres.
THE VERDICT
The location makes this perfect for an extended business or bleisure trip, with or without the family. Having the kitchenette means it feels more homely than a regular hotel room. There’s a free laundry service too.
THE DETAILS
King suites with kitchenette from £221, hyatt.com
