Yes, this is a golf blog. And no there is no golf course attached to the Park Hyatt London River Thames. But along with fine cocktail bars and world class golf courses, what can I say, I’m a sucker for a good luxury hotel.
So I always enjoy seeking out the best spots to stay for future golf trips.
For instance, I’ve developed a bit of a habit of staying at the Park Hyatt New York whenever I’m in the city (which is usually for golf). It’s one of those places that just works. It’s comfortable, consistent, and easy to settle into. But truth be told, it’s starting to show its age a little.
So when I found myself in London last week and in need of a couple of nights in a hotel, I figured why not try something new, but familiar.
Enter the Park Hyatt London River Thames.
A Trip with Purpose
The trip had a special reason behind it. The first week we were in Florence, Italy, for a good friend’s wedding.
But the second week, I decided to cross off one of my actual bucket list items, and “take an international trip with my mom.”
For a week, we were in an AirBnB with my mom, my wife, my mother in law, and our 4 year old daughter.
But after the rest of the family left, my mom and I stayed a few extra days to cross off two of her major bucket list items: Stonehenge and Wimbledon.
She’s not usually one for luxury hotels, so I wanted to make the experience extra memorable.
First Impressions of the Park Hyatt London River Thames
We arrived early. Like 10 am early.
While our room wasn’t ready, the staff went above and beyond. They offered us the included breakfast that morning since we’d be leaving too early the next day to take advantage of it. A small gesture, but one that set the tone for our experience at the hotel.
The check-in experience was one of the friendliest I’ve ever had at any hotel, period. It’s not just that the staff was polite; they were genuinely warm and well-trained. Everyone we encountered, from the front desk to the bar staff, seemed like they actually wanted to be there.
The vibe was similar to its sister property in New York – just fresher. The hotel still has that brand-new sheen to it, and with only 203 rooms (including 34 suites), it doesn’t feel overwhelming.
The lobby is sleek and airy with elegant touches, and the Nine Elms Bar just off the entrance is both stylish and comfortable.
About That Location…
Now, if you’re familiar with London, the location might raise an eyebrow. The hotel sits downriver near Battersea, which isn’t where most luxury hotels cluster. But honestly? I kind of loved it.
It’s a stone’s throw from the Battersea Power Station, a massive redeveloped area that’s become one of London’s more interesting neighborhoods over the last decade. Picture high-end shops, restaurants, a riverside park, and a cool blend of historic industrial architecture meets modern London chic.
It was about a 15-minute ride into Mayfair, and even closer to spots like Parliament and Trafalgar Square. If your plans have you bouncing around East London or Shoreditch, the location could feel a little out of the way. But for Wimbledon or a trip out to Stonehenge (we left from Victoria Station, just 9 minutes away), it was a great base.
If you’re visiting on a golf trip, it’s also *slightly* more convenient to some of the country’s best courses like Sunningdale, Walton Heath, or Swinley Forest – but you’re still in London, so it’s a bit of a commute regardless.
Our River View Twin Room was Exactly What You’d Expect
This is going to sound strange, but the first thing I noticed was the door. It no joke, must have been three inches thick. That set the tone for how quiet the room was. We didn’t hear anything from the hallway or outside during our stay.
The room made smart use of its view, with a small work table and cozy bench overlooking the Thames. We could even see the London Eye from our window.
As you’d expect from a Park Hyatt, the beds were ultra-comfy, and the tech was up to date. You can dim lights, close curtains, and set the mood at the push of a button—though it took a little poking around to figure out what everything did.
After being an Airbnb for a week with no AC, no blackout blinds, and a train station nearby, I can’t describe how good my sleep was while staying here. Even if we did have to wake up at 4 am one day to make it to the Wimbledon Queue.
The bathroom was a highlight, with a spacious rainfall shower, deep soaking tub, and even a Japanese toilet in its own enclosed room. This is the level of detail I’ve come to expect from the brand.
One surprise? I was expecting the usual Le Labo amenities, but instead, they use a lesser-known French perfumer called Blaise Mauton. Initially, I was disappointed… until I actually used them. The fragrance was unique, almost earthy, slightly vegetal, kind of like bell pepper, and it definitely grew on me.
Nespresso machine? Check. A small touch, but also one of my favorite amenities at a 5 star hotel.
Dining Options at the Park Hyatt London River Thames
We had breakfast twice at the hotel and were very impressed.
There’s a buffet with all the usual suspects—pastries, fruit, cheeses, smoked salmon—and then you can order a hot item if breakfast is included in your stay.
I tried both the omelette and the smoked salmon eggs Benedict, and they were excellent. But honestly? The buffet items may have stolen the show. The smoked salmon was top-tier, the pastries were unique and delicious, and the orange juice was the best I’ve had in years. That’s not an exaggeration.
We didn’t get a chance to eat at Nine Elms Kitchen for lunch or dinner, but we did stop into the bar and loved it. I ordered a riff on a Pandan Old Fashioned and had pork belly bao and a Wagyu burger—both delicious.
My mom ordered the soft-serve ice cream, and she mentioned it repeatedly for the next 24 hours, so we had to stop in at the end of the next night to get it again.
Drink prices were what you’d expect from a 5-star London property (read: expensive), but the food was more reasonably priced than I expected. Especially compared to a round of drinks at The Connaught, which may very well have the best martinis in the world, but you pay for it.
There’s also a fine dining Cantonese restaurant called Yu Ge on property, but unfortunately, we didn’t get the chance to try it.
The Gym and Pool are Very Nice
The gym was impressive. It featured soaring ceilings, brand-new TechnoGym equipment, Pelotons, and plenty of space. Only downside? The view overlooks a construction site, but that’s hardly the gym’s fault.
The pool was larger than I expected and beautifully designed. No, it’s not the Park Hyatt New York’s 25th-floor showstopper, but it’s a lovely space to unwind. The locker rooms were clean and well-stocked, and the sauna was a great way to relax before checking out and heading to the airport.
One unexpected highlight? The house car service. A new Mercedes S-Class picked us up and drove us all the way to Mayfair for drinks – over two miles away. No charge. They don’t advertise this perk heavily, but it’s available first come, first served between 5 and 9 each evening.
Again, a little touch, that goes a long way to elevating your experience.
Final Thoughts on the Park Hyatt London River Thames
We had a fantastic stay.
If I had to nitpick, I’d say the hotel lacks a bit of character. It’s elegant, it’s polished, and everything works exactly how it should. But there weren’t many “wow” moments or unique flourishes that really stuck with me.
By contrast, on my last London visit I stayed at the Shangri-La at The Shard, and that view from 50 floors up? Unforgettable.
But here’s the tradeoff: The Park Hyatt London River Thames is incredibly points-friendly. Points redemptions were 25k/night during the time we stayed, which is a fantastic redemption in a city like London. I transfer points from Chase 1:1 to Hyatt, and for a hotel of this caliber, it’s a steal.
Cash rates during our stay were around $600 USD/night, which, while not cheap, was lower than comparable 5-star options in the city. So even if it doesn’t deliver jaw-dropping moments, it’s still one of the best overall values for a high-end hotel in London.
Would I Stay Here Again?
Absolutely. Especially if I’m using points or want to be a bit removed from the chaos of central London. I still have yet to play a single round of golf in England, so that’s one of the next places I hope to visit as I try and make a more dedicated attempt to complete the World’s Top 100 list.
And I absolutely can see a world where this becomes a home base for part of that trip.
Is it the most iconic hotel in town? No.
Is it one of the best combinations of comfort, elegance, and value? Without a doubt.
