London is indeed one of the world’s great cities. It’s a magnet for tourists from every corner of the globe. They come to visit famed monuments, museums stuffed with priceless antiquities, galleries hung with portraits of the famed and fabled, and a nice bit of shopping.
It’s a big town and London prides itself on its multicultural diversity. One can visit cafés selling Caribbean jerk chicken, buy a sari and some spices in an Asian neighbourhood, or enjoy some steaming baskets of dim sum in Chinatown, and it’s all within easy reach of the Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill. It’s conveniently situated to take advantage of public transport, and half the fun of visiting London is sitting atop a red bus or navigating the “Tube”.
I am a frequent visitor to central London so I have a focus on accommodation rather than sights. I am not an over-critical guest but I have high expectations when I travel. Comfort and good service are at the top of my agenda. A warm welcome awaits every guest at The Churchill, and I always leave reluctantly, and that is the best accolade one can give.
The Churchill offers the visitor a 5-star refuge from the bag-burdened throngs of Oxford Street, which is just 100 yards or so away. Selfridges is just a short stroll eastward. A day of retail therapy will leave one elated and exhausted, but a dinner and a comfy bed will revive those weary bones for a repeat performance the next day.
This hotel does double duty as an exceptional base for business as well as a family-friendly resort for those lucky ones who are not working. The hotel offers 12 function rooms for top-level meetings as well as private events – it even has a wedding licence. The facilities within the hotel and its location make this an ideal choice for those businessmen who want to bring their families with them.
Wives will love the department stores and shops of Oxford Street and Bond Street, as well as the independent boutiques of Marylebone. The Concierge is the person who will help you with recommendations and tickets for West End stage shows and cinemas. Plenty going on inside the hotel, though. How’s about a Cupcake Master Class with the chef? Ideal for a group as it’s fun for all ages. Or perhaps the Food and Wine Party Master Class for those who want to return home with some extra culinary skills. The hotel has a 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness centre, and a floodlit tennis court located in Portman Square just across the road, or one could walk in Hyde Park to wear off some of those calories.
There are lots of reminders of the eponymous politician here, as one would expect. The Chartwell Suite is the largest of the hotel’s function rooms and is named after Sir Winston Churchill’s home in Kent. There are three Cabinet Suites, Marlborough and Blenheim Rooms for meetings or lunch, as well as the Spencer and the Randolph Rooms to continue that historic theme. One might spot figurines or busts of the rotund politician as one wanders the halls.
Technology is writ (or should one say ‘texted’) large here. There are so many of us who must work when we are away that I was pleased to find a real desk in our room. There is an iPod docking station and TV for those who need in-room entertainment, and newspapers delivered to your door. Everything here for work and play.
The rooms are truly luxurious. The king-size beds are laid with that white linen that I prefer; I never have been keen on multi-coloured spreads. The pillows are mile-high, puffy towers that are a magnet after a few hours on the hoof. Sink into those piles and the next you’ll know, it’s dinner time. The rooms are in calming muted colours and many have views over the square and the aforementioned tennis courts. That oasis is having its pavements widened to create more leisure space. There is talk of a flower stall and some striking sculpture. An area for both art and activity.
Guests can enjoy a wide array of dining opportunities at The Montagu which offers British and European seasonal dishes, but it’s the traditional afternoon tea which is an unmissable event here, as the Montagu restaurant won The Tea Guild’s Award of Excellence 2010. On the other hand one might choose Locanda Locatelli, which serves award-winning Italian cuisine from the celebrated chef Giorgio Locatelli; while the iconic traditional Churchill Bar has all the classic cocktails that one would expect from such a smart establishment. Plenty of choice here at any time of day.
A recent survey revealed that travellers look forward to breakfast more than any other meal when staying at hotels. This traveller is very much of that mind. The breakfasts here are outstanding, with enough variety for the practised grazer and plenty of alternatives for those who have bodies like temples. The hotel has such a cosmopolitan clientele that it is obliged to provide foods for every possible dietary need.
I spend much of my time in hotels these days but Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill remains one of my preferred stop-overs. Service is impeccable and the location cannot be beaten. Yes, it’s 5 star but it has a pleasing air of informality. Most importantly the rooms are comfy and well appointed. They have many regular guests here who appreciate class, style and amenity. Come to London to visit the Hyatt and perhaps go out to see the sights if you have time.
Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill
30 Portman Square, London, W1H 7BH
Phone: +44 20 7486 5800
Fax: +44 20 7486 1255
Email: london.churchill@hyatt.com
Visit The Churchill here
Hotel review by Chrissie Walker © 2018