Park Hyatt London River Thames – Review

Occupying a prime position on the south bank of the Thames and rising 18 floors up, the Park Hyatt London River Thames marks the debut of Hyatt’s flagship luxury brand in the UK. Embodying the philosophy of discreet luxury, the hotel features 203 rooms including 34 suites, including two private VIP floors with signature suites and a presidential suite. With a curated art collection, exceptional dining venues, and an entire floor dedicated to wellness, the property introduces Park Hyatt’s signature residence-style hospitality to the capital. The Luxury Editor recently stayed to experience it first-hand so read on to discover more.

Forming part of the One Nine Elms development on London’s south bank, the project comprises two slender towers: the 56-storey City Tower and the 42-storey River Tower, connected by a bridge at the first floor. This mixed-use development combines luxury residences with the Park Hyatt London River Thames at its heart. Designed by New York-based architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), whose global portfolio includes many of the world’s leading luxury hotels such as Park Hyatt Hangzhou and Park Hyatt Suzhou, the two towers make an impactful statement against London’s storied skyline. The hotel’s exterior is characterised by vertical frames and floor-to-ceiling windows, which not only bathes the interiors in natural light throughout, but also delivers unparalleled views of the capital from every angle.

Upon entering, a floral arrangement divides the entrance hall from the Nine Elms Bar, drawing the eye deeper into the space. To the right lies the hotel’s reception area, where calm sophistication defines the atmosphere. Interiors by Japan’s Super Potato Studio draw inspiration from the site’s riverside heritage, reinterpreted for a contemporary eye. Look up and you will see Charlie Whinney’s sculptural installation Ebb and Flow sweeping across the ceiling in fluid wooden ribbons, serving as a powerful homage to the River Thames.

A collection of more than 20 artist’s work weaves an East–West harmony throughout all the hotel spaces. From Ian Rayer-Smith’s evocative ‘Land and Water’ to the richly textured wall piece in The Nine Elms Bar. The hotel’s interiors of stone, bronze, and soft neutrals are punctuated by warm wood and tactile fabrics, while mid-century styled furniture reflects Park Hyatt’s hallmark of refined, residential comfort. Further depth is added through pieces by Jo Taylor, Gabriel Leung, George Blacklock, and Françoise Delaire, whose floral installations introduce a gentle organic presence to the spa.

Location

Located in the evolving Nine Elms, between the US Embassy and Battersea Power Station, the hotel enjoys a quieter corner of the city where you can experience a fresh perspective of the capital along with a sense of escape from its hectic pace. Vauxhall Underground and rail stations are a five-minute walk away with Nine Elms Underground station close by too. Pimlico and Westminster are a ten-minute walk across Vauxhall Bridge, and the regenerated Battersea Power Station shopping and dining complex is close by.

Rooms & Suites

The hotel’s 203 rooms including 34 suites, each feature floor-to-ceiling windows, marble bathrooms with separate rainfall showers and deep soaking tubs. Complemented by a room scheme of white and ebony, with accents of leather and brass throughout. Look out for feature walls with wallpaper by the iconic English textile designer William Morris. Room amenities include a Nespresso machine, well stocked minibar, Dyson hair dryer, along with electronic sheer and blackout curtains.

Accommodations range from 35 sqm King or Twin rooms to 45 sqm Deluxe Rooms offering additional lounge space and higher-floor views. Corner River View Rooms extend to 37 sqm, providing dual-aspect panoramas across the River Thames and central London.

For those seeking more expansive living, suites begin with the 52 sqm Park Suite category. Each one includes a separate living area, a king bedroom, and a walk-in wardrobe. The Park Suite (52 sqm) provides elegant city views, while the Park Suite River View (54 sqm) opens onto sweeping panoramas of the Thames and London skyline, complemented by a marble bathroom with double vanity, separate bathtub, and rainfall shower. The Park Suite Deluxe and Park Suite River View Deluxe, both measuring 74 sqm, feature generous lounge areas and LED televisions in both the bedroom and living room.

My Suite During My Stay

During my stay I was hosted in a Park Suite River View Deluxe, the suite opens into a residential-style living space, featuring an L-shaped sofa which is offset by a collection of contemporary floral artworks and a trio of sculptural pendant lights above. A round black coffee table sits at the centre and across from it a large flatscreen TV.

To the opposite side of the living space a large dark wood drinks cabinet reveals an array of crystal glassware and fine bone china along with a Nespresso machine, and minibar selection. Complemented by a small dining/work table and a patterned screen covered in William Morris wallpaper connects the space to the hotel’s overarching East–West design story.

A welcome drink, fruit and a selection of petit fours from the hotel’s in-house patisserie (which you can buy more of from the Lobby)

A separate WC, finished in white marble with black cabinetry, is located at the suite’s entrance, alongside a cupboard for guests’ jackets and belongings.

From the suite’s double vantage points in the lounge and bedroom, you can watch the ebb and flow of the Thames as boats glide past day and night.

The bedroom continues the suite’s refined aesthetic, a king-size bed is framed by a textured upholstered headboard with integrated reading lamps and subtle backlighting that creates a warm evening glow. Windows on two sides of the room command uninterrupted views across the river, while a sleek television mounted on a freestanding frame allows flexible viewing without detracting from the outlook. At the foot of the bed, a chaise longue serves as both a perch and a practical place to rest luggage.

A turn-down service readies the room for an evening’s rest.

A walk-in wardrobe connects the bedroom and ensuite, lined in William Morris wallpaper, there is ample hanging space, drawers with neatly arranged amenities including laundry bag, shoe brush, lint mitt, and ironing board. A hairdryer and other essentials are discreetly stored in bespoke boxes, while the hotel’s “For Your Convenience” service ensures you can request additional items with ease – I ordered some mouthwash and a shaving kit.

The L-shaped marble bathroom is a spa-like sanctuary. Your eye is immediately drawn to its clawfoot freestanding bathtub set against a softly illuminated marble wall. Beside it, a generous walk-in shower features both rainfall and handheld options, complemented by a built-in marble bench and polished chrome fixtures. Twin Carrara marble vanities are paired with a full range of neatly presented grooming essentials, while Blaise Mautin are the toiletries of choice. A separate WC fitted with a high-tech Japanese Toto toilet provides additional comfort and privacy.

Signature Suites

For guests looking for even more space and enhanced privacy, the hotel’s two exclusive VIP levels feature two Ambassador Suites and one Presidential Suite. I was given a tour of the two Ambassador Suites during my stay.

Take the private elevator to the VIP floor to discover this 113 sqm suite which includes a king bedroom, a spacious living room, a kitchenette, a dining table for four, and a walk-in wardrobe. The freestanding bathtub next to the window in the marble bathroom doesn’t fail to impress.

Presidential Suite

The 172 sqm Presidential Suite includes a spacious dining table for eight and a comfortable half-moon sofa for socialising with family and friends. The bedroom leads to a walk-in wardrobe and two Charlie Whinney art pieces pay homage to the Ebb and Flow statement piece in the hotel lobby.

Food & Drink

Fanning out from the lobby, the hotel has three food and drink outlets. Nine Elms Kitchen & Terrace is a vibrant social hub serving breakfast along with an all-day and evening dining offering. Yú Gé introduces an elegant take on Cantonese-inspired cuisine, while the Nine Elms Bar & Lounge provides a relaxed space for pre and post-dinner cocktails and light bites.

Yú Gé

The hotel’s Cantonese fine dining restaurant, Yú Gé, is led by Head Chef Eng Soon Yeo. Inspired by historic Chinese architecture, interiors feature intricate timber ceiling trusses, decorative screens, using a palette of traditional dark wood, rich reds, and burnished gold. In juxtaposition to this sculptural lighting along with pieces from the hotel’s art collection give the space a distinctly modern sensibility.

Dining at Yú Gé comes with a touch of theatre. Bamboo dim sum baskets are unveiled tableside, releasing a fragrant burst of steam, while prawn toast is sliced before your eyes and fried rice is ceremoniously paddled from bowl to plate. The menu showcases the depth and nuance of Cantonese cooking with signature dishes such as Honey Glazed Iberico Barbecue Pork, Angus Beef Rib-Eye with Black Pepper, and classic Peking Duck, served in multiple courses. Seafood features prominently, with highlights including Steamed Argentinian Red Shrimps in garlic sauce, Lobster Braised with Crispy Noodles, and Traditionally Steamed Turbot with dates and cloud ear. Vegetarian dishes such as Tofu and Aubergine Claypot with Black Bean Sauce and Poached Seasonal Vegetables with Three Kinds of Egg reflect the same finesse and attention to flavour.

The Nine Elms Bar

We start (and end) our evening in Nine Elms Bar. A moody space of dark timber and soft leather, its striking wall mural is thought-provoking, a gradiant of deep crimson, amber, and gold pays homage to the nearby New Covent Garden Flower Market. Behind the bar, the keen eye will also spot the sculptural walls of embossed car parts, another nod to the site’s former history when it was once a Bentley service centre. The space is cosy and private, a corner sofa becomes a spot to sink into as we enjoy a Negroni and Margerita.

The Nine Elms Kitchen

The breakfast here is every bit as impressive as the hotel’s dinner service. An à la carte offering of Western Classics along with Asian favourites is complemented with a selection of cold buffet items. My go to of Eggs Benedict with Salmon provided the perfect way to start the day.

Wellness

A promise to myself each time I visit a hotel is to exercise and it’s delivered with a morning swim. An entire floor of the hotel is devoted to wellness, with the indoor pool (a rarity in central London) its serene showpiece. Measuring 20m in length and flanked by natural stone walls and soft down lighting I had it to myself at 8am. Six treatment rooms offer a comprehensive range of therapies, complemented by saunas, steam rooms, and a tranquil relaxation lounge.

The 24-hour fitness studio is equipped with Technogym machines and features a meditation pod for mindful recovery after a long day in the city.

Final Thoughts

Park Hyatt London River Thames captures the essence of understated luxury and quiet sophistication that has long defined the brand. Service is intuitive and attentive, while the hotel’s riverside setting provides a rare sense of calm in this dynamic metropolis. This is a property that brings a new standard of contemporary elegance to the capital.