This skyscraper towers over central London assuring beautiful views of the city. Pan Pacific London brings its signature Singaporean hospitality to the United Kingdom and delivers on its promise of luxury. The lower flowers (up to 20) are dedicated to guest rooms with private residences on higher levels. These are the five reasons that a stay here will wow you.
The hospitality
Pan Pacific has hotels mostly in Asia, where guests are familiar with its high service standards and elegant properties. It’s nice to see those small touches like welcome toys for kids as a welcome in London, too. Even pets are pampered as this is a pet-friendly hotel. The onsite pet concierge sees to it that gifts like water bowls and beds are in the room before arrival.
The lobby buzzes with energy and scenes from the pedestrian square outside. If asked for directions, staffers will go out of their way to walk you there rather than point the way. During turndown service, housekeeping addresses guests by name, an extra touch that you rarely see.
The rooms
These rooms are huge for London and feature floor-to-ceiling windows with automatic drapers that open as soon as you enter. This dramatic effect continues with thoughtful touches like a work desk that flips up to reveal an illuminated makeup mirror and hairdryer and easy-to-control air conditioning systems.
Beds are padded for extra comfort and come with plush duvets and a quartet of enormous pillows. I was happy to see power outlets by the desk and on either side of the bed. The views from my room were spectacular and it was hard to decide where to sit: on the bed, by the sofa or at the desk because they all provided different angles.
Bathrooms are also sizeable with excellent lighting (even natural light in some), separate water closets behind frosted glass doors, a vanity stocked with an array of toiletries, J Loves Mango Thai Lime-scented products in large pump bottles and heated towel racks. The shower was large enough for several people and was next to a deep soaking tub with bath salts.
Deluxe rooms are the standard type with the option to choose a room with a higher floor view. Premier and Executive rooms offer an upgrade in space and view. Several suite categories are designed to grow the space by leaps and bounds, including the two-bedroom Bishopsgate Suite.
The wellness floor
This hotel really wows on its Yabu Pushelberg-designed fourth floor, where its wellness offering is among the best in town. When you step off the elevator, you’re greeted by a staff that can point the way to the 24-hour gym (also lined with windows and the latest equipment), the spa, relaxation areas and indoor pool.
Heated, this long pool is also surrounded by windows and cushioned lounge chairs. You can order drinks or a light menu of food to enjoy while taking a dip or enjoying the views of the surrounding buildings. It is entertaining to watch the square in front of the hotel bustle with activity. At night, the lights add another layer of glow to this elegant space.
The spa features numerous massage and beauty treatments as well as a relaxation room with heated lounge chairs and blankets for a post-service decompression. Men’s and women’s locker rooms feature saunas and steam room facilities.
The cuisine
Straits Kitchen is the main restaurant that starts serving with a beautiful breakfast buffet in the morning. Made-to-order coffees and a full menu of Asian and Western dishes are available. This is a popular spot for business breakfasts as many executives from the surrounding office towers make reservations here.
The flow of people coming for lunch or dinner does not stop. That’s partly because of the tasty southeast Asian menu, and also for the posh atmosphere convenient to business offices. An executive, two-course menu, designed to take less than an hour, is especially popular.
On Sundays, there’s a three-course Sunday roast with tempting gravy and Yorkshire pudding. Choose one of the tables by the windows facing Bishopsgate Plaza. It bustles with energy from morning to night as people rush to work or for a night out on the town.
Don’t miss the Ginger Lily Bar & Lounge for a craft cocktail or afternoon tea with a view. There’s also a light menu of tasty sandwiches and finger food.
The location
In Bishopsgate and just a few steps from Liverpool Street tube station, it is simple to explore the entire city by using the underground subway. During my visit, the rain had subsided so I decided to explore the area and stumbled upon Brick Lane, which is known for its eclectic mix of restaurants (like Lebanese, Indian and Chinese among others). Later, I walked over to St. Paul’s Cathedral and then crossed the Thames towards the Tate Modern Museum.
While the area is packed with office buildings (including the famous Gherkin building), I found the mix of restaurants, high-end shopping and convenience to walking around central London to be ideal.
