Blog >> Hyatt Place London City East Review
By Hunter Threadgill / May 8, 2025
After landing in London – on a British Airways A350-1000 in Business Class – I head straight to my first stop: the Hyatt Place London City East.
I have stayed at several Hyatt properties across London – including the Park Hyatt London River Thames, the Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars, and the Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill – but I keep returning to the Hyatt Place London City East.
Since my first stay in late 2022, this hotel has become a true home away from home.
Even though I live in Washington, DC, I have spent more than a month of my life at this specific hotel. According to my World of Hyatt account, this is actually the Hyatt property I have stayed at the most!
What keeps me coming back?
The hotel blends a playful, modern design with a local East London vibe, thanks to its location near iconic Brick Lane.
The service is friendly, the food is surprisingly good, and the value is hard to beat.
Whether I book a paid stay for work or use points for a personal trip, I always feel like I am getting a great deal.
Hotel Award Booking (8/10)
The Hyatt Place London City East is a Category 4 hotel in the World of Hyatt program (as of 2024). Award nights range from 12,000 points (off-peak) to 18,000 points (peak), with a standard rate of 15,000 points per night.
On this trip, I book a four-night stay using cash since my company covers the cost. My rate comes out to around $200 per night, which feels like a steal – especially considering I have seen this hotel priced as high as $450 per night.
Credit. Hyatt. Hyatt Place London City East Example Award Pricing.
Credit. Hyatt. Hyatt Place London City East Example Cash Pricing.
Paying cash also lets me earn a solid number of World of Hyatt points, which I can use later for personal travel. That is always a win for me.
This property also stands out because it is one of the few Hyatt hotels near major London attractions where I can actually use a Category 1-4 Free Night Award.
It pairs well with the Hyatt “Pay My Way” feature, letting me mix points, cash, and certificates without the stress of choosing between a suite upgrade award and a free night certificate.
Since there are no eligible room types for suite upgrades here, I never feel like I am missing out.
How To Earn World Of Hyatt Points
Earning World of Hyatt points is straightforward, with multiple ways to accumulate them quickly.
Earn Points With Hotel Stays
The most direct way to earn World of Hyatt points is by staying at Hyatt properties.
Members earn 5 base points per dollar spent on qualifying stays, including room rates, dining, and spa services.
World Of Hyatt Co-Branded Credit Cards
Hyatt offers co-branded credit cards through Chase, with options for both personal and business accounts. Some of the most popular World of Hyatt credit cards include:
Transfer Points From Partners
There are two major flexible point currencies that transfer 1:1 to World of Hyatt: Chase Ultimate Rewards and Bilt Rewards.
Some of the best Chase credit cards to earn Ultimate Rewards points include:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card
- Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
- Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
- Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
At this time, Bilt only offers one credit card:
Hotel Location And Public Transportation (7/10)
I think the location of the Hyatt Place London City East is one of the most underrated in the city.
Just a five-minute walk from Aldgate East Station (District and Hammersmith & City lines), the hotel offers easy access to much of London. It is also only a ten-minute walk to Brick Lane and fifteen minutes to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London.
For fans of pop culture, it sits right in the heart of Whitechapel – the same Whitechapel that Beyoncé references on her Cowboy Carter album.
The hotel is built into a real London neighborhood, full of people from all around the world.
Personally, I see this as a major plus. Great food is everywhere, and I never have trouble finding something delicious nearby. On this trip, I even pick up a bag of coffee from Exmouth Coffee Company – my wife’s favorite café in Europe.
Here is the full address for planning your stay:
45 Whitechapel Rd
London E1 1DU
Parking
There is no on-site parking available. The nearest parking lot is a few blocks away and costs around £40 per night.
I do not recommend bringing a car… you do not need one.
Public Transportation
Getting around London from this hotel is incredibly easy.
Aldgate East Station is just five minutes away, connecting you to the District and Hammersmith & City lines.
Traveling to or from Heathrow Airport is also simple. I take the Elizabeth line directly to Whitechapel Station – no transfers required. From there, it is just a straight ten-minute walk to the hotel with no tricky turns or confusing detours.
Vibe And Atmosphere (8/10)
Credit. Hunter Threadgill. Hyatt Place London City East Design.
The Hyatt Place London City East is one of the most fun and creatively designed hotels I have stayed at in London. From the moment I walk in, I can tell that serious thought has gone into both the functionality and the look of the space.
The entire hotel draws inspiration from the vibrant street art scene of nearby Brick Lane. Large, colorful murals cover the walls, and bold wallpaper patterns give each floor its own personality.
The design choices reflect the energy of East London and create a setting that feels fresh, modern, and connected to the neighborhood – similar to what you would normally find at an Andaz hotel.
One of my favorite things about this hotel is that it actually attracts locals – not just tourists.
On my first night, I eat dinner at the hotel restaurant because I am too tired to go out. Even on a Monday night, the restaurant is more than half full, and almost everyone around me seems to be a local.
Credit. Hunter Threadgill. Hyatt Place London City East Lobby Restaurant.
That says a lot about the quality of the food – and I can confirm, it is excellent.
Later in the week, I visit the rooftop bar on a Wednesday evening.
The space is filled with stylish decor and artistic touches, and they even bring out retro video game consoles to set the mood. The whole experience feels high-energy and playful, without being over the top.
What I love most is how this hotel makes me feel like I am part of the local London scene, not just passing through as a tourist. The atmosphere is welcoming, creative, and totally unique.
Hotel Check-In (7/10)
When I enter the Hyatt Place London City East, I notice that the main check-in desk is actually located one level below street level.
Thankfully, the hotel now has an electronic check-in kiosk right at the entrance. For most guests, this makes the process quick and easy – you simply type in your confirmation number, collect your room keys, and head straight to your room.
Credit. Hunter Threadgill. Hyatt Place London City East Check-In Kiosks.
However, when I check in, the kiosk gives me a message saying, “Please see the front desk.” Since I have luggage with me, I take the elevator down one level to complete the process.
On my way to the front desk, I notice a small stand offering umbrellas for rent. In a city like London, an umbrella is almost essential.
I wish they were complimentary, but I understand why the hotel charges £2 to rent one. With the affordable room rates here and the likelihood that umbrellas get lost often, the fee feels reasonable.
At the desk, I hand over my passport and credit card.
The agent greets me warmly, thanks me for returning to the hotel, and explains that I am sent down to complete my upgrade to a Premium King Bed with Balcony – one of the benefits of my Globalist status.
She processes everything quickly, hands me my key card, and sends me on my way. The whole interaction is smooth, even if it takes a few extra minutes compared to a fully automated check-in.
Hyatt Place London City East Premium King Bed with Balcony – Bedroom And Living Space (9/10)
For this stay, I am upgraded from a standard King Bedroom to a Premium King Bed with Balcony. I have never had a room with a balcony here before, so I am genuinely excited to experience it.
The room measures about 215 square feet, which is compact but well-designed.
Living Space
Right when I enter the room, the desk is on my left. It is small but functional, with enough room to set up my laptop, use a mouse, and still have space for a drink.
Credit. Hunter Threadgill. Hyatt Place London City East Premium King Bed With Balcony Desk.
The air conditioning controls are next to the desk, and I am happy to report that the room cools down nicely – which is not always the case in London.
Wi-Fi is fast and free throughout my stay.
Waiting for me on the desk is a thoughtful welcome amenity: a handwritten note and a Tony’s Chocolonely chocolate bar. These small touches really make me feel appreciated as a loyal Hyatt guest.
Next to the welcome gift, I find a “decline housekeeping” slip. If I choose to opt out of housekeeping by placing it on the door the night before, I get to pick one of three rewards:
- Plant a tree
- Receive a £5 food and drink voucher (usable at any outlet except dinner)
- Earn 300 World of Hyatt points
Since I am traveling solo for work and tend to keep things tidy, I decline housekeeping for two nights. I choose the 300 World of Hyatt points each time, and the points hit my account before I even make it back home.
Across the room, I open the curtains and find the balcony door, which is up two small steps.
Stepping outside, I immediately notice the great view. It faces north – not toward the Thames – but I really enjoy the sight of the old brownstone buildings stretching into the distance.
Credit. Hunter Threadgill. Hyatt Place London City East Premium King Bed With Balcony Chairs And Table.
The balcony features two chairs and a small table, perfect for relaxing with a drink. The balcony is also equipped with lighting, making it a nice place to unwind in the evening after a long day.
Bedroom
The king-sized bed takes up the center of the room, flanked by nightstands on both sides. Each nightstand has accessible outlets, which makes charging devices very easy.
Credit. Hunter Threadgill. Hyatt Place London City East Premium King Bed With Balcony Bedroom.
Credit. Hunter Threadgill. Hyatt Place London City East Premium King Bed With Balcony Bedroom.
Directly across from the bed is a compact closet on the left and a TV on the right.
The closet offers enough space for hanging clothes but not for storing a suitcase. On one side, I find hangers and a robe. The other side contains a safe, a Nespresso machine, and a small mini-fridge.
Credit. Hunter Threadgill. Hyatt Place London City East Premium King Bed with Balcony Closet.
The TV offers a wide selection of international channels, plus a Chromecast feature for easy streaming from my personal devices.
Even though the room is small, it fits my needs perfectly.
Note: When my wife and I stayed here for ten days back in 2022, we never once felt cramped. In a vibrant city like London, where we spent most of my time out exploring, this room size was just right.
Hyatt Place London City East Premium King Bed with Balcony – Bathroom (7/10)
Credit. Hunter Threadgill. Hyatt Place London City East Premium King Bed With Balcony Bathroom Shower And Toilet.
The bathroom in my Premium King Bed with Balcony room is small but fully functional.
Right as I walk in, I find the sink and mirror. There is not much counter space, but given the compact nature of the room, it feels appropriate.
To the right of the sink is a walk-in shower with a full glass door. The hotel uses bulk-mounted toiletries from Kentmed Haircare, which seems to be the brand standard at Hyatt Place properties now.
Credit. Hunter Threadgill. Hyatt Place London City East Premium King Bed With Balcony Bathroom Cleaning Products.
Next to the shower is the toilet, completing the compact but efficient layout.
If there is one major flaw in this room, it is the lighting setup for the bathroom.
The main light switch is located by the front door, across the room and on the other side of the bed. I have no idea why it is designed like this.
Note: The standard King Bedroom does not have this issue, so it may just be a quirk of this Premium King Bed with Balcony layout.
Luckily, there is a small night light built into the bathroom for nighttime use. It helps, but it is far from ideal.
Honestly, this poor lighting setup is the biggest flaw I find in an otherwise great room.
Hotel Amenities And Facilities (8/10)
Given the location of the hotel in the heart of East London, there is not a lot of extra space for extensive amenities. I think that is perfectly fine.
After all, this is a Hyatt Place, and the focus here seems to be on maximizing space for food and beverage outlets and additional guest rooms.
That said, the hotel does offer a gym located on the basement level.
Gym
Finding the gym takes a little effort. After heading down past the front desk and the bar, I turn left just before entering the restaurant. Through the door and down a short hallway, the gym is the first door on the left.
When I walk in, the first thing I notice is how much thought has gone into decorating the space. Even though there are no windows, the design helps the gym feel inviting rather than claustrophobic.
To my right is a towel and water station, which is a nice convenience.
Credit. Hunter Threadgill. Hyatt Place London City East Gym.
Moving deeper into the gym, I see a solid lineup of equipment.
On the right side, there is a cable machine, two treadmills, an elliptical, and a rower. On the left side, there are two bikes – including a Peloton – along with a large dumbbell rack and two benches.
Credit. Hunter Threadgill. Hyatt Place London City East Gym.
There is also a station with medicine balls, kettlebells, and weighted bells.
Credit. Hunter Threadgill. Hyatt Place London City East Gym.
For a Hyatt Place, I think this gym is excellent.
Breakfast (7/10)
During my stay at the Hyatt Place London City East, I get to enjoy breakfast in two different spaces. The first is the main restaurant in the lobby – Sotto Cucina and Bar – which is open to all guests. The second is a Globalist-only breakfast experience at the PocketSquare Skyline Bar and Terrace on the rooftop.
Unless you are a Globalist or your rate includes breakfast, it is important to note that breakfast is typically a paid add-on – unlike most Hyatt Place properties in the United States.
Lobby Breakfast At Sotto Cucina And Bar
To access the breakfast buffet in the lobby, I first check in with the host and provide my room number. It may seem a bit formal for a Hyatt Place, but with limited seating, this system helps manage the morning rush.
Once seated, the attendant explains how the self-serve buffet works.
Each table has a small marker – red on one side, green on the other. I leave it red while I am seated, and flip it to green when I am finished. It is a smart way to let staff know which tables are in use without having to guess, especially in a busy space.
Credit. Hunter Threadgill. Hyatt Place London City East Lobby Restaurant Breakfast Buffet.
The buffet offers a nice mix between a full English breakfast and a continental spread. Highlights from the hot section include:
- Sausage and bacon
- Hash browns and scrambled eggs
- Baked beans and mushrooms
- Mini pancakes
Credit. Hunter Threadgill. Hyatt Place London City East Lobby Restaurant Breakfast Buffet.
The continental options are solid as well, with:
- Pastries, breads, and fruit
- Cold cuts and cheese
- Cereals and yogurt
- Several juices, a selection of teas, and a coffee machine that can make various drinks
Credit. Hunter Threadgill. Hyatt Place London City East Lobby Restaurant Breakfast Buffet.
The restaurant gets busy, but I find the staff does a good job keeping everything stocked and organized.
Globalist Rooftop Breakfast At PocketSquare
As a Globalist, I also have access to a more exclusive breakfast on the rooftop. This is a quieter, more relaxing experience – and on a sunny day, it feels like a hidden gem.
Credit. Hunter Threadgill. Hyatt Place London City East Rooftop Breakfast Buffet.
When I arrive, I am invited to sit anywhere I like. Since it is clear and sunny, I head straight outside to enjoy the fresh air. The vibe up here is calm and peaceful, which makes a nice contrast to the hustle downstairs.
A staff member offers coffee or tea, and I order a cappuccino. Since this is also the rooftop bar at night, the staff uses a proper espresso machine to make my drink. The cappuccino is rich and smooth, and I imagine they can make other espresso-based drinks just as well.
Credit. Hunter Threadgill. Hyatt Place London City East Rooftop Breakfast Cappuccino.
The food selection is more limited than the buffet downstairs, but still satisfying. It includes:
- English breakfast staples
- A few pastries and fresh fruit
- Jarred yogurt (but no cereal and fewer bread options)
Credit. Hunter Threadgill. Hyatt Place London City East Rooftop Breakfast Buffet.
Credit. Hunter Threadgill. Hyatt Place London City East Rooftop Breakfast Buffet.
The highlight here is not the variety of food – it is the peaceful atmosphere and the rooftop view.
While I do not spot any iconic landmarks, it still feels like a perfect place to ease into the day.
Overall, the breakfast is good but not amazing. It does not compete with top-tier breakfasts like the one at the Park Hyatt London River Thames, but it gets the job done.
On-Site Dining (8/10)
As I mentioned earlier, the Hyatt Place London City East features two distinct dining venues:
- Sotto Cucina and Bar: the hotel’s main restaurant located just off the lobby
- PocketSquare Skyline Bar and Terrace: the stylish rooftop bar with bold design and a creative vibe
Sotto Cucina and Bar
Sotto Cucina is designed to seamlessly blend into the look and feel of the lobby.
Even a few years after opening, I still find the space bright, fun, and thoughtfully laid out. It carries the same artistic flair seen throughout the rest of the hotel, giving it a cohesive and modern feel.
PocketSquare Skyline Bar and Terrace
PocketSquare offers a rooftop experience that combines bold design with a playful, upscale energy. It reminds me of the trendy, Instagrammable spots back home in Washington, D.C. – only with much better food and drinks.
Credit. Hunter Threadgill. Hyatt Place London City East PocketSquare Skyline Bar and Terrace.
I especially like the greenery that hangs from the rafters and the overall mood lighting that sets a relaxed but lively tone. At night, the bar brings out retro video game consoles, which makes it easy to stay and keep ordering cocktails.
If I ever come back to London with friends, this is the kind of spot where we would definitely spend a night just hanging out and having fun.
My Dining Experience
While the breakfast is good but not memorable, dinner at Sotto Cucina and Bar completely surprises me – in the best way.
I start off at a cozy two-seater table and order a large bottle of sparkling water.
For an appetizer, I go with the rosemary focaccia served with Sicilian lemon-infused extra virgin olive oil and sea salt. It is simple, but done perfectly – crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, with that bright citrusy oil elevating every bite.
For my main course, I order the Maccheroni pasta with spiced Sicilian fennel sausage ragout and aged Parmesan. This dish is absolutely phenomenal. Even weeks later, I still find myself thinking about it.
Credit. Hunter Threadgill. Hyatt Place London City East Sotto Cucina and Bar Dinner.
In fact, writing this now makes me want to try and recreate it at home.
London has no shortage of excellent restaurants, but if you feel like dining in, this meal proves that the hotel restaurant is more than just convenient – it is genuinely delicious. You can even order room service if you want to enjoy dinner in your room.
I truly cannot recommend dining at the hotel enough. It is one of the rare Hyatt Place properties where the food stands out just as much as the stay.
Staff And Service (8/10)
During this stay, I do not have many interactions with the hotel staff outside of check-in and the restaurant service.
That said, every interaction I do have is warm, professional, and efficient.
At both dining outlets, the wait staff are friendly and attentive. Any questions I have are answered clearly, and requests are handled quickly – with a smile.
I want to give special recognition to the team at PocketSquare, the rooftop bar. While I often find British service to be a bit more formal than in the United States (no surprise there), the staff here strike a great balance between professionalism and laid-back friendliness.
Since I am traveling solo for work, I spend a bit of time just relaxing at the bar.
The staff take time to chat with me about life in London, working at the hotel, and even ask about what it is like living in America. The conversations remind me of similar ones I have had at the Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars bar – genuine, open, and surprisingly personal.
Maybe it is part of the UK’s pub culture, but I genuinely enjoy these moments. They add a layer of warmth to the stay that goes beyond the physical space.
World of Hyatt Status And Benefits (8/10)
Credit. Hunter Threadgill. Hyatt Place London City East Welcome Amenity.
The World of Hyatt program consistently delivers some of the most valuable elite status perks in the hotel industry.
Because Hyatt has a smaller global footprint compared to its competitors, the brand tends to go the extra mile to recognize loyal members – and I find that to be true at the Hyatt Place London City East.
Even though this hotel is not a luxury property, it still does a fantastic job of honoring my Globalist status in meaningful ways.
How My Status Is Recognized
From the moment I check in, I am personally thanked for my loyalty. That small gesture sets a positive tone for the rest of my stay.
Throughout the visit, I enjoy several key Globalist benefits:
- Free Daily Breakfast: I receive complimentary breakfast each day, and as a Globalist, I have access to the more exclusive rooftop breakfast at PocketSquare. It is a peaceful, scenic way to start the day before heading into the busy city.
- 30% Bonus Points On Eligible Spend: Since this stay is paid with cash, I earn a solid number of bonus points on all eligible expenses – great for building up my balance for future trips.
- Late Check-Out: Even though I do not need it this time, the offer is made without me asking. I always appreciate that kind of proactive service.
- Complimentary Room Upgrade: I originally book a standard King Bedroom, but the hotel upgrades me to a Premium King Bed with Balcony. While this is not technically a suite (Hyatt Place properties do not offer suites), it is the highest-category room available, and it makes my stay feel a little more special.
Overall, I feel that my elite status is truly valued here.
The staff consistently recognize my Globalist benefits, and I am thanked multiple times for my loyalty.
Final Thoughts
The Hyatt Place London City East has become one of my favorite properties in London – especially for travelers who want to make the most of their World of Hyatt points while exploring everything this iconic city has to offer.
My Premium King Bed with Balcony room gives me a unique perspective on East London, even with a few quirks like the oddly placed bathroom light switch. The hotel strikes the right balance between comfort, design, and function, offering a cozy space to unwind after a busy day.
Service throughout the property is consistently strong, and the on-site dining is a real standout – something I rarely say about a Hyatt Place.
While the breakfast offerings could be improved, the Globalist benefits are generous and well executed. From the rooftop breakfast with sweeping views to the complimentary room upgrade, I feel appreciated and well cared for as a loyal Hyatt guest.
This hotel might not be the most luxurious in London, but it delivers outstanding value in a modern, vibrant neighborhood full of culture, great food, and easy transportation links.
It has earned a special place in my heart, and I can confidently say I will keep coming back.
To wrap up this trip, I am planning to take a few personal days after my work week and check out another aspirational hotel of mine: Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill. I am looking forward to experiencing a different style of London luxury with a full-service Hyatt twist.
If you have questions about this stay or want help planning your own London trip using points and miles, we invite you to join our free Points Analyst community – a welcoming space filled with travelers just like you, ready to share advice and inspiration.
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