Step into a world of history and luxury at Andaz London Liverpool Street, a five-star hotel nestled in the heart of London’s bustling City. This stunning edifice, once known as the Great Eastern Hotel, boasts a rich past that intertwines with the very fabric of London’s history.
A Journey Through Time
Imagine a time when London’s streets were filled with horse-drawn carriages and the air was thick with the scent of coal smoke. The Great Eastern Hotel first opened its doors in 1884, a testament to the burgeoning industrial revolution and the ever-growing need for opulent accommodations near the city’s vital transportation hub.
But the hotel’s history goes back even further, to a time when the site was home to the Bethlehem Royal Hospital, more commonly known as “Bedlam”. This institution, established in 1247, served as England’s first mental asylum, and its haunting legacy lingers beneath the hotel’s modern facade.
Designed by the esteemed architectural duo, Charles Barry Jr. and Edward Middleton Barry, the hotel quickly became a haven for discerning travelers, particularly businessmen who sought convenient access to the nearby railway station.
The Victorian era brought about a surge in construction, and the hotel itself expanded in 1894 with the addition of the Abercorn Rooms. The hotel’s popularity soared, offering guests a luxurious escape from the bustling city and boasting amenities like a daily delivery of fresh seawater for bathing. The grandeur of the hotel was further enhanced by the inclusion of two Masonic Temples, a testament to the influence of Freemasonry in Victorian society.
A Modern Renaissance
The hotel’s charm and history weren’t lost on time. By the mid-20th century, it was clear that the Great Eastern Hotel required a significant renovation. The Manser Practice, renowned for its innovative approach to design, was entrusted with this challenging task.
The architects skillfully blended modern sensibilities with the hotel’s historic grandeur, creating a light-filled lobby and increasing the room capacity to 267. They even repurposed attic space, highlighting the hotel’s rich architectural legacy.
In 2006, the hotel was acquired by Hyatt Hotels Corporation, and the iconic Great Eastern Hotel was reborn as Andaz London Liverpool Street, a five-star lifestyle hotel. The hotel’s unique blend of Victorian charm and modern amenities continues to attract discerning travelers from around the globe.
A Legacy Woven into London’s Tapestry
Today, Andaz London Liverpool Street stands as a testament to London’s rich past and vibrant present. With its seven bars and restaurants, fitness center, and steam room, the hotel offers a luxurious haven for modern travelers.
But it’s the hotel’s historical significance that truly sets it apart. From its origins as a “Bedlam” to its later transformation into a grand Victorian hotel and its modern reimagining as a five-star lifestyle destination, Andaz London Liverpool Street has witnessed and shaped London’s evolution over centuries.
The hotel’s story even finds its way into the pages of literature. Bram Stoker’s iconic novel, “Dracula,” features vampire hunter Abraham Van Helsing residing in the hotel during his first visit to London. And W. G. Sebald’s acclaimed novel, “Austerlitz,” weaves the hotel into its narrative, with the titular character recounting memories of the building’s Grecian temple.
Andaz London Liverpool Street isn’t just a hotel; it’s a time capsule, a window into London’s fascinating past, and a luxurious sanctuary for those seeking a taste of history and modern comfort.
