|
|
|
Andaz is first of a new brand for the owners Hyatt, opening about a year ago. A second Andaz has opened in Los Angeles, but if I have learned anything from my flights across the Pond to look at hotels in the USA it is that whilst the brand may be the same, making comparisons is like comparing pears with oranges - both are fruit but there any similarity ends. Branding seems for many to be more notional than real, and to be about selling rooms, not about design consistency. However if the Los Angeles refurbishment can match the London Andaz for flair and quality the designers will have done well.
|
Reception is a generous size and height, given a spacious feel in part by the absence of a standard reception counter, oriented around the business market that existed in the city until recently.
|
|
"if the Los Angeles refurbishment can match the London Andaz for flair and quality the designers will have done well"
|
Originally the Great Eastern, one of London’s inheritance of great Victorian Railway hotels, Andaz benefits from having the glorious internal and external architecture of its period, even if this means levels vary and the interior is like a rabbit warren. Indeed the renovations were started long before the rebranding and much of the new Andaz is in fact renewed Great Eastern.
Most trumpeted Andaz innovation was the deskless reception. During my stay the hotel was full and I have to say that whatever system there was broke down when over 200 rooms had to check out before midday on a Sunday. A long queue formed in the lobby, with no focus as to where to queue as there is no obvious desk (although of course there is a desk, it is just designed so discreetly as to be invisible). Offering free champagne to early breakfasters didn’t work in spreading the load. Check in is only as good as the systems used too, despite the willingness of staff, and many of us will have enough computer problems without having to use tablet computers, swipe mechanisms and printers all over a Wi-Fi system.
|
VIP waiting area where drinks can be dispensed. Click to see the whole of the reception lobby with its 'greeters'
|
Andaz
|
