Pan Pacific London is a quiet pocket of luxury tucked into one of the City’s busiest corners. Step outside the hotel and you’re in the fast-paced world of Liverpool Street with suits, commuters and the constant hum of the Square Mile. Step inside the hotel, and everything slows down. Calm lighting, polished marble, light-coloured panelling, dark warm wood, and attentive service set the tone for a stay that feels both indulgent and comfortable.
Our Executive Room, on the 16th floor, delivered the kind of view that makes you pause for a moment when you walk in. Floor-to-ceiling windows stretch across the room, framing London’s skyline. Standing there, you feel almost level with some of the City’s architectural icons – the Gherkin close enough to feel like a neighbour rather than a landmark. The room itself is a masterclass in thoughtful design. Everything works exactly as you’d want it to, often without needing to move from the comfort of the bed. Curtains glide open or closed with the press of a button, while the lighting can be adjusted to create anything from bright morning energy to a soft evening glow. In truth, we barely touched the curtains. At sixteen floors up, overlooking rooftops and city lights, privacy wasn’t an issue and the view was far too good to hide.
The marble bathroom adds another layer of quiet indulgence. Underfloor heating keeps things cosy, while Jo Loves Mango Thai Lime toiletries bring a fresh burst of fragrance to the space. The bathrobes are wonderfully soft and silky, matched by equally plush slippers – the kind you’re tempted to live in for the duration of your stay. Back in the room, small details elevate the experience even further. A beautiful oriental white peony teapot and cups sit beside an extensive selection of teas and coffees.
Discreet nightlights built into the walls guide you if you wake in the dark – a surprisingly useful touch you never knew you needed until it’s there. There’s also a large full-length mirror with a coveniently placed plug socket, and a sleek desk that doubles as a dressing table complete with illuminated mirror and Dyson hairdryer. Every possible comfort has clearly been considered. Dining at Straits Kitchen & Bar on the second floor was another highlight of the stay. We opted for the Experience Menu and it struck that rare balance: generous without being overwhelming, leaving you perfectly satisfied rather than overly full. The kitchen blends Western culinary techniques with vibrant Asian flavours, resulting in dishes that feel both comforting and refined. Each plate arrived looking like a small piece of edible artwork – bold colours, delicate presentation and flavours that delivered just as beautifully as they appeared.
The restaurant’s interiors mirror the food: bold yet elegant. Natural textures soften the space, while floor-to-ceiling windows flood the room with light. It’s the sort of place that works equally well for a stylish dinner date, a celebratory meal or an elegant evening with friends. Frankly, you wouldn’t complain if someone surprised you with dinner here. Downstairs, the Ginger Lily Bar & Lounge offers a more relaxed setting.
By day it’s the perfect spot for comforting classics or their signature afternoon tea. As evening arrives it transforms into a lively cocktail destination where talented mixologists serve both timeless favourites and inventive new creations. Light bites are also available if you’re not dining in Straits Kitchen.
Breakfast the following morning might just be one of the most impressive buffets in London. The selection is extensive and beautifully presented, while a separate menu allows you to order freshly prepared dishes if you’re craving something specific. For those seeking a little extra relaxation, Sensory Spa & Wellbeing on the fourth floor offers a tranquil retreat from the city outside. Highlights include an 18.5-metre infinity pool, saunas, steamrooms, a Technogym-equipped fitness space and a menu of restorative spa treatments. Unusually – and charmingly – there’s also a Bonpoint Beauty experience for children aged five to sixteen, allowing younger guests to gently explore the world of wellness.
Location is another major plus. Liverpool Street Station is just a two-minute walk away, while Aldgate and Bank are both within ten minutes. Leadenhall Market and Spitalfields are equally close, with Shoreditch, Brick Lane, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge all within a leisurely 25-minute stroll. Yet what truly elevates Pan Pacific London is the service. The staff are warm, attentive and genuinely eager to help. Our concierge was particularly wonderful, offering thoughtful tips on exploring the surrounding neighbourhood.
Pan Pacific London manages to combine the buzz of the City with the serenity of a luxury retreat – and after a stay like this, it’s hard not to imagine returning for the next special celebration.
Pan Pacific London has retained its coveted Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star status for the fifth consecutive year, a remarkable achievement in under five years of operation. Forbes Travel Guide is the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, and spas, underscoring the prestige of this recognition.
Pan Pacific London // 80 Houndsditch, London EC3A 7AB.
www.panpacificlondon.com // @panpacificlondon
By Beverley Uddin-Khandakar
