Starting a big overseas journey can be daunting with a family in tow. You can, however, land in London, go straight to Stratford and be immersed seamlessly into your journey. You’ll feel invigorated, rested and ready to travel, thanks to Hyatt Regency London Stratford and its surrounding amenity.
Hyatt Regency London Stratford is a newly refurbished, impeccable hotel that stands out amidst a buzz of activity. The lesser-known borough of Stratford surged in popularity after being the epicentre of the London’s 2012 Olympic games. Rollerbladers and hipsters cross paths with families and stockbrokers so visiting this cross-section of London means you’ll be blending in with the locals in no time.
We were checked in by the lovely Hayat (yes, that is his real name, and he’s heard every joke under the sun about being named after his employer). Chatty, knowledgeable and authentic, Hayat is the perfect first point of contact to set the tone for a wonderful Hyatt experience.
The rooms are chic and spacious with modern furniture and fittings. Elegant design features include the black marble finish on the bathroom vanity unit, earthy tan leather bed heads, quality European furnishings and large Edison style globe lamps that provide a homely, boutique feel. There are also rejuvenating dual shower options, both a firm strength if required, fluffy bathmats for weary feet and comfy, cosy beds. Our room is beautifully appointed with a view to ArcelorMittal Orbit, a visual 2012 legacy made from recycled steel washing machines and used cars. Bathroom amenities are supplied by Australia’s own Appelles Apothecary, whose bush inspired shampoo, lotion and shower gel leave guests feeling refreshed and smelling divine, (ok, so we’re a bit biased as Appelles was based in our very own Marrickville). We love the Willow Bark body wash with cedarwood, juniper berry and patchouli!
The kitchenette is well equipped with amenities such as a full English tea selection (of course) and something new for us…coffee bags. There’s one called “The Dreamer” which boasts “A deluxe decaf with balanced notes of delicious, honeyed chocolate and a fragrant walnut finish.” There’s also some Harrogate Spring Water which the kids enjoy.
After a great night’s sleep that heals some of the jetlag, we head to breakfast in the well designed Elondi restaurant. It’s a little too cold for us to dine Al Fresco, but other guests rug up and enjoy people watching with sweeping views. The breakfast buffet is a well curated selection of continental and hot dishes. There are cereals, croissants, Danishes, muffins, a large selection of fruit including poached pears and a gourmet of range of yoghurt, muesli and granola. There’s also a large, delicious cheese selection, fresh baked bread, fresh vegies like cucumber plus the fruit smoothie of the day. Hot food includes moreish hash browns, Cumberland pork sausages, poached eggs, Turkey bacon and authentic English baked beans.
Staff Halina and Greta are on-hand making sure all the dishes are replenished and intermittently chat with guests. It’s clear some guests are regulars as they’re greeted like old friends (which adds to the warm and friendly ambience).
After a hearty breakfast we are ready to take on the world (or at least the local neighbourhood).
We head to the nearby Lee Valley Velodrome to hire some bikes and helmets to tour the area. The staff are so lovely with helping us get the perfect helmets and bikes for our sizes and abilities. Mum is short, dad is tall, one kid (11) is a daredevil while the other (8) can barely ride. We didn’t think our motley crew would survive, but survive we did. The youngest was given so much encouragement and guidance by the incredible staff she not only learned to ride confidently, but also did not want to leave. We found a loaded blackberry bush and just did lap after lap, riding and picking fresh berries. It was a remarkable time that created memories we’ll cherish forever.
Also in the sprawling Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is theme park, Gravity Max, which has three floors filled with activities like e-Karting, urban street golf and AR darts. Guests can also enjoy activities such as bowling, dancing like a queen at the ABBA Voyage Arena, splashing about in the inflatables section of London Aquatics Centre or even go shopping at another well known Australian brand, Westfield.
We opt to head to Tumbling Bay Playground which has a nature based play bridges, sculptures, swings and lots of rope play.
In 2025, the park will welcome the new BBC Music Studios , power dance studio Sadler’s Wells East and the V&A East and V&A East Storehouse and Museum. A popular way to pass the time in Stratford is to wander into Hackney Wick, or explore the scenic East London waterways on a Swan pedalo.
There is so much to do, we wished we could stay an extra day. We’re happy to learn that the property is owned by M&L Hospitality who also own the closer to home, iconic Hyatt Regency Sydney.
Getting There
Stratford’s tube station connects to a huge number of other over and underground lines, including the Elizabeth, Central and Jubilee Lines. You can reach The City and Canary Wharf in under 10 minutes, as well as effortless connections to London Liverpool Street, London City Airport and a quick direct overland train to St. Pancras.
Our family of four easily rode the tube (Elizabeth line is the purple one) straight from Heathrow Airport to Stratford Station. From the station it was a quick, flat 5-minute walk to the hotel. It pays to be mindful of which lift you are in, as different lifts will take you to different levels of the Westfield shopping centre and it can get a bit confusing.
The easy convenience of the hotel’s location is well-appreciated after a long-haul flight carting lots of luggage.
- The Hyatt Regency London Stratford has recently launched its Family Getaway Package, perfect for families looking for fun ‘whatever the weather’ (WtW). Book direct to enjoy a gorgeous room with daily complimentary buffet breakfast for parents and children, exclusive perks from selected partner establishments and a 10% discount at the Elondi Restaurant, Bar & Terrace. Packages start at just approx $600 per night for four guests. www.hyattregencylondonstratford.com
The writer and her family were guests of the Hyatt Regency London Stratford and are grateful for their hospitality.
