Five-star luxury for the whole family at Park Hyatt London River Thames

Some hotels are beautiful. Some are luxurious, but every now and again there’s a place that quietly surpasses every expectation. For me, that place was Park Hyatt London River Thames.

I had organised the trip to celebrate my husband’s and my thirtieth birthdays, which are just three days apart. It wasn’t just the two of us either – our toddler came along, and so did my parents, making it a proper, multi-generational celebration.

The headline is that from ages three to 74, everyone was included, comfortable and genuinely delighted. That alone feels like a rare achievement for any hotel.

First impressions that set the tone

We booked an overnight stay on a bed and breakfast basis, already excited because I’ve always loved the Park Hyatt brand and really wanted to experience this hotel. What I didn’t expect was how extraordinary it would be from the moment we arrived, not just in terms of the facilities, but the customer service as well.

Right from check-in it set the tone for our stay - it was warm, welcoming, and thoughtful, and the room took my breath away - it had floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping views over the Thames, light pouring in, and a sense of calm luxury that felt almost cinematic. It may honestly be the most beautiful hotel I’ve ever stayed in. You could sit and watch the city all day long.

A fantastic London location

Step outside, and you’re immediately on a riverside path, no traffic noise, just space to stroll. Central London is only 20 to 30 minutes away on foot, but it felt like we had our own peaceful pocket of the city. We spent the entire day exploring London, but when we returned to the hotel it felt like coming home.

Luxury for the whole family

Hotels aren’t always designed with toddlers in mind, but Park Hyatt went above and beyond. Our little boy, Arthur, was given his own frog-themed lift card and room key. He was delighted he could control the lift (you can’t access floors without a key) - to him that was pure magic. As a parent, it was genuinely moving to see that level of consideration. He spent hours gazing out of the windows, excitedly spotting buses, trains and boats. It is, without question, a family-friendly hotel, without ever compromising on luxury.

Outstanding customer service

The service deserves special mention. It was exceptional in that rare, effortless way. Everyone greeted us, everyone remembered us, and everyone made us feel like VIPs. Not in a forced or showy way, just a genuine sense that every guest matters. I ended up writing the most gushing email and Google review afterwards because I couldn’t not. Every single expectation I had was surpassed.

A stylish and thoughtful spa experience

The spa experience was another highlight. Swim times for children are available all hours, which makes everything feel relaxed rather than restrictive. My husband and I both had massages, and the team worked around Arthur’s schedule, so my husband took him swimming while I had my treatment, then I swapped in to dry him off while my husband went next. It felt easy, flexible and considerate – exactly what parents need.

Exceptional spa treatments

My massage was one of the best I’ve ever had. The therapist maintained contact throughout the entire treatment – something that doesn’t always happen – and the difference was extraordinary. She was warm, intuitive and incredibly skilled. I couldn’t praise her highly enough. In fact, my husband, who hadn’t been told anything about my experience, was just as impressed.

The treatment rooms themselves are gorgeous - they’re bright and spacious (windows are one-way only so people can’t see you from outside) but with full blackout curtains when you want the space darkened. Everywhere in the hotel there’s this beautiful balance between inside and outside – total privacy, yet constant connection to London beyond the glass.

My favourite breakfast

Then there was breakfast. Truly, unforgettable. It was hands-down the best breakfast any of us have ever had. A real variety of choices and quality, catering effortlessly to every generation. You could opt for a classic English breakfast or explore Asian options – dumplings, Japanese porridge, fresh fruit, pastries - everything was perfectly done. No one would struggle to find something they loved. A celebration stay is meant to feel unwaveringly perfect, and breakfast absolutely delivered.

We didn’t dine at the hotel in the evening, choosing instead to head out for dinner because it’s so easy to walk everywhere, but next time I will definitely dine at the hotel!

A true multigenerational staycation

Looking back, what stands out most is how special everyone felt. From our three-year-old to my parents in their seventies, every single person felt considered, welcomed and valued. Creating an experience that works beautifully across generations is no small feat, yet Park Hyatt London River Thames makes it seem effortless. It was, without doubt, one of the best things we’ve ever done as a family.