The £1.3 billion transformation of Olympia has been one of London’s most ambitious regeneration projects, and the newly opened Hyatt Regency London Olympia is perfectly placed at the centre of it all. Occupying the reimagined Emberton House opposite Kensington Olympia station, this 204-room, stylish hotel effortlessly combines architectural heritage, contemporary comfort and a strong sense of connection to its West London surroundings – and as a proud West Londoner, I was excited to visit for a much needed staycation.
Along with my wife Sam, and our toddler Xavier, we minced into the hotel lobby brimming with anticipation and awe. It quickly became clear that this isn’t simply another business hotel attached to a major development. Instead, it felt deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of Olympia’s history and the wider community that surrounds it.
The building itself is rather fascinating. Once one of Europe’s largest multi-storey car parks when it opened in 1937, it has been transformed into a chic Hyatt Regency property that celebrates its industrial past while embracing modern luxury. Rich green tones, brass accents, marble surfaces and Art Deco flourishes give the interiors warmth and character without feeling overly themed.
Our room was gloriously spacious, thoughtfully designed and family-friendly. The clever zoning between sleeping, working and dressing areas made the space feel larger than its footprint. But the undisputed highlight for Xavier was the bathtub overlooking Olympia station. Watching trains arrive and depart below while splashing happily in the bath provided endless entertainment. For a train-loving toddler, it was probably the greatest hotel feature imaginable. For his parents, it offered a rare opportunity to slow down and enjoy a peaceful moment while taking in the constantly changing urban view.
One of the hotel’s strongest assets is its artwork programme. Throughout the corridors and public spaces, pieces reference Olympia’s rich history, from pioneering technology exhibitions and early photography to some of the legendary musicians who have performed there over the decades.
We particularly enjoyed the works celebrating local West London heroes, which help give the property a genuine sense of place. Rather than feeling like a generic international hotel, Hyatt Regency London Olympia feels connected to the neighbourhood and its cultural identity.
The culinary offering exceeded expectations. Dinner at Idalia, the hotel’s flagship restaurant on the ground floor of the magnificent Grade II-listed Pillar Hall, proved to be one of the highlights of our stay.
To start, the lobster linguine with chilli, tomatoes, garlic and basil delivered exactly the sort of comfort and indulgence a hotel restaurant should aspire to. The pasta was perfectly cooked, while the sweet lobster paired beautifully with the gentle heat of the chilli and the freshness of the basil.
Equally impressive was the Sri Lankan chicken curry, a deeply flavoured dish that balanced warming spices with richness and complexity. It felt authentic and confident rather than a toned-down interpretation.
The standout main course, however, was the Hereford grass-fed 35-day dry-aged sirloin from renowned butcher HG Walter. Cooked precisely to order and accompanied by a rich béarnaise sauce, it showcased the quality of the beef superbly. The accompanying beef tallow chips were exceptional: crisp, golden, intensely savoury, and beloved by the anti-seed oil health-minded mama I’ve morphed into.
Dessert arrived at the table in the form of a classic Eton Mess, which struck a perfect balance between sweetness, texture and freshness. It was a fittingly British finale to a meal that reflected the restaurant’s modern interpretation of familiar favourites.
Breakfast the following morning maintained the momentum. The buffet was extensive and delightfully varied, with everything from fresh fruit and pastries to a full cooked breakfast. The quality felt a cut above the typical hotel offering, and there was enough variety to keep both adults and children happy.
We gorged on fine cheeses, smoked salmon with cream cheese, a full English, fresh fruit and even cupcakes laded with clotted cream for that unnecessary but extremely welcomed touch.
As an iced coffee lover, I’m often dismayed by the bland filter or instant coffee available at certain hotel breakfast buffets, but the Hyatt Regency Olympia certainly didn’t disappoint with their caffeinated offerings. My iced latte was exceptional – and dashingly beautiful.
Location is, of course, one of the hotel’s major advantages. Directly opposite Kensington Olympia station and at the heart of the redeveloped Olympia district, guests have immediate access to exhibitions, entertainment venues, restaurants and central London transport connections. Yet despite its strategic position, the property retains a welcoming, neighbourhood feel.
What impresses most about Hyatt Regency London Olympia is its balance. It succeeds as a business hotel, a leisure hotel and a family hotel without compromising on any of them. Combined with excellent dining, thoughtful design and a genuine celebration of West London culture and heritage, it feels less like a hotel added to a regeneration project and more like a cornerstone of Olympia’s exciting new chapter. For visitors looking to experience one of London’s newest destinations, it is already one of the area’s most compelling places to stay, especially if you are avid foodies with a penchant for bathtub trainspotting.
