Tucked between the historic grandeur of the City and the modern elegance of Liverpool Street lies Pan Pacific London, a gleaming example of how five-star hospitality can feel both expansive and deeply personal. My wife, Samira, our toddler Xavier, and I recently had the pleasure of staying here, and from the moment we arrived, we were immersed in a sanctuary of calm amidst the buzz of the capital.
Arriving with a toddler in tow can sometimes be a logistical ballet, but the staff at Pan Pacific made it feel effortless. From the warm welcome at the entrance to the personalised check-in experience, we were immediately put at ease. Xavier was offered a soft toy and a fresh juice while we were shown to our room — a Premier Room with sweeping views over Bishopsgate Plaza.
The room itself was a masterclass in quiet luxury. Elegant and minimal in design, it combined Asian-inspired tranquillity with thoughtful British touches: buttery soft robes, a curated tea selection, a Dyson hairdryer, and a supremely comfortable king-sized bed. Floor-to-ceiling windows flooded the space with natural light, and blackout blinds ensured deep, undisturbed sleep for all three of us. A plush cot had been pre-arranged for Xavier, complete with miniature bedding and a baby toiletries kit that felt genuinely considered, not just box-ticked.
To Xavier’s utter delight, waiting for him was a miniature robe — soft, snow-white and almost comically cute — along with a personalised flannel embroidered with his name. It was one of those rare touches that made him feel just as special as any adult guest. He wore it proudly as we made our way to the hotel’s Wellbeing Floor, where he dashed gleefully around the relaxation room, his robe trailing behind him like a cape, giggling with the freedom only toddlers possess.
The infinity pool, with its panoramic city views and ambient lighting, was a genuine highlight. Adults-only during certain hours, it also welcomes families at designated times — perfect for little ones like Xavier, who splashed about with abandon while Samira and I soaked in the serenity. The temperature was ideal: warm and comforting without being stifling. Nearby, the sauna, steam room, and mindfulness studio further elevated the experience, offering an urban wellness experience that felt blissfully far removed from the world outside.
Later that evening, we dined at Straits Kitchen, the hotel’s signature restaurant, which celebrates the rich, diverse flavours of Southeast Asia. Samira and I both indulged in the Experience Menu, a beautifully composed tasting journey that left a lasting impression.
We began with a delicate Chilled Native Scallop topped with soy, chilli, and a red curry crisp — an elegant, umami-laced mouthful that perfectly set the tone. Our second course was a substitution, switching the original pork skewer for expertly grilled chicken satay skewers, served with a rich char siu glaze and plum ketchup — smoky, sweet, and deeply satisfying.
Next came a generous plate of Cornish Crab Pappardelle, elevated with a laksa emulsion, crisp green apple, and even a touch of caviar. The fusion of buttery pasta and fragrant Southeast Asian spice was both surprising and sublime. Then, the star of the show: melt-in-your-mouth Hereford Beef Short Rib, served with a glossy sweet soy and stout jus and delicately pickled hibiscus onions — a dish that married boldness and balance with real finesse.
Dessert arrived in the form of an inventive Ice-Cream Sandwich with a vanilla, soy, and sesame caramel centre — light, creamy, and just indulgent enough to round off the meal without weighing us down.
Meanwhile, Xavier was very well looked after with a special toddler-friendly dish of steamed chicken with sticky coconut rice, which he devoured with great enthusiasm before happily drifting off in his pram.
Straits Kitchen impressed not only with its food but also its sense of quiet confidence — the kind of place where you feel equally comfortable sipping a lychee martini in heels or arriving in a cloud of pram-related chaos. And it’s not just lip-service to families either: highchairs, kids’ cutlery, and staff who crouch down to your child’s level to say hello — these are small gestures that make a big impact.
The next morning, we headed down for the breakfast buffet, which can only be described as exceptional. The spread was vast and beautifully curated — from made-to-order eggs, fresh pastries, tropical fruits, and cold-pressed juices to Asian breakfast favourites and aromatic curries. One dish in particular stood out: a chicken curry with jasmine rice that was so rich, fragrant, and deeply spiced, I’d go as far as to say it may have been the best I’ve ever had. I returned for seconds without hesitation — and would have gone back for thirds had I not been so comfortably full.
After breakfast, we took a relaxed stroll around Bishopsgate Plaza, the development in which Pan Pacific is housed. A stone’s throw from Spitalfields Market and moments from the Thames, the location offers guests a perfect base to explore London’s vibrant East End, financial district and cultural landmarks — yet within the hotel, you’d never guess you were in the heart of the city.
Our stay at Pan Pacific London reminded me that luxury, when done right, is never showy or impersonal. It’s in the seamless service, the way staff anticipate needs before they’re voiced, the balance of modern design and ancient rituals, and above all, the sense of genuine care extended to even the smallest guest.
Whether you’re travelling as a couple, a family, or solo in search of serenity, Pan Pacific London delivers a uniquely nurturing luxury — one that lingers with you long after check-out. For us, it was a welcome pause from London’s pace, wrapped in soft linens, spiced with lemongrass, and flavoured — memorably — with some of the city’s finest cuisine.
