Explore London’s buzzing culinary hotspot of Whitechapel with ease from Hyatt Place

The Hyatt Place London City East hotel. | Hyatt

The dilemma for me in London is: do you go for the familiar or try something new? As I am going to an event in the City, the Hyatt Place in Whitechapel is a great choice. It is right on the edge of the City and just four stops from King’s Cross by Tube.

Whitechapel buzzes with many cultures. I can see Brick Lane from my room and enjoy the smells and sounds as I walk its length before heading to the trendy Spitalfields where stalls are as eclectic a mix as the shops on Brick Lane.

Cocktails are served with a view at Hyatt Place, Whitechapel, London. | Fiona Laing

The hotel itself is bursting with original artwork commissioned from London-based street artists. The one-off pieces reflect the area’s culture and mean there is a visual feast around every corner as you explore the hotel.

Budget or boutique

In terms of London, this won’t break the budget, but it has the Hyatt attention to detail, with an added arty vibe.

A balcony room at Hyatt Place London City East. | Hyatt/VIKTOR KERY

Room service

My large ninth floor room with windows looking east and west is only just bigger than its terrace where I’m instantly drawn to the glinting towers of the skyline, before being fascinated by the low-rise near neighbours.

The room is furnished in grey and white with a vibrant pop of colour. It’s an efficient use of space: there are sliding doors, slim shelves with Nespresso machine, kettle and safe and yet there is a corner for an ironing board, an enormous TV and there are lots of plug sockets if you are on a work trip.

The walk-in shower feels luxurious, especially when you get out and the mirror has remained steam free. The crisply-sheeted bed is large and the ultimate in comfort.

Wining and dining

In this international culinary hotspot, the Hyatt Place sticks to an Italian theme. Downstairs in Sotto Cucina, it serves Sicilian fare including pizzas and pasta, while a limited menu of similar dishes are on offer in the PocketSquare Skyline Bar and Terrace on the ninth floor.

Pasta busiate with almonds and broccoli at Hyatt Place, Whitechapel. | Fiona Laing

The slimmed down choice is a small price to pay for the views. A bowl of pasta busiate with almonds and broccoli hits the mark and although unnecessary, truffle chips are perfect with a G&T.

As it is London Cocktail Week, mixologist Abbie creates a non-alcoholic take on a white lady and I turn influencer and pose it with the view... but that fun doesn’t last long as it tastes as gorgeous as it looks.

I also take breakfast in PocketSquare, reluctant to let go of that vista before I have to.

Again, the choice is more limited than the extensive buffet in Sotto Cucina, but specific items can be ordered and sent up.

On the ninth floor, there is still the makings of a fry-up, fish, ham, cheese, muffins, cereal and fruit juices and, of course, croissants and coffee. It’s much busier downstairs, and I’m glad I’ve picked this quiet start to my day.

Worth getting out of bed for

The Hyatt Place is just a block from the Whitechapel Gallery. Founded in 1901 to bring the finest art of the world to the people of the East End, its current exhibition lives up to its reputation for championing radical and innovative artists and was challenging and thought provoking.

From the terrace of my room I can see No1 Brick Lane and the green arch which marks the start of the road famous for its curry houses. As I walk its length, the aromas of spice envelope me and I wish it was time to eat; instead I browse the vintage shops.

You can hardly believe that stylish Spitalfields was once a thriving wholesale fruit and vegetable market, with its smart art, crafts and fashion stalls and an almost overwhelming choice of eateries. Not far away is Petticoat Lane, another of London’s iconic commercial streets. The low-rise brick buildings are all such a contrast to those steel and glass skyscrapers.

The PocketSquare Skyline Bar and Terrace on the ninth floor with views over London. | Fiona Laing

The City of London’s ever-changing skyline is tantalisingly close: the Gherkin and Walkie-talkie are instantly recognisable from my room.

The Walkie-Talkie is about a mile away just off Fenchurch Street where a fast lift takes me up to the 35th level and the Sky Garden. It’s the UK’s highest garden and with a pre-booked ticket it’s free to visit. There are bars and restaurants up there too if the plants and 360° panorama of London aren’t enough.

While in the area, The Monument is also worth seeking out. This 202ft memorial to the 1666 Great Fire of London was once the tallest point in the City. It is still a good vantage point, but dwarfed by the cloud-touching additions of the past four decades.

Little extras

The view of skyscrapers from the ninth floor of Hyatt Place, Whitechapel, London. | Fiona Laing

I have to admit that on paper Whitechapel would not be a place I would pick to stay on my own, but I was reassured by the hotel’s SHe Travel Club Platinum Award which recognises its emphasis on the safety and needs of women travellers. Booking a taxi at reception is no trouble and bedroom floors are only accessible with a key card.

Guest book comments

Aim for the sixth floor and above for uninterrupted views. Of the 276 rooms, 13 have a terrace or balcony.

A one-night stay for two adults at Hyatt Place London City East starts from £140 per night, including breakfast, in a King room. Hyatt Place London City East, 45

Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1DU. www.hyattplacelondoncityeast.com