While the term 'staycation' is controversial (does it mean a holiday at home... or a holiday in your home country), there's no denying that the getaway has really had to think on its feet this past 18 months. So what about those with a little extra cash to spare in one of the most expensive cities in the world? That's where Andaz London Liverpool Street comes in. 

Wedged between the London Bridge landmarks and the graffiti of Brick Lane, you'd be forgiven in thinking that Andaz would have a tough time finding its personality... but it doesn't. A reception littered in playful colour and classic cornicing, Andaz is just gonna have to give you both, and I was down for it. 

The reception alone gives you a taster of the two worlds Andaz is looking to combine.

Welcomed by an exemplary concierge team with a glass of bubbles in hand (I can hand on heart say every interaction was warm and welcome, and that's not just the prosecco talking) we were handed our keys and headed on up past quirky decal and guests both suited and booted, or celebrating a hot summer birthday in one of London's most bustling areas (the birthday boy being my husband). 

A first inspection of our king room doesn't play so much to the fun audacious character of the reception, however this is a room to sleep in, and Andaz knows that its clientele can often be the weekday worker. However, subtle elements of East London are found throughout the room; from local guides to framed street art, it's another nod to meeting in the middle. 

Liverpool Street is busy enough, your hotel room doesn't have to be.

If you're keen to know the nitty gritty on what you can expect from a night at the Andaz, don't miss the REN skincare in your bathroom, the free mini bar (no booze, but biccies are welcome), the swift room service (expect an espresso martini in little to no time), big beds for even bigger sleeps, and quality throughout. I have to say, that really is the crux of what you'll find here... quality.

All interiors at Andaz aim to go the extra mile.

Our stay closed with a brunch at Rake's Cafe Bar; an elegant English garden style restaurant bar in the hotel itself with East London attitude, chinaware murals paired with obnoxious mega-lamps and pink fringing to really seal the Shoreditch deal.

I turned away from eggs on this occasion, pairing a glass of bubbles with their sustainable cod provençal. A white filet with tomato, capers, white wine and golden beetroot with big cous cous and a spicy ezme sauce at £14.50, the fish really sang with the tart caper addition, as the ezme sauce added a touch of power to a relatively light dish. A bowl of pesto linguine opposite did the trick for my husband as we clinked to the closing of a bloody lovely birthday stay.  

The DesignMyNight Digest

Few things speak to me quite like a night away, and Andaz ensured a memorable one. I'm not sure if it was the local touches, the REN skincare, the chic apartment element or the outstanding concierge, but all in all I can say that pennies here are well spent, and that this Liverpool Street hotel shouldn't just be reserved for the working week. 

Looking for more things to do near Liverpool Street? Check out our guide to the best restaurants in Shoreditch here.