There are luxury hotels and then there are those rare addresses that feel like a complete exhale the moment you step inside. Pan Pacific London belongs firmly in the latter category.

Set between the historic character of the City and the sleek energy of Liverpool Street and just a 45-minute train journey from the Home Counties, it feels like a striking expression of modern luxury. Expansive in scale, yet somehow still intimate in feeling. From the moment I arrived, it didn’t feel like a typical hotel stay, but more like a seamless escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Once inside, the atmosphere softens instantly, potted greenery, warm, earthy tones, and a softly illuminated staircase create a grounded, almost meditative welcome. The sense of space is undeniable, with soaring ceilings, vast walls of glass, and a hotel that rises 41 storeys above the city, yet nothing feels overwhelming. Instead, it’s a balance of grandeur and tranquillity, setting the tone for everything that follows.

Once check-in was complete, it was time to head up the staircase to Straits Kitchen, where it was time for Sunday lunch, but this isn’t your traditional Sunday roast it’s a thoughtfully elevated experience, blending Western techniques and Southeast Asian flavours where familiar comforts are reimagined with precision, creativity, and a clear focus on flavour, texture, and detail.

Dining here is an experience to be savoured and began as I perused the menu with a perfectly chilled glass of Taittinger champagne in hand.

The first course arrived, a vibrant composition of heritage tomatoes bursting with natural sweetness, paired with whipped feta that was light, smooth, and delicately creamy. A crisp artichoke shard added texture, while a rojak dressing (sweet, tangy, with a gentle spice) tied everything together effortlessly.

This was followed with Hereford sirloin, cooked to perfection, tender and deeply flavoursome. It arrived alongside golden roast potatoes, a vibrant seasonal salad, and greens that retained just the right bite. The cauliflower cheese (my favourite) was silky, rich, and gently caramelised on top, whilst the Yorkshire pudding struck that elusive balance between crisp and airy.

Normally I shy away from dessert, typically too full after a meal like this, but taking things at a slower pace, sipping chilled glasses of Whispering Angel and really settling into the atmosphere, somehow made just enough room for something light. I’m glad I did, because it was worth it.

A delicate pavlova with a shell so light it shattered at the touch, giving way to a soft, marshmallow-like centre. Topped with apricot compote this was a real indulgence to the tastebuds. . Paired with another glass of Whispering Angel, it was the perfect, unhurried finish to a beautifully indulgent afternoon.

What truly defines the experience, however, is the service. Attentive without intrusive, intuitive without formality, the team moves with an ease that makes everything feel seamless. The atmosphere mirrors this, sophisticated yet relaxed, a space where time stretches comfortably and conversation lingers, where lunch blends into dusk.

After lunch, I drifted up to my room, a Deluxe City View Room, offering a quiet cocoon above the city.

The huge bed naturally takes centre stage, dressed in crisp, white linens that look as inviting as they feel. Framed by warm wood panelling and a softly backlit botanical mural, added a subtle touch of character without overwhelming the space. The lighting is gentle and ambient, casting a golden glow that makes the whole room feel it’s encasing you in something special.

A relaxed curved sofa by the window is perfect for stretching out with a coffee or a glass of the complimentary wine (left in the room) as you stare in awe at the hustle and bustle below knowing you are enclosed in your own little bubble of calm.

Pan Pacific London has clearly taken inspiration from both English and Asian gardens, layering colour, texture, and artistic detail throughout the room to create a sense of quiet elegance.

It’s the kind of room you don’t just sleep in, you actually want to spend time in. So it took a bit of effort to drag myself out of the room and make my way to the SENSORY Wellbeing Floor.

In truth, I didn’t really “do” much once I got there, and that was kind of the point. I settled onto one of the loungers by the infinity pool, no rush, no agenda, just that quiet kind of stillness where you find yourself breathing a bit deeper without thinking about it.

The pool itself stretches out towards the glass, and beyond it the city just carries on as usual, completely unaware.  As evening set in, London started to light up properly, windows glowing, traffic threading through the streets below, the whole skyline shifting into something more atmospheric.

And then the final element that really rounded off what felt like a genuinely restorative stay was a return to the SENSORY Spa & Wellbeing space for a City Detox Facial. It was such a relaxing experience, deeply calming and rejuvenating. The kind of treatment where you can feel the tension slowly ease out of you without even realising it’s happening. I came away with my skin looking noticeably brighter, smoother, and just more refreshed, like my whole face had been reset into a healthy glow.

I remember just lying back, watching it all unfold through the glass. There’s something oddly grounding about being so still while the city keeps moving. I didn’t feel like I needed to be anywhere else or doing anything else. It was one of those rare moments where you just sit in it, take it in, and let the day slow down properly.

After a restful night’s sleep, it was time for breakfast at Straits Kitchen, a true buffet in the best sense of the word. The offering is expansive yet impeccably curated, fresh tropical fruits bursting with flavour, delicate pastries with perfectly laminated layers, and a selection that moves effortlessly between Western classics and vibrant Asian influences. From made-to-order eggs to fragrant, spice-led dishes, every station invites exploration. It’s not just abundant it’s thoughtful, precise, and deeply satisfying.

Pan Pacific London is the kind of luxury that doesn’t need to announce itself. It’s felt in the smallest details, the textures you notice when you slow down, the flavours that linger long after a meal, the atmosphere that gently shifts your pace without you realising. It’s in the way everything is so intuitively looked after, often before you’ve even thought to ask. Nothing feels forced or overdone, just a quiet, assured sense of care that stays with you long after you leave.

BOOK IT

Prices start from £395 for a Deluxe room (room only).

To book, please visit Pan Pacific London Here.