Urban Calm & Luxury Family Adventure at Pan Pacific London
There are hotels that make an impression the moment you step inside and others that quietly unfold their magic as you stay. Pan Pacific London manages both. BY SAMANTHA READY
Rising elegantly above the city, just a few strides from Liverpool Street and framed by City of London icons including The Gherkin, it feels every inch the contemporary landmark – glass, steel and precision softened by that distinct sense of Singaporean calm (and a divine signature scent).
Our family was made to feel part of that spirit from the first moment. At check-in, the team greeted Lyla (11) and Jaxon (8) by name and presented them with a refreshing welcome drink and their own Pan Pacific adventure map; a charming invitation to explore. Straight away our shoulders relaxed when we realised this was a true family-friendly experience – not a luxury hotel simply claiming to cater for families – while they set off through the hotel to collect signatures from staff in the restaurant, bar, spa and reception before returning triumphantly with a cuddly lion in hand. A simple activity and gesture, yet one that set the tone for the stay – polished, thoughtful and genuinely warm.
Smoothly checked in, we stood in awe as we arrived at our family suite, which proved exceptional in design and scale. Beyond a single main door lay a private hallway leading to two self-contained suites (this is next level interconnectivity), creating that very rare luxury of shared space, independence and privacy all at once. The children’s room (though ‘wing’ would be a more appropriate descriptor), with its twin beds and expansive city view, became an instant favourite. There was a walk-in rain shower, their own television and a mini bar discreetly stocked with juices and snacks. From the window, The Gherkin loomed close enough to feel part of the skyline.
Our adjoining suite offered the kind of understated elegance that has become Pan Pacific’s signature – a king bed dressed in crisp linens, a calm lounge area and a marble bathroom where even the lighting seemed designed for serenity. It was impossible not to appreciate the architecture, design and considered interiors: clean lines, natural materials and soft curves that quietly diffused the hum of the city beyond.
That afternoon, Lyla and I headed to the SENSORY Spa, hidden in the lower floors of the building and scented with lemongrass and cedar, for a very special treat. The ‘Awakening to Care’ mini-me experience, part of a thoughtful series designed for parents and children to enjoy together, was actually set in a specially prepared suite a floor above. Here, while I submitted to an expert neck, shoulder and back massage, Lyla was guided through her own (and first ever) bespoke facial, created for young skin and delivered with the same professionalism as any adult treatment. She emerged glowing, her mini robe tied neatly and a goody bag of Bonpoint products in hand, chatting animatedly about her therapist’s skincare tips. It was elegant, educational and completely uncontrived.
The next morning, the four of us returned to the spa to swim in the 18.5-metre infinity pool, its edge-to-edge glass framing the skyline in silvery autumnal light. Family hours each morning mean children can enjoy the space freely, though the atmosphere remains tranquil – a rare feat in any urban space.
Treatments complete, London waking adventures partaken in, it was time for a refuel. Dinner at Straits Kitchen drew together the best of modern Singaporean dining. We began with toasted sourdough and black garlic butter, before moving through small plates of beef short rib croquette with sriracha and pickled ginger, and Jimmy Butler’s pork skewers, which arrived glossy with char siu glaze and served alongside plum ketchup. The Hereford beef short rib from the medium plates was magnificent – rich and yielding, layered with sweet soy and stout jus – while the truffled hispi cabbage was a quiet star – layered with umami from white soy and the gentle warmth of gochujang, its edges just caramelised enough to crunch before melting into its truffle-rich interior. The half Devon-White chicken, perfumed with cardamom and spring onion, was beautifully cooked, its flavour brightened by crisp double-cooked chips laced with pepper and chilli. The children’s menu echoed the same sensibility: refined yet accessible – proof that family dining needn’t compromise on taste and flavour.
Breakfast the following morning was a spectacle of its own, proffering tiers of just-baked pastries, tropical fruits, charcuterie, sushi, steaming dim sum and made-to-order eggs. It was generous and cosmopolitan, much like the hotel itself.
What distinguishes Pan Pacific London is its ability to blend scale with intimacy. The service is seamless but never showy and the attention to families feels sincere. The design invites stillness, the food celebrates global with grace (avoiding pan-continential fusion rabbitholes), and the hospitality – rooted in its Singaporean origins – feels both precise yet personable.
As evening fell, we stood by our dual-aspect windows, the capital’s bright lights stretching out beneath us. Lyla arranged her spa gifts on the table, Jaxon clutched his lion, and for a moment London (and life in general) seemed a quieter place. A stay at Pan Pacific doesn’t just offer luxury, it gives you a whole new way of seeing the city – calm, cared for and connected.
Family Highlights at Pan Pacific London
The Family Suites
Ingeniously designed for connection and calm. One shared main entrance opens into two private suites, creating both togetherness and privacy – complete with skyline views and generous marble bathrooms.
The Adventure Map
Children receive an activity map on arrival inviting them to explore key areas of the hotel – the bar, restaurant, spa, reception – collecting staff signatures rewarded with a soft toy lion once complete.
Mini-Me Spa Experience
The Awakening to Care treatment pairs a parent’s massage with a bespoke facial for younger guests. Mini robes, slippers and a Bonpoint gift bag add thoughtful finishing touches.
The Spa/Pool
The 18.5-metre infinity pool welcomes families each morning. Natural light and panoramic City views make it a serene yet family-friendly space.
Dining at Straits Kitchen
Modern Singaporean flavours with local ingredients. From rich beef short rib and truffled hispi cabbage to a considered children’s menu and fabulously curated cocktails, dining feels inclusive and memorable.
Breakfast Worth Waking Up For
A global spread of pastries, fruits, dim sum and made-to-order dishes served with quiet precision – the perfect close to a family city escape.
