East Meets West in the Heart of London: Why We Love Pan Pacific London for Families
I had no idea what to expect when I stayed at Pan Pacific London, but I was pleasantly surprised by this City of London gem. This sleek five-star property brings a distinctly Asian-inspired sense of warmth and hospitality to one of the world’s most visited cities. From a dedicated children’s concierge to spa treatments designed specifically for kids, Pan Pacific London feels like a hidden gem for families.
Whether you’re traveling with toddlers or teenagers, this is a hotel where every family member is sure to find something they love. This was my first stay at a Pan Pacific property, but it didn’t take long for me to realize it wouldn’t be my last.
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How to Reach Pan Pacific London
Pan Pacific London is just around the corner from Liverpool Street Station. Here you will find direct access to the Elizabeth, Central, and Circle lines, as well as National Rail services.
From Heathrow Airport, the Elizabeth line takes you to Liverpool Street in under an hour with no changes required. Talk about one of the easiest places to stay if you’re coming from Heathrow!
From Gatwick, you can take the Thameslink service to City Thameslink or Farringdon and hop on the Elizabeth line from there.
Tip: If you’re arriving with little ones and a lot of luggage, consider pre-booking a transfer. I used Welcome Pickups, and it was a very straightforward process. The Elizabeth line is manageable with a stroller, as most stations have elevators.
Accommodations at Pan Pacific London
Pan Pacific London offers a variety of room configurations to suit different family sizes and needs. I stayed in an Executive City View Room with a king bed, sitting area, desk (with a hidden Dyson hairdryer), and a fabulous wet room with a soaking tub and shower.
For families, I would recommend the Deluxe and Premier Double Double Rooms. These spacious family rooms feature two queen beds, Italian marble bathrooms with walk-in showers, and floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views.
For those who want to go all out, consider booking a Pan Pacific Suite. The Bishopsgate Suite is one of the most family-friendly suites in London. This two-bedroom retreat is over 670 square feet and offers stunning views.
In addition to the generous space, it comes stocked with games and books. Younger guests will especially love Singa’s Den Adventure Tepee, where kids can let their imaginations run wild. A living room with a dining table makes it easy for the whole family to unwind together after a day of sightseeing.
Pro Tip: If you’re traveling with a baby or very young child, ask the concierge about a stroller and a bottle warmer. Both can be arranged upon request.
The Singa Cub Club: A Welcome Like No Other
Young guests are considered VIYPs (Very Important Young People) from the moment they arrive at Pan Pacific London. Children are greeted with their very own step-stool at the front desk so they can “sign in” themselves and join the Singa Cub Club.
Every child receives a Little Explorers Adventure Pack at check-in, which includes an activity booklet, a treasure map of the hotel, and (some might say the best perk of all) a Singa the Lion stuffed animal to keep.
You should know, Singa isn’t just any plush toy. Young guests are invited to visit Singa’s Little Atelier, where they can browse a miniature clothes rack and choose the perfect outfit for their lion cub.
Each tiny garment is created by the hotel’s seamstress, Ilona, using repurposed and donated clothing. I love this sustainability touch that makes for a truly personal keepsake.
There’s also Sleepover with Singa, where families can stream their favorite films, complete with popcorn, soft drinks, and ice cream. It’s the kind of detail that transforms a hotel stay into an unforgettable memory.
Dining at Pan Pacific London
Afternoon Tea at the Ginger Lily Bar and Lounge
I had the pleasure of enjoying afternoon tea at Pan Pacific London. Served in the gorgeous Ginger Lily Bar and Lounge, this was an indulgent experience, but I loved every minute of it.
The service began with a palate cleanser, followed by an amuse-bouche, and then came the savoury course. There were four different bites, but my favorites were the Coronation Chicken and the Burford Brown Summer Truffled Egg.
Next came the scones (which I never say “no” to), followed by beautiful pastries including a blueberry lemon macaron and a stunning matcha strawberry opera cake. It was a delightful way to spend the afternoon.
Children are also welcome to join in the fun. The Children’s Afternoon Tea lets kids decorate their own cupcakes and biscuits, choosing from a rainbow of icing, sprinkles, and toppings. Alongside their sweet creations, they’re treated to a selection of sandwiches and scones, with their choice of coconut hot chocolate or fruity iced tea.
Tip: Note that the children’s tea must be booked alongside the adult afternoon tea. Book well in advance, especially on weekends.
Straits Kitchen Restaurant
The hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, Straits Kitchen, serves daily breakfast and draws inspiration from Pan Pacific’s Singapore roots. The breakfast buffet is expansive and sure to keep even the pickiest eaters happy. There’s everything from made-to-order eggs to pancakes and waffles in case the kids are missing a taste of home. I had avocado toast with poached eggs, and it was delicious. Lunch and dinner are also served here.
NOTE: Room service is available 24 hours a day if you would rather have meals in the privacy of your room.
SENSORY Spa, Pool & Wellness
One of Pan Pacific London’s crown jewels is its SENSORY Spa & Wellbeing Floor. The wellness floor is home to an indoor infinity pool with spectacular city views. For families, there are dedicated children’s swimming hours.
This area also features a sauna, steam rooms, and a fully equipped 24-hour gym. Parents can take turns using the facilities while the kids enjoy the pool.
Bonpoint Beauty: Spa Treatments for Kids
Pan Pacific London has partnered with the French children’s brand, Bonpoint, to offer spa experiences for children aged 6 to 16. Using natural, hypoallergenic skincare products, these unisex treatments offer a rare opportunity for parent-and-child wellness time.
There are three signature treatments available:
The Fairy Tale Treatment (30 mins) – Who wouldn’t want a fairy tale facial? This playful facial is accompanied by fairytale music and is designed to hydrate and delight even the littlest guests.
The Dreamy Treatment (30 or 60 mins) – Perhaps the most special of the three: parent and child lie side by side as they each receive a facial combined with arm, back, and lower leg work. At the end, the therapist guides the parent through a simple massage so they can recreate the experience at home.
The Awakening to Care (30 mins) – An educational facial where a beauty expert walks children through each step, explaining what they’re doing and why. Perfect for curious kids ready to learn how to take care of their skin for the long term.
A parent or guardian must be present during all treatments.
The Staff: Going Above and Beyond
What cements Pan Pacific London as something truly exceptional is the quality of its people. I had lovely conversations with everyone at the hotel, from Surat at the front desk to the lovely gentleman in the elevator delivering McDonald’s to another guest. It felt like the staff intentionally sought out conversations, which I greatly appreciate in this day and age of everyone staring at their phones.
The hotel’s Children’s Concierge service provides personalized itineraries if you would like. They are available to help with everything from local family excursions to seasonal in-hotel treasure hunts. They can recommend the best Muggles Tour for Harry Potter fans and where you can take cooking classes in the city.
Using Pan Pacific London as a Home Base
Being in the heart of the city gives families easy access to London’s highlights. Here are a few we recommend:
Within walking distance or a short cab ride:
- Leadenhall Market – a gorgeous covered market with shops and restaurants (other nearby options are Spitalfields Market and Borough Market)
- Brick Lane – perfect place for street food, bagels, and vibrant street art
- Tower of London and Tower Bridge – this is a short walk if the weather is lovely or one Tube stop away
- The Gherkin and the City’s iconic skyline
A short Tube ride away:
- The British Museum (Central line, about 20 minutes)
- Natural History Museum and V&A (Circle line)
- South Bank and the Globe Theatre
- Hyde Park and Kensington Palace
Tip: The Elizabeth line from Liverpool Street is fast, step-free, and connects directly to London’s major hubs. Getting around the city with a family is genuinely easy.
Why Pan Pacific London Is the Perfect Base
London has no shortage of luxury hotels, but few have made family hospitality a genuine cornerstone of their identity like Pan Pacific London. This is a hotel where children are welcome and appreciated.
Between the Singa Cub Club, the Bonpoint spa experiences, the children’s afternoon tea, the infinity pool, and the warmth of a staff that clearly loves having young guests around, Pan Pacific London offers something that’s remarkably hard to find: a world-class luxury stay where everyone in the family feels genuinely at home.
If you’re looking for the best hotels for a London family trip, this one should be at the top of your list.
