Almost four years on from when Editor Hamish Kilburn broke the news that Westin Hotels & Resorts will make its debut on the UK hotel design scene, he is back to unveil the design and architecture narrative now that Westin London City has officially opened its doors…
Days after Marriott International shared its hotel opening pipeline for 2022 and beyond, Westin Hotels & Resorts has given Hotel Designs access inside the brand’s debut hotel in the UK, which also marks the 1,000 property within the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio in Europe, Middle East, and Africa.
Designed by British architecture and interior design studio Dexter Moren Associates, the new riverside hotel, with unparalleled views of Shakespeare’s Globe theatre and Tate Modern art gallery, combines meaningful wellness with contemporary fluid and sculptural design. Built on the premise that a connection to nature enhances wellbeing, the design is integral and is inspired by the unique location, and shelters a modern residential feel.
Image credit: Marriott International
“The Westin London City seamlessly balances London’s captivating energy with the wellness promise that Westin Hotels & Resorts is known for, providing mindful travellers a new way to experience this iconic destination,” said Jason Nuell, Senior Vice President, Premium Brands, Marriott International. “As the brand’s debut in the UK, we’re excited to continue expanding our portfolio, delivering industry-leading well-being experiences designed to empower a better you.”
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- Image credit: Marriott International
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- Image credit: Marriott International
Wellness plays a powerful role within the hotel’s 222 guestrooms, which feature brand signatures, such as the iconic Heavenly Bed and a spa-like bathroom. In fact, the hotel experience comes to life through the brand’s six pillars of wellbeing – Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, Work Well, and Play Well – allowing guests to personalise their stay and engage in programming that best meets their needs.
The expansive Heavenly Spa by Westin has been designed to prioritise guest’s well-being with six treatment rooms and an indoor pool, which was carefully constructed around the archaeological remains of the Huggin Hill Bathhouse below.
Image credit: Marriott International
Riverside dining can be enjoyed at two venues – wine bar Hithe + Seek, overlooking the Thames, and all-day dining destination Mosaic, featuring a sustainably sourced menu of nutritious dishes. Presenting a world of contrasts to city-goers, Hithe + Seek is set at the heart of the hotel.
Plush furnishings and modern finishes create an intimate atmosphere while the eclectic wine list, made up of 80 references, is carefully split into two sections – Hithe which features a selection of familiar favourites and Seek which showcases undiscovered gems hand-picked for diners looking to expand their palate. The small plates menu combines recipes from old and new world wine countries within the wine list.
Named after the colourful artwork commissioned for the front of the hotel, Mosaic offers a sustainably sourced menu ideal for those seeking healthier choices including dishes from the Westin Eat Well menu, which provides options that fuel and energise guests without compromising flavour, taste, or satisfaction. Located on the fourth floor, where the north and south sides of the hotel merge, its city-facing location makes it the perfect destination for lunches or after work dinners and drinks.
“By connecting these two sides of London, we have opened a walkway that could help towards a greener city.” – Neil Taylor, Chief Operating Officer at 4C Hotel Group.
Collaborative working areas that spark creativity are at the heart of the hotel with its 1,060 square meters of contemporary meeting and events space. Allowing flexibility in function through simple and intuitive design details, the hotel’s Ballroom is a fluid space that can be easily tailored to host a range of events. Five expansive meeting rooms emulate the linear nature of the north lobby’s design, introducing residential touches and natural textures.
Owned by 4C Hotel Group and managed by leading hospitality management company RBH, Westin London City, which also has nine state-of-the-art residences, unites the final piece of the Thames pathway connecting the Embankment to the Tower of London. “By connecting these two sides of London, we have opened a walkway that could help towards a greener city, encouraging locals and visitors alike to walk the beautiful stretch of river,” said Neil Taylor, Chief Operating Officer at 4C Hotel Group. “It has been 80 years in the making in bringing this walkway back for everyday use and we are delighted to see our city united once more.”
Main image credit: Marriott International
