Westin London City hotel, London EC4
The Westin London City is impressive with its glass frontage, marbled flooring, very high ceilings, and wide-open spaces. Plus, it’s located on the River Thames, in an area dubbed the Square Mile.
Architecturally, it has an unusual angular white-metal-and-glass exterior that stretches over Upper Thames Street and, as such, has two entrances – north and south.
The Westin Hotel has angular white-metal-and-glass exterior.
The latter entrance has a superb paper artwork by Dutch artist Peter Gentenaar that hangs down the atrium from the top floor.
Westin Hotel south side entrance with hanging artwork
Whether you arrive via public transport or private drop‑off, a thoughtful welcome awaits. For those travelling from the station, the northern entrance is most convenient; if you are being dropped by car, the southern approach offers the easiest access.
Either way, you will be met at the door and guided to the fourth‑floor reception area where to a curvaceous dark wood barrier that separates Mosaic restaurant. Here another member of staff will be on hand to escort you personally through check‑in.
The highlight of the Westin Hotel is its approach to wellness. They advocate Six Pillars of Well-Being: Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, Work Well and Play Well and are present at its Heavenly Spa, the bedrooms and restaurants.
Who For
Accommodation
The Westin London houses 225 guest rooms, including ten elegant suites and three spacious residences. I stayed in room 665 — a Privilege King Room on the sixth floor.
Room 665
Privilege King Room
Heavenly Spa
Heavenly Spa reception
Heavenly Spa relaxation Room
Heavenly Spa Pool at Westin
Their menu of experiences includes Yoga lessons and an incredible The Sound of Weightlessness: Floating Sound Bath. You get to float on airbeds in the pool while listening to the sounds of crystal bowls, cascading rainfall, swirling ocean drums and harmonic gongs while scents of crisp ocean spray and coastal botanicals wash over you.
I wasn’t able to try this, but I did experience an express neck, shoulder and back massage. I got there a few minutes early so I could enjoy sitting by the pool area, which also serves as the treatment waiting room. Afterwards, I spent some time in the relaxation room with a cup of mint tea and some nibbles for a little more time out.
Food & Drink
Mosaic Restaurant all day dining
There’s all-day dining at Mosaic Restaurant, with a casual menu with Pad Thai, burgers and pizza. I had a huge plate of Fish and Chips, with delicious scallops to start.
There’s an Eat Well section offering scrambled tofu on sourdough and stir-fried soba noodles with vegetables. A hearty buffet breakfast is also served at Mosaic with freshly cooked eggs and pancakes as you lie it. For a more luxurious breakfast, there is an à la carte menu.
Scallops with green apple and buttermilk dressing
Later, the sleek and stylish Hithe & Seek bar offers a serene environment for a selection of small plates or for an after-dinner drink while overlooking the river.
How much
Rates generally range from roughly £319 to £654+ per night.
What’s Nearby
The hotel is located on historic Queenhithe Dock on the Thames, and on the other side of the Thames is The Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe and getting there by crossing the Millennium Bridge. The majestic St Paul’s Cathedral a minute or so away. If you are interested in a bit of history, then head to the Monument to the Great Fire of London, the Shard, and the Bank of England. There’s also the fabulous Borough Market a real treat for visitors.
The Westin London City, 60 Upper Thames Street, London EC4V 3AD
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