WEEKEND AWAY: The Westin London City
With its prime location, striking design and five star service, Craig Hough checked into The Westin London City for two nights in the capital
Location
It was a stunning summer’s Saturday; the sun was shining and England were still flying high in the World Cup when my partner and I travelled down to the capital to visit The Westin London City, part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio. The main reason for our visit was a trip to Wimbledon to see the tennis and catch up with friends and family over the weekend - and what a day on Centre Court it was. Naomi Osaka (draped in an all-white Japanese-inspired robe as she entered) beat world number one, Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets to reach her first Wimbledon quarter final, whilst Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner both won their respective matches.
For our stay, we wanted somewhere central to accommodate our plans across the capital, and The Westin London City offered the perfect location. Both Mansion House and Blackfriars tube stops are a stone’s throw from the hotel’s entrance, making navigating the city a dream. For those looking to sidestep a summer tube ride, the hotel can happily organise private transfers, or, for those driving down from Cheshire, limited on-site parking is available by request.
Situated in the financial district, the hotel is ideally positioned for business travellers, yet is equally convenient for sightseers. The Tower of London, The Barbican and the Sky Garden are all within easy reach, while the property overlooks Shakespeare’s Globe. After our second night at the hotel, we took full advantage of the hotel’s location and stopped by St Paul’s Catherdral before spending the morning at the Tate Modern just a short walk away.
Design
Arriving at the hotel, the first thing that struck us was the incredible design. The white metal and glass exterior of the building glistened in the summer sun.
As we entered, we were greeted by a member of the team who promptly took our bags and offered us cold water from the fridge as we took in the surroundings. The ground floor reception was incredibly impressive, with works of art decorating the walls and inviting sofas dotted around a circular rug. Suspended above our heads was a paper sculpture created by Dutch artist Peter Genetesnaar, which we were told was integrated into the hotel’s design to mirror the motion of the Thames below and overlook Shakespeare's Globe and Tate Modern.
The Westin has also recently revealed ‘Threads of Renewal’, an incredible textile art installation. Created by renowned textile sustainability artist Dr. Katherin Soucie, the piece gives second life to materials that were once part of guest journeys, demonstrating how hospitality can embrace circular design while inspiring meaningful conversations around textile waste and environmental responsibility.
And…Relax
We stayed in a Signature King Room over the weekend, which was spacious, with a gorgeous marble-clad bathroom. I’m not sure if it was the hotel’s signature ‘Westin Heavenly Bed’ with its custom-designed plush pillow-top mattress, the complimentary sleep spray or the 20,000 steps a day we were doing each day, but we both enjoyed an incredible sleep.
A visit to the hotel’s ‘Heavenly Spa’ also contributed massively to an exceptionally relaxed stay. The wellness space was hidden away and the busy city felt a million miles away as soon as we stepped inside. The state-of-the-art gym caters to both locals and hotel guests, while the spa features a decent-sized pool (with dedicated family hours), alongside a thermal suite, steam room and sauna. During our visit, I opted for an express massage (which lasted 30 mins) on my back, neck and shoulders and left the massage table feeling weightless and tension-free.
Food & Drink
Mosaic is the hotel’s bright and airy all-day dining restaurant. We enjoyed a hot buffet breakfast here each morning, taking a seat by the large glass windows overlooking the city. The breakfast options were plentiful, with cold cuts and pastries mixed with a hot breakfast buffet plus a popular live omelette station. The service was impeccable.
We returned to Mosaic on Friday evening to sample the restaurant at night. The busy breakfast atmosphere was replaced by a far more intimate mood. While the menu leant towards traditional favourites like fish and chips and burgers, the kitchen delivered on taste and the first-class service remained.
After dinner, we met friends at Hithe + Seek, a destination bar worth visiting the hotel for alone. Having featured on several television shows, the space features dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views of the River Thames and the previously mentioned landmarks. The decor was sleek and modern; the atmosphere was laid-back. The bar serves sharing plates, creative cocktails and an unusually thoughtful menu of mocktails.
Final Thoughts
The Westin London City is quite the find. An ideal destination for corporate guests and tourists alike, the hotel provides the perfect setting for any visit to the capital. Coupled with the sleek contemporary design, a strong wellness focus and a cocktail bar straight from a film set, it's easy to see why this is such a sought-after booking during the summer months. To top it all off, the hotel also ranks as one of London’s most pet-friendly hotels, meaning your four-legged friend can enjoy the city escape too.
For more information or to book, please visit westinlondoncity.com
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