Checking In | The Westin London City
- Vanessa Gordon
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
I checked in to The Westin London City hotel, tucked between St Paul’s Cathedral and the River Thames. With stunning views of Tower Bridge, Tate Modern, and Shakespeare’s Globe, this property feels both centrally located and pleasantly removed from the day-to-day rush of London. The hotel offers a calm, contemporary business or leisure retreat in the heart of the city.
I visited just ahead of Chinese New Year, during the Year of the Horse. The hotel had a lively energy, with a small conference unfolding on the ground floor alongside a mix of younger guests and families passing through the property. I greatly appreciated the staff being so attentive and courteous upon my arrival from Heathrow. I was able to swiftly check in to my room and rest for a couple of hours before I went to my first meeting in Mayfair.
The Stay
During my stay, I checked into a Superior Room on the fourth floor. The room was spacious and inviting, providing a nice balance with a desk workspace and the opportunity to relax about after meetings across London. I loved the lavender pillow spray and the chocolate covered strawberries that were delivered to me on my first evening at the Westin.
I also appreciated access to the Westin Club lounge, which is a valuable perk for eligible Marriott Bonvoy members and a welcome extension of the stay experience. Inside, guests may find ample space for work and quiet meetings as well as a full coffee bar and tea station, fresh fruit, dried fruit, and a variety of other snacks.
My Favorite 90 Seconds
My favorite 90 seconds came while touring the Presidential Suite.
Seeing the Presidential Suite gave a broader sense of the property’s design perspective and its more aspirational side. My favorite aspect was the terrace and the telescope. I could only imagine stargazing during an evening gathering there with close friends, colleagues, and neighbors with champagne and a full dinner spread waiting to be enjoyed. That alone sounds like an incredible London summer evening experience.
The Moments That Make It
Arriving from New York, I appreciated that the property still felt lively later into the evening, even while enjoying my dinner at 10pm, making it easy to settle in without the sense that the city had already gone to sleep.
Breakfast was another moment that made the experience feel especially complete. There were fresh pastries and baked goods, a full omelet station, pancakes, fruit, yogurt, cereals, juices, and coffee service, alongside a full hot breakfast offering.
The spa at The Westin London City brought an added sense of balance to the stay, offering a wellness experience that felt both restorative and accessible. With a sauna, steam room, relaxation room, and a family-friendly pool, the space caters to a variety of travel styles and needs.
I also loved touring The Westin London City's ample meeting and event spaces, particularly the rooms named after Romeo and Juliet and Hamlet, which I thought was a really unique touch.
Who This Hotel Is Actually For
The Westin London City is especially well suited to travelers who want a centrally located London base that still feels calm, polished, and highly functional. It works well for business travelers thanks to its meeting spaces and efficient layout, but it is equally appealing for leisure guests who want easy access to the city’s cultural landmarks without sacrificing comfort.
Practical Stay Notes
Visited: February for business at the start of the Chinese New Year
Length of stay: 2 nights
Room: Superior
View: Upper Thames Street
Purpose: Business trip
Nearby Points of Interest
St Paul’s Cathedral: One of London’s most iconic landmarks, known for its grand dome, historic interiors, and sweeping views from the top. This is where Princess Diana and Prince Charles got married in July of 1981.
Tate Modern: A world-renowned contemporary art museum set along the Thames, featuring major international exhibitions and a striking industrial setting.
Shakespeare’s Globe: A reconstruction of the original Elizabethan playhouse, offering performances, tours, and a rich connection to London’s literary history.
Tower Bridge: One of the city’s most recognizable structures, combining Victorian engineering, river views, and a dramatic London backdrop.
Borough Market: A beloved food destination known for its mix of artisanal vendors, prepared foods, and some of the city’s most vibrant culinary offerings.