by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 3:37 PM ET, Thu May 31, 2018
Global demand for well-being while traveling continues to drive the growth of Marriott International's Westin brand, which has just announced its first property in the United Kingdom.
The Westin London City, slated to open in 2020, will have a prime riverfront location in the heart of London, part of the redevelopment of the former Queensbridge House site.
Westin also recently opened properties in Australia and has upcoming debuts planned for Malaysia and the Maldives.
"Transforming the way travelers experience wellness continues to be a powerful proposition for Westin, and one that has become increasingly important as people integrate well-being more holistically into their lifestyle," Brian Povinelli, senior vice president & global brand leader, Westin Hotels & Resorts. "We are thrilled to not only debut the brand in London, but also to open this marquee hotel on the iconic River Thames, where travelers and locals alike are staying active every day."
The former Queensbridge House site stretches from Queenhithe Dock - the oldest in London - and runs north to south, bridging across Upper Thames Street, giving it a prominent position over one of the primary arterial routes through London.
Highly visible from the South Bank, the hotel will also have panoramic views over the River Thames.
"This is an exciting chapter for the Westin brand," John Licence, vice president premium & select brands, Marriott International Europe. "It is clear that there is a strong appetite for the brand's wellness positioning, innovative programming and premium accommodations."
Led by British architects Dexter Moren Associates, the upcoming hotel's design will be fluid and sculptural with a biophilic-focus aimed at highlighting a connection to nature that enhances well-being.
Upon arrival, guests enter into an atrium space that is open and airy, yet residential and intimate. The lobby leads into a riverside bar and restaurant, which opens onto the new public walkway affording spectacular views across the river towards Shakespeare's Globe and the South Bank.
The hotel's 220 guest rooms, including 29 suites and Presidential Suite, are designed to offer guests a nature-inspired respite in the center of a bustling city, balancing a calming palette of natural colors with contrasting tones, textures and materials.
All rooms will feature Westin's signature services and amenities, such as its Heavenly Bed and Heavenly Bath experience.
Embodying the brand's Let's Rise mantra, which empowers guests to take back control of their travel routine through wellness, the hotel will feature an indoor swimming pool, spa and WestinWORKOUT fitness studio with state-of-the-art TRX exercise equipment.
In addition, the hotel will offer the renowned RunWESTIN program with three and five-mile jogging routes along the riverfront and the brand's signature Gear Lending program, allowing travelers to pack light and stay fit with New Balance shoes and clothing for guests to use during their stay.
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