Westin Brings Its Wellness Focus To London With 1st Hotel In United Kingdom

The Westin London City made its debut in central London late last year as the first hotel for the Westin brand in the United Kingdom. Known for its wellness focus, the new property could not come at a better time as travelers are zeroed in on well-being and safety during their travels.

It also marks the 1,000 hotel within the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio in Europe, Middle East and Africa giving loyalty program fans another option in the UK’s largest city.

Marriott’s Catherine Flint, director – global brand management, premium distinctive brands, shares how the Westin brand is evolving and what this means for today’s business and leisure traveler.

What makes Westin synonymous with wellness?

The brand is all about living well so that travelers can continue many of the same health and fitness routines they have at home. For example, the Eat Well menu available in restaurants and in-room dining incorporates healthy, calorie-controlled dishes that don’t skimp on flavor. Unlike other hotel menus, diners can order a half or full portion. The menu varies by hotel with local chefs using regional ingredients and flavors. They can also include things like fresh juices and smoothies or cocktails using all-natural ingredients (no preservatives).

Working out at Westin is another major focus so that travelers don’t lose momentum from their exercise plans. Westin was the first hotel brand to have an exclusive partnership with Peloton when the bikes were first introduced, and The Westin London City is the only one in Europe to have two Peloton bikes. In the United States, over 80 Westin properties have Peloton equipment in the gym.

All Westin properties also offer TRX exercise equipment, and many add medicine balls and straps. The Hypervolt recovery station from Hyperice is another exclusive partnership for the brand with equipment in 18 of the Westin’s fitness studios.

How does sleep fit into the wellness message?

Launched in 1999, the Heavenly Bed is a key component to the Westin brand promise. It features a custom pillow-top mattress and duvet plus oversized pillows and a bedside lavender balm made with relaxing oils to promote sound rest.

The Sleep Well menu is another traveler favorite. Available on the hotel’s restaurant and in-room dining menus, these include superfood-focused meals, small plates and infusions (Westin has a brand partnership with Jing Tea in Europe, the Middle East and Africa) are designed by a nutritionist to promote healthy sleep.

Pets deserve sound sleep, too, and there is a complimentary version of the Heavenly Bed for dogs to use during their stay.

What is the Heavenly Bath?

A well-designed bathroom is integral to a good hotel stay. Westin’s signature white tea toiletries are standard across the brand as are strong water pressure in showers (with a second hand-held nozzle in Westin’s latest bathroom design in place of a second showerhead), oversized Egyptian cotton towels, white tea-scented toiletries and robes. Westin regulars recognize the white tea fragrance from the moment they arrive as it is used in public areas. It has become quite popular and is available via Westin’s online store.

What is Rise and Run?

This program is available at many Westin hotels. Guests can walk, jog or run using curated neighborhood maps. Towels, water and other running gear are available for guests. Many days of the week, guided runs are led by the hotel’s own running concierge, which can include members of staff or even the general manager.

Started in 2013, the program was born out of a running concierge idea that Marriott offered staff at its headquarters. It was so popular that Westin picked it up. It is a great way for business travelers who are tight for time to enjoy a guided tour of the area.

Many Westin hotels are also very active in a city’s running community. They are often the host for local races including the Boston Marathon with the Westin Boston Copley Place positioned near the finish line. The late Arne Sorenson, president and chief executive officer of Marriott International was a big fan of the Westin brand and often participated in many of its running events.

What can visitors expect at the first Westin in the UK?

The hotel represents the brand well. Westins are designed to have a connection with nature. Subtle cues are notable in the design including the living wall of greenery, something you’ll see in all Westins. Something else to notice is that the furnishings in public areas are never placed in a straight line, an intentional design modeled after nature, which is not perfect.

Energizing, scented water is available at check-in (on weekends, a glass of sparkling wine is a nice welcome), and the property has a Westin Club, a favorite of Marriott Bonvoy elite members. Premium-room guests and top-tier status members can enjoy breakfast, all-day refreshments and evening snacks with beer and wine there.

The Westin London City manages its own spa, which features an indoor pool (rare in London), sauna, whirlpool and treatment menu. Among the bespoke options is the meridian flow golden facial, which uses gold coated micro-magnetic pearls to oxygenate, moisturize and plump the skin reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

The hotel is within walking distance to the finance-heavy Bank neighborhood as well as tourist destinations including St. Paul’s Cathedral, Borough Market and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. A wine bar facing the Thames River serves 80 wines from around the world as well as a menu of small plates. Westin regulars will feel right at home at this new property.