Last Updated on February 9, 2026
Five-star wellness hotel on the Thames
Much as I love travelling abroad, there is something thrillingly decadent about a mini-staycation in a five-star, luxury hotel. Invited for dinner, bed and breakfast plus a Heavenly Spa treatment at The Westin London City, I packed a small bag and a book, and set off with my husband for an overnight treat. The hotel is located on the historic Queenhithe Dock on the Thames, a natural inlet where Alfred the Great arrived in 886 to rebuild the city after it was abandoned by the Romans. Queen Matilda was granted the dues from the dock in the early 12th century, hence the name Queenhithe. Nowadays, the Westin London City is a perfect spot for visiting theatres and museums – it has a spectacular view over Shakespeare’s Globe and Tate Modern, which are across the river.
Whether you are local to London or arrive from one of the city’s airports or train stations, The Westin London City is close to public transport, with a few tube stations within easy reach. Having left home early afternoon on a Friday, we arrived ready to make the most of the facilities and location. During the week, I would assume this large hotel is popular with business travellers, as it is very close to the City. On the weekend, it was quiet and peaceful, with mostly couples and families with preschool-age children.
The entrance to this five-star, luxurious hotel had me in raptures. A large lobby featured a glass wall overlooking the Thames, while the double-vaulted ceiling displayed a magnificent series of hanging paper sculptures by Dutch artist Peter Gentenaar. These large, floating paper installations set the tone at The Westin London City, where elegance and art meet excellent service and good food.
Our Privilege King Room was on the seventh floor. Most of the 225 rooms face the street that runs below the hotel, which is partially built above a bridge. If you would like a river-facing room, you will need to book one of the ten suites or three-bedroom residences, which have luxury kitchens, fabulous sitting rooms, and beautiful balconies. Our room had a view of the City’s skyscrapers, which were particularly atmospheric at night when the buildings were illuminated.
The room was generous in size, with a capacious Westin Heavenly bed. The colour scheme of taupe, brown, teal and green was restful on the eye. Furnishings included an attractive wooden desk and a sofa. The marble-tiled bathroom featured a large walk-in rain shower, ample towels, bathrobes, and slippers.
Having an hour to spare before my appointment at the Heavenly Spa, I went down to the Executive Club Lounge, a comfortable space where I read while enjoying a cup of Jing tea. There were snacks and fruit laid out, a coffee machine, a beer tap (Camden Hells) and a fridge filled with soft drinks. The lounge is open from 7 am to 11 pm and is available to Marriott Bonvoy elites and club-level guests. It serves a buffet breakfast, all-day snacks and has an evening happy hour (5 to 7 pm) with drinks and canapés.
The Westin is focused on well-being, and guests have complimentary access to the well-equipped WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio and the 12m pool, vitality pool, and thermal suite, including a sauna, steam room, ice fountain, and sensory shower. I enjoyed a half-hour full-body exfoliation treatment, which feels rather like being rubbed down with sand but leaves the skin as soft as butter. Following a lie down in the relaxation room with a cup of peppermint tea, I spent an hour blissed out poolside on a chaise longue. There is a wide range of Heavenly Spa treatments, and I recommend booking one during your stay. The spa is also open to non-hotel guests, with a selection of spa packages available on The Westin London City website.
Happy Hour at The Westin London City offered a choice of wines, beer or soft drinks. There was a sideboard with hot (lamb stew and vegetable couscous) and cold food, so you could make a meal of it if you wished. As we were booked in for dinner, we nibbled on cheese and crackers along with a glass of Merlot while watching the City lights twinkling.
Dinner at Mosaic restaurant is one of two options at The Westin London City. Overlooking the river is Hithe + Seek, a bar and kitchen that serves small plates. Mosaic offers a varied menu that covers all bases, from burgers and steaks to fish dishes, Thai curry to chicken korma, pasta and pizza, salads, vegetarian dishes, and a selection from the Eat Well menu, where you can order half portions.
We shared a delicious warm butter-enriched milk roll with chermoula butter. My husband enjoyed seared scallops with honey-blazed parsnip purée and chermoula paste, followed by a fillet steak with chunky chips and a tomato salad. I opted for burrata with caramelised persimmon, bitter leaves and balsamic glaze, followed by manuka honey-glazed salmon with sautéed rainbow chard, almond pesto and dashi broth. All the dishes were attractively presented, fresh and tasty. Service was friendly, and the pacing of the meal was good.
The next morning, breakfast was served in the Mosaic restaurant, where we basked in the sunshine that filled the room with warmth despite the freezing weather outside. The hotel serves a generous buffet of cereals, yoghurts, nuts and seeds, pastries, charcuterie, cheese, fruit, smoked salmon, and all the components of a full English breakfast. You can also order from an à la carte menu, where an array of egg dishes and pancakes is available.
Suitably set up for a day of sightseeing, we left the hotel, which opens onto the Thameside walk. After a few minutes, we reached the Millennium Bridge. We had a choice between turning right to visit St Paul’s Cathedral or left to cross the bridge to the Tate Modern. Once across the river, visitors can walk in one direction to the Southbank Centre, Hayward Gallery and Queen Elizabeth concert hall, the National Theatre, and British Film Institute, a plethora of restaurants, and onwards to the London Eye and Westminster. A short walk downriver brings you to the world-famous Borough Market and Francis Drake’s Golden Hinde, and onwards towards Tower Bridge. You can walk for hours in either direction and even hop on a riverboat to visit Greenwich. The Westin London City boasts a brilliant location for visits, as some of London’s top sights are on its doorstep, while others are easily accessed on public transport. While the hotel has plenty of food and beverage options, guests are close to bars and restaurants to suit all price ranges.
The Westin London City was a wonderful place for a mini-staycation and would be most suitable for a longer stay in the city. With access to some of London’s top sights, restaurants, bars and river amenities, plus a luxurious spa and facilities, the Westin London City is a peaceful wellness hub, a great option for a central London stay.
The Westin London City, 60 Upper Thames Street, London EC4V 3AD
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