The Westin London City

The Westin London City Overview

You know what struck me first about The Westin London City? It’s this sleek glass tower that somehow doesn’t feel cold or corporate once you’re inside. I mean, you’re literally in the heart of the financial district on Upper Thames Street – you can practically touch the Thames from here – but the moment you walk through those doors, there’s this immediate sense of calm that’s honestly pretty remarkable given all the City chaos outside. The lobby has this warm, sophisticated vibe with these gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows that flood everything with natural light during the day, and at night… well, the view of the river and London Bridge is something else entirely.

What really gets me about this place is how they’ve nailed the balance between luxury and actually being livable. The rooms are spacious by London standards (and I mean properly spacious, not just “oh this is big for London” spacious), with those signature Westin beds that you’ll probably end up researching how to buy for your own home. The bathrooms are marble and chrome affairs with rainfall showers that actually have decent water pressure – you’d be surprised how many five-star hotels mess that up. But here’s the thing that sold me on this place: the soundproofing is incredible. You’re surrounded by one of the busiest areas in London, yet once you close that door, it’s like you’re in your own little sanctuary. I stayed here during a particularly hectic week in September, and honestly, the silence was almost therapeutic.

The location is actually brilliant if you know how to work it. Sure, weekends can feel a bit like a ghost town since all the bankers disappear, but that just means you have places like Borough Market (literally a ten-minute walk) practically to yourself. And the transport links? St. Paul’s tube is right there, plus you can walk to Millennium Bridge in about three minutes if you want to cross to Tate Modern or just take one of those perfect London river walks. The hotel’s restaurant scene is solid too – their afternoon tea overlooks the Thames and doesn’t feel touristy, which is harder to find than you’d think. Staff genuinely seem to know the area well; they pointed me toward this little wine bar tucked away near Cannon Street that I never would’ve found otherwise. The 8.8 rating feels about right – it’s not trying to be the flashiest hotel in London, but it absolutely delivers on being a genuinely comfortable, well-located base for exploring the city. Plus, if you’re here on business, you literally cannot get more central to the financial district without sleeping in someone’s office.

The Westin London City Accommodations

Facilities