Westin London City: Luxury Escape Awaits – Book Your Dream Stay Now!
Westin London City: My Love-Hate Letter to a Luxury Escape (Or My Wallet's Regret)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on the Westin London City. And trust me, after my recent staycation, there's a LOT of tea to spill. "Luxury Escape Awaits"? More like “My Bank Account Weeps…But it was Kinda Worth It.” Let's dive, shall we?
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Title: Westin London City Review: Luxury, Flaws, and a Financial Aftertaste
Keywords: Westin London City, London Hotels, Luxury Hotel, Thames River View, Accessible Hotel, Spa, Restaurant Review, Wheelchair Accessible, Fitness Center, Breakfast Buffet, London Staycation, City of London, Bars, Pool, Room Review, Westin Review
Meta Description: A brutally honest review of the Westin London City, from its sleek design and Thames views to its (occasionally) frustrating quirks and wallet-busting prices. Read about the spa, accessibility, dining, and whether the experience truly justifies the hype (and the cost). Plus, a few ramblings.
The Big Entrance (and a Slight Hiccup): Accessibility and First Impressions
First things first: accessibility. This is crucial for me (and should be for everyone, frankly!). The Westin scores pretty well here. Wheelchair accessible? CHECK! Ramps, elevators everywhere (essential!), and accessible rooms are available. They even have a convenient car park [on-site] with spaces for disabled guests. That said, getting from the car park to reception felt like a minor quest involving three different elevators. Tiny snag, but manageable.
The lobby? Gorgeous. Sleek, modern, all that glass and light. Instantly, I’m thinking, "Okay, I get the 'luxury' vibe." The doorman ushered me in with that practiced smile, and the concierge was already on the phone before I even opened my mouth, which is simultaneously impressive and a little unnerving. Seriously though, the initial feeling was pure "Wow." That lobby has air conditioning in the public area - which is a definite plus when you're a bit clumsy and walking inside after coming out of the summer heat.
Rooms: My Sanctuary (and My Little Corner of Anxiety)
Available in all rooms:
- Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
My room? Sigh. It was gorgeous. A corner suite that looked right out over the Thames, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a view that could soothe even my most stressed-out nerves. That extra-long bed was a game-changer, honestly. I could starfish without fear of tumbling out. Free bottled water (thank goodness! I’m a thirsty human). The blackout curtains were divine for sleeping in, and the bathrobes were ridiculously plush (I may have spent an hour lounging in one, pretending I was a celebrity).
BUT, here’s the thing: I am a notorious worrier. A small problem quickly becomes a major crisis in my mind, and this time it manifested with the in-room safe box. I stared at it for a good twenty minutes, convinced I'd lock my passport and never see it again. (It was fine, by the way. I managed to open it.) Also, the remote for the TV kept acting up, and it took me a while to figure out how the coffee machine worked. Small things, yes, but in a place charging this kind of money, I sorta expect things to be, you know, seamless.
Dining: From Blissful Bites to Wallet Woes
Let’s get to the really juicy bit: food. The Westin London City boasts a dazzling array, which had my stomach rumbling in anticipation.
Dining, drinking, and snacking:
- A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant
Breakfast [buffet]: Okay, the breakfast [buffet] was… chef's kiss. Glorious presentation, a spread that could feed a small army. I went hard. The Asian breakfast selection was surprisingly good. I had the salad in restaurant and the soup in restaurant…which was a nice change. The coffee was excellent. But here’s the sting: I also managed to consume enough pastries to single-handedly trigger a global butter shortage. The only downfall was the price, with a very expensive breakfast.
Restaurants and Bars: The restaurants are stylish, with international cuisine in restaurant that's beautifully presented. The prices, however, are enough to make you spontaneously combust. The poolside bar (more on the pool later) was a welcome escape, but those cocktails? Ouch. My bank account is still recovering.
Room Service [24-hour]: Ah, the siren call of room service! I caved. Twice. It was decent, but honestly, I could have gotten better and cheaper food a five-minute walk away. Part of the luxury, I guess…though I’m pretty sure it came with a side of buyer’s remorse.
Swimming Pools & Spa: A Moment of Pure Indulgence (Mostly)
Things to do, ways to relax:
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]
The pool with view is the highlight. Let's be honest. Imagine: A sleek, indoor pool with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Thames. It's gorgeous. I spent HOURS there, just floating, staring at the cityscape. The swimming pool itself is long enough for a proper swim, if you're into that sort of thing. And right next to it? Yep, the poolside bar. So, you can sip a cocktail while you swim – dangerous but delightful.
The Westin's spa is its own little world of bliss. I had a massage (worth every penny – I'm serious!) and spent time in the sauna and steamroom. The whole experience was so relaxing, I almost forgot about the mounting credit card bill. The body scrub and body wrap options sounded tempting, but my budget (and my sanity) said no.
Things that Almost Ruined My Day:
- Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Wi-Fi in public areas, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet, Internet services: The (allegedly) "free" Wi-Fi was a bit patchy in my room. I had to keep logging back in, which was annoying.
- Check-in/out [private]: This was a nice touch, but I felt like the initial private check-in was a little too formal. I like a personal, friendly touch, not just a scripted greeting.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Look, I appreciate the commitment to hygiene (more on that later), but it felt a bit intrusive that they kept offering to sanitize my room. Let me live in my germs, people!
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitizing Overkill?
Cleanliness and safety:
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment
The Westin takes its hygiene seriously. Like, really seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, individually-wrapped food options…you name it, they've done it. The staff were masked, the tables were spaced, and the general atmosphere was squeaky clean. Now, as someone who lived through a pandemic, I appreciate this level of care. But honestly, at times, it felt a bit *clinical
Unbelievable Ambar Evleri: Your Turkish Paradise Awaits in Kas!
Alright, globetrotters (or, you know, just folks who might be thinking about globetrotting), buckle up. This isn’t your sterile, brochure-perfect itinerary. This is my Westin London City experience, warts and all, and the truth is, it's a bit of a rollercoaster.
Day 1: Arrival and Initial Disorientation (aka "Help, I’m in London!")
- 10:00 AM (ish): Land at Heathrow. The sheer volume of humanity at customs nearly broke me. Seriously, people, where are you all going? After half an hour of shuffling, finally got my passport stamped. Victory! (Although, truth be told, I nearly tripped over a suitcase in my celebratory glee. Smooth.)
- 11:30 AM: Heathrow Express to Paddington Station. Ah, the thrill (and slight terror) of the Tube. Managed to navigate the journey, barely managing to squeeze onto the train.
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Paddington and take a taxi. This is where London starts to own your soul. The traffic… the glorious, chaotic traffic! The taxi driver, a lovely bloke named Kevin, regaled me with tales of dodgy politicians and the best pie-and-mash joints in the city. Instantly charmed. My first impression was not the Westin (yet), but the very air of London which is rich with history.
- 2:00 PM: Check-in at The Westin London City. First impressions? Stunning. The hotel is right on the Thames, with views that make you want to weep (happy tears, hopefully). The lobby is all sleek lines and expensive-looking things, but I secretly hoped the room wouldn't be too pretentious.
- 3:00 PM: Room reveal. Okay, the room is pretty fancy. Like, mini-bar-stocked-with-things-I-can't-afford fancy. But the view! The iconic view of the Golden Galley Bridge! After spending sometime gazing out the window, I went to the fitness studio.
- 4:30 PM : The Westin workout, I think. I thought about the fitness studio. Okay, the hotel has a gym, which I planned to use. But jet lag hit me like a ton of bricks. The best workout? Napping. That's a workout, right? Fueling up for a workout of naps is what I consider an Olympic sport.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at Hithe + Seek. The hotel restaurant. Let's see. Beautiful presentation, decent food. Service was a little… stiff. You know, the type where they call you "sir" about six times per sentence, and you just want to yell, "Call me Dave!" But the wine list was impressive, and the view was spectacular. I had a glass of Sauvignon Blanc and felt like I had ascended into the upper echelons.
- 9:00 PM: Collapse into bed. Jet lag finally took its toll. Conked out before I even had time to properly judge the fancy pillow menu.
Day 2: Exploring and (Attempting) to Be Cultured
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast (or, "The Great Croissant Heist"). The buffet was a sight to behold. So much food! But the croissants… oh, the croissants. Flaky, buttery, perfect. I may have, ahem, accidentally taken two. Okay, maybe three. No regrets.
- 9:30 AM: Tower of London. This place is massive. And seriously, how many ravens do they need? I got a photo with a Beefeater, who told me a slightly terrifying story about the Crown Jewels. The sheer weight of history in that fortress is a bit overwhelming. I’m not sure what’s more impressive: the history or my lack of knowledge of it.
- 12:00 PM: Golden Galley Bridge. Stood on the Golden Galley Bridge and just watched the boats and the people go. It was very pretty, and very noisy. I am happy in London.
- 1:00 PM: Exploring the neighborhood I started walking around the streets surrounding the hotel. I wanted to take in the city as the locals see it, and I felt I was closer to that goal while walking the streets.
- 3:00 PM: The British Museum (or, "Lost in the Land of Artifacts"). Okay. Wow. I saw stuff from everywhere. The Rosetta Stone nearly made me weep. The sheer volume of history crammed into one building is astonishing. Lost for hours.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a Pub. Found a proper pub, The Black Friar. Excellent fish and chips, a pint of bitter, and the absolute joy of watching a few locals argue amiably about football. Pure bliss.
- 8:00 PM: Attempt to see a show. Tickets were sold out. Disappointment… but I’d rather be drinking bitter and eating fish and chips than watching a stage show, anyway.
- 9:30 PM: Back to the hotel. Wandering the streets of London made me tired. All I wanted was to rest. I couldn't wait to sleep.
Day 3: Thames Cruise, Self-Reflection, and Departure (aka "Goodbye, London, Don't Change Too Much")
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Another croissant raid? Perhaps… Don't judge!
- 10:00 AM: Thames River Cruise. Glorious. Seeing the city from the water is a different perspective. The Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament… stunning. Made me want to become a rich sailor, but then logic kicked in.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at Borough Market. This place is a food lover's paradise. Seriously, the smells alone are worth the trip. Sampled everything from artisan cheeses to (apparently) the best scotch eggs in the city. Overate. Definitely overate.
- 2:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Packing and reliving my experiences. It was all nice, maybe too nice. I needed mess and chaos in my life.
- 3:00 PM: Late Check Out. The hotel was nice to say the least.
- 3:00 PM: Travel to Heathrow. Farewell, London. You’ve been a wild, wonderful, slightly confusing, and utterly captivating experience. I'll be back. You haven't seen the last of me.
Final Thoughts:
The Westin London City? Beautiful hotel. Amazing views. Good food. But honestly, London itself is the star of the show. The history, the chaos, the people… it's a city that grabs you by the collar and doesn't let go.
Would I change anything? Maybe learn a bit more about history before I visit the museums. Definitely try to resist the croissant temptation. And perhaps, just perhaps, develop a better sense of direction. But other than that? Perfect imperfection. London, you've stolen a piece of my heart (and my stomach).
Royal Inn Mito: Japan's Hidden Gem Hotel (Formerly Hotel Trend Mito)
So, is this place REALLY as fancy as it looks in the pictures? Because let's be honest, Photoshop is a cruel mistress.
Okay, let's level. I went expecting a total air-kiss, champagne-flute-clinking experience. And… it’s mostly true. The lobby? Stunning. River views? Yep, ridiculously Instagrammable. My first reaction? "Whoa." (Said with a slightly dazed expression). BUT. Here's the thing: even the fanciest places have their little quirks. Like, I kept forgetting where the elevators were. Wander around like a confused tourist for a solid five minutes. And the lighting in the rooms is *almost* too mood-lit. Felt like I was auditioning for a low-budget horror film. Okay, maybe I *am* being dramatic. It's beautiful, but not oppressively so. Think: Elegant, and not a single exposed pipe. Success!
What's the deal with that spa? I need to know if the pampering is REAL. My back is screaming.
Oh. My. GOD. The spa. Okay, so… I booked a massage. A full-body, "undo everything" kind of massage. And let me tell you, my back (and let’s be honest, my entire existence) was a knotted mess. I walked in expecting… well, I was skeptical. Spas in fancy hotels are often all show and no substance, you know? But THIS… this was different. I swear, the masseuse (named… I think it was "Agnes"? Or maybe "Agnetha"? Either way, she’s a saint) worked magic. I'm normally a terrible person in spas, because I'm a fidgeter. But I just surrendered, and I felt my body unraveling. It was beyond relaxing. I actually think I drooled a little. Post-massage, I floated out of there. Light as a feather. I'm not exaggerating, it was the best massage of my LIFE. Worth every single penny. *Definitely* go. Okay, I'm done gushing. But seriously. Go.
Breakfast – is it a buffet death trap or a gourmet delight? I’m a breakfast snob.
Look, I’m with you. Breakfast is SERIOUS business. A bad breakfast can ruin an entire day. And a good one… well, a good one can make the world seem a little brighter. The Westin's breakfast... it's excellent. Not just good. Excellent. There’s a range. A proper buffet. But with class. No sad, dried-up scrambled eggs. It's actually a decent buffet, with everything from pastries (the croissants? Divine) to fresh fruit and made-to-order items like omelets. I went rogue and ordered a full English, just to test the waters. It was almost as good as my mum's (don't tell her, obviously). And the coffee? Not that weak dishwater stuff. Proper, strong coffee. I think I drank about five cups. No regrets. Okay, maybe a slight regret about how full I felt, but the joy was worth it.
The location, is it convenient, or am I going to spend my whole trip stuck on the Underground?
Okay, so this is a proper win. The Westin London City is in a GREAT location. Right on the river! Amazing views – I could have gazed out the window all day. And super-easy access to pretty much everything. Walking distance to some cool spots, and the tube is right there. I'm terrible with directions, and I still managed to get around. Bonus points for being so close to the Tower of London! I love history and that was right down the road. Honestly, being a tourist in London can feel… well, touristy. But this location makes you feel like you’re *actually living* in London. And lets be honest, the riverwalk after the sun goes down? Wow. Seriously, the location is golden. Okay, now I feel like I should start talking about the bad, but I'm really struggling!
How are the rooms? Are they cramped little shoeboxes, or do you actually have space to breathe?
Rooms… the bread and butter. Okay, so I've stayed in hotels of every stripe. From 'glorified hostels' to, well, this. And I can tell you – the standard rooms are a decent size. Definitely not a shoebox. You actually have room to move around, which is crucial if you're like me and tend to spread everything everywhere. I mean, seriously. I unpack like a tornado hits my suitcase. My clothes were all over the place. The bed was ridiculously comfortable – like sinking into a cloud of pure bliss. There’s a decent-sized desk (essential for writing postcards/avoiding work). And the bathroom. Oh the bathroom! All marble and sparkling clean. I did discover a slight crack in the sink, my OCD went into overdrive for a second. But then I relaxed. Overall, I was super comfortable, which is the most important thing. I actually felt a little bad that I was only in the room half the time. Next time, I’m staying put in my room all day. And you know what? I think I'll ask for a room with a river view, that would be wonderful.
What's the vibe like? Is it stuffy and pretentious, or relaxed and welcoming?
Ah, the VIBE. This is the BIG question. The Westin London City… it’s not stuffy. Honestly, it’s surprisingly relaxed. I walked in, a bit nervous, expecting frosty smiles and hushed tones. But the staff were lovely. Helpful, friendly, and genuinely seemed to want you to enjoy yourself. They don’t make you feel like you need to be a millionaire to fit in. Yes, it's fancy, but it doesn't feel intimidating. I saw people in all sorts of clothes – from jeans to full-on business suits. The whole place has an air of quiet luxury, but it's definitely not pretentious. I actually felt… comfortable! I felt at home. And that's a huge win for me. I just want to feel relaxed and calm, and not at risk of being judged for something I didn't even realise I was doing wrong! The whole experience was a very pleasant one.
Are there any downsides? Be honest!
Okay, okay, let's get real. There are always downsides. Even in paradise (which, let's be honest, this place *kinda* is). Firstly, it's expensive. Like, properly expensive. So save your pennies. Secondly, it can get crowded (especially at breakfast). Finding a seat was a bit of a scramble at times. And… okay, I’m grasping at straws here… the Wi-Fi was a bit spotty in certain areas. That's it. Honestly. It's hard to find fault. The staff are wonderful, the amenities are great, and the location is fantastic. So, yes, it's expensive, and yes, it get's busy, but I'm still going back. My suggestion? Budget accordingly, and book that spa treatment! You will not regret it.
