Marriott International has announced plans to debut its Westin brand in the UK, with Westin London City scheduled to open in 2020.

Owned by 4C Hotel Group and managed by RBH, The Westin London City will boast a prime riverfront location in the heart of the City of London. The company said the hotel signing illustrates that the demand for wellbeing continues to propel Westin’s growth. Westin also has upcoming debuts in Malaysia and the Maldives.

“Transforming the way travellers experience wellness continues to be a powerful proposition for Westin, and one that has become increasingly important as people integrate wellbeing more holistically into their lifestyle,” said Brian Povinelli, SVP and 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 travellers and locals alike are staying active every day.”

The Westin London City will be a key part of the redevelopment of the former Queensbridge House site, as well as an independently operated destination restaurant. The site stretches from Queenhithe Dock - the oldest in London - and runs north to south, bridging across Upper Thames Street and giving it a prominent position over one of the primary arterial routes through the City of London.

Highly visible from the South Bank, the hotel will also benefit from panoramic views over the River Thames and will complete the northern riverbank walkway between the Tower of London and Millennium Bridge.

“This is an exciting chapter for the Westin brand,” said 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. With its commanding riverfront location in the commercial and historic heart of the City of London, The Westin London City is sure to offer a reviving and memorable stay for guests in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.”

Led by British architects Dexter Moren Associates, the hotel is fluid and sculptural with a biophilic-focus, suggesting that a connection to nature enhances wellbeing. Upon arrival, guests enter into an atrium space that is at once open and airy, yet residential and intimate. The lobby leads into a riverside bar and restaurant, which opens onto the new public walkway affording views across the river towards Shakespeare’s Globe and the South Bank.

The hotel’s 220 bedrooms, including 29 suites and Presidential Suite, are designed to offer guests a nature-inspired respite in the centre of a bustling city, balancing a calming palette of natural colours with contrasting tones, textures and materials.

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, 375sq m spa and WestinWORKOUT fitness studio with TRX exercise equipment.

In addition, the hotel will offer the RunWESTIN programme with three and five-mile jogging routes along the riverfront and the brand’s signature Gear Lending programme, allowing guests to pack light and stay fit with New Balance shoes and clothing for guests to use during their stay.