London is one of the most premium hotel markets in the world, though it’s a city that has surprisingly few luxury points hotel options. That’s slowly changing, though we’re having to be really patient, given constant construction delays.
In this post I wanted to take an updated look at the most anticipated new Marriott property in London, which is now running a couple of years behind schedule.
In this post:
Westbury Mayfair Hotel will become St. Regis London
In February 2022, it was announced that Marriott signed a management agreement with Cola Holdings and the Westbury Hotel Limited to bring the St. Regis brand to London, with a 196-room hotel.
Specifically, the former Westbury Mayfair Hotel (which was a Marriott Luxury Collection property) is being rebranded as a St. Regis after an extensive $122 million redevelopment.
That’s a huge amount to spend, so this will be more than just a renovation — the hotel will be getting an eighth floor, plus the rear of the hotel will be extended, creating enhanced public areas, along with renovations to the facade of the building and the drop-off area outside the main entrance. Once completed, the hotel will feature a signature restaurant, speakeasy jazz bar, fitness center, and spa.
When plans for the St. Regis London were announced, we were told to expect an opening in 2023. Unfortunately that timeline didn’t stick, and the latest update is that the hotel is expected to open in 2025. I understand construction is complicated, but it’s kind of incredible how often hotels miss their opening deadline, and not just by a couple of months.
While we’ll have to be patient for quite some time, this is a property I’m excited about. Personally St. Regis is my favorite Marriott Bonvoy brand, given that St. Regis honors elite perks better than Ritz-Carlton properties. Marriott Bonvoy Platinum members and above can receive free breakfast at St. Regis properties, and can also use nightly upgrade awards.
As of now renderings of the property are limited, so I’m curious to see what this property looks like. With the amount of money being spent, it better be good!
This actually won’t be the first time that there’s a St. Regis property in London. In the early 2000s, The Lanesborough was branded as a St. Regis. However, in 2014 it rebranded, and joined Oetker Collection.
Park Hyatt & Waldorf Astoria also coming to London
Fortunately it’s not just Marriott bringing one of its flagship luxury brands to London, as Hyatt and and Hilton are also opening new properties in London:
- The Park Hyatt London River Thames is expected to open in late 2024; this will be located in the One Nine Elms development, which is a mixed-use skyscraper
- The Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch is expected to open in 2025; this will be located right across from Buckingham Palace, in a landmark that’s going to become a hotel for the first time
Between Park Hyatt, St. Regis, and Waldorf Astoria, those of us who like redeeming points at luxury hotels in London should be happy campers in the next couple of years.
Bottom line
The St. Regis London is expected to open in 2025, representing a two year delay over the initial timeline, which called for a 2023 opening. The former Westbury Mayfair Hotel is undergoing a significant redevelopment, including an expansion, and should reopen as a 196-room St. Regis.
What do you make of the upcoming St. Regis London?
Knowing the layout of London and neighborhoods, I question the decision to locate a Park Hyatt on the south side of the River. Neighborhoods and access.
All the brands are trying get better and more positions in the such a great market. Hyatt did indeed grab a few last year. The Hyatt on the south side of the River is a bit difficult to cope with, the location and the mafia style management sitting...
Knowing the layout of London and neighborhoods, I question the decision to locate a Park Hyatt on the south side of the River. Neighborhoods and access.
All the brands are trying get better and more positions in the such a great market. Hyatt did indeed grab a few last year. The Hyatt on the south side of the River is a bit difficult to cope with, the location and the mafia style management sitting at the door watching everyone.
The Blackfriars is nice but the location is fairly far out to the east.
The only central Hyatt hotel is the Churchill. Hyatt really needed get the Park or even another Regency into central London. It ain't easy. Marriott is converting a hotel near Bond street, very central indeed.
They should keep trying. Creative solutions !
Ben when you say "it’s a city that has surprisingly few luxury points hotel options", I think you really mean to add "...within the major US chains". London has a huge range of luxury properties that are not US-centric...Mandarin Oriental, Corinthia, Langham etc.
About the Waldorf Astoria Admiralty Arch being " located right across from Buckingham Palace." The two buildings form either end of The Mall, and the Mall is about a kilometer long. Only right across if you're going by state coach.
I used to stay at the Westbury every month for 3 years in a row. It was definitely in deep need for a renovation. St Regis will have to compete against with the Chancery Rosewood which is two blocks away and in a much better location in my opinion away of the noise of Bond St. They will have to price accordingly to be able to win. The Chancery also opens in 2025 and
Another iconic London skyline building the BT Tower has been bought by the owners of the TWA hotel JFK and is also destined to become a hotel, and your old US Embassy in Grosvenor Square reopens as The Chancery Rosewood in 2025.
given how badly the TWA hotel has been run, this does not bode well for the BT tower hotel.
I'm a Mayfair regular and I'll believe it when I see it. St. Regis Mayfair has been under construction for years. The original reopening date has long since passed. It's the same with the Mandarin Hanover Square. Walking past it about a year ago, it looked as if the doors were ready to open. Nope. It's the same with the Waldorf Astoria Admiralty Arch. It was supposed to open FIVE YEARS AGO. Two developers of the property have gone bankrupt.
Excited for it and the Waldorf!