TORONTO — Days after Marriott International announced the opening of the first Delta Hotels property in Europe, comes word that another Marriott brand, Westin, is headed for the UK.

The Westin London City is set to open in 2020 and will boast a prime riverfront location in the heart of London.

Marriott says the deal points to the global demand for properties emphasizing wellness and wellbeing, propelling Westin’s growth around the world, with recent openings in Australia and upcoming debuts in Malaysia and the Maldives.

Westin has been part of Marriott International since the company acquired Starwood Hotels & Resorts in 2015.

“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, Senior Vice President & 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 is part of the redevelopment of the former Queensbridge House. An independently operated destination restaurant will also be on site. 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.

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.”

The atrium space is open and airy, yet residential and intimate, says the hotel company.  The lobby leads into a riverside bar and restaurant, which opens onto the new public walkway affording great views across the river towards Shakespeare’s Globe and the South Bank.

The hotel’s 220 guest rooms include 29 suites and Presidential Suite.  All rooms will feature Westin’s signature services and amenities, such as the world-renowned Heavenly Bed and reviving Heavenly Bath experience.

The hotel will also feature an indoor swimming pool, a sprawling 4,036-square-foot spa and WestinWORKOUT fitness studio. The hotel will also offer the renowned RunWESTIN program with three and five-mile jogging routes along the riverfront and the brand’s signature Gear Lending program, allowing guests to pack light and stay fit with New Balance shoes and clothing for guests to use during their stay.

Marriott says the hotel’s prominent location, combined with airport, train and underground links, will appeal to the business and meetings market. The hotel will have 8,900-square-feet of meeting and event space, including a Junior Ballroom and four meeting rooms.

Last week Marriott announced the opening of the Delta Hotels by Marriott Frankfurt Offenbach in Germany, marking the European debut of the hotel brand. Delta Hotels, which got its start in Canada in 1962, is now one of Marriott’s fastest growing brands.