London Calling: 4 hot new London hotels for events
As our clients shift back to face-to-face meetings and events, we’re seeing strong interest in UK venue enquiries, with London remaining a popular choice.
There are a raft of exciting new conference hotels opening in London this year and early 2023, and here we share just a few that we think will make fantastic settings for meeting and incentive groups.
Marriott’s Westin brand made its debut in London at the end of January with the opening of The Westin London City.
Located on prime riverfront in the heart of the City of London, opposite the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, the property offers 222 rooms, an expansive Heavenly Spa by Westin, indoor swimming pool and fitness studio.
The hotel experience is built around the brand’s six pillars of wellbeing – Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, Work Well, and Play Well. Its lobby features a living wall, towering four-story foyer with floating sculptures and doors that lead directly out to the Thames and a riverwalk.
Riverside dining can be enjoyed at two venues – wine bar Hithe + Seek, overlooking the Thames, and all-day dining destination Mosaic, featuring a sustainably sourced menu of nutritious dishes. For meetings and events, there are seven flexible spaces including the hotel’s signature venue, the Westin Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 400.
The second London property from Lore Group and sister to the fabulous Sea Containers House, One Hundred Shoreditch opened its doors at the start of March.
Prominently located on Shoreditch High Street, the design led 258-room hotel said it will offer a vibrant and social programme of events encompassing music, art, fashion, design and wellbeing, which will run throughout the year. The hotel's creative hub, a gallery and art space, The Workshop, will be partnering with Nelly Duff, the East-end art institution on London's Columbia Road to showcase global contemporary and urban print and street art.
Restaurants and bars include Goddard and Gibbs, an all-occasion restaurant, wine bar and take-out hatch specialising in British seafood; Seed Library, a cocktail bar by renowned bartender Mr Lyan; a lobby bar and coffee shop; and a rooftop bar and terrace with panoramic views across East London.
The hotel's five meeting and event rooms are suitable for everything from meetings to private dinners and receptions. The One Hundred Room, with its floor to ceiling windows and views of the city skyline, is an impressive space for up to 70, while The Rooftop can be privately booked for events and offers the perfect setting for summer celebrations.
Raffles London at The OWO is expected to open in late 2022, marking the luxury brand’s debut in the UK.
Located at one of London’s most historically significant addresses in the former Old War Office on Whitehall, the historic building has undergone a "monumental" transformation to create 120 rooms and suites, 85 branded residences, an extensive wellness space and a rooftop restaurant and bar with views across Whitehall, The Mall and on to Buckingham Palace.
The OWO will have a total of 11 restaurants and bars led by world-famous chefs and restaurateurs. Drawn from dynamic culinary hubs across the globe, each has been invited to create a unique dining experience. At the helm of the opening is Managing Director Philippe Leboeuf, a French national who is returning to the capital bringing expertise from some of the world’s most notable and historic hotels.
Key suites at Raffles London will be situated in the building's most storied rooms - formerly offices of influential political and military leaders including Winston Churchill, David Lloyd George and John Profumo. Some of the most sought-after suites will be in the building's corner turrets, from which guests will enjoy unparalleled views over Horse Guards and the stunning 57-acres of St. James's Park.
We expect this prestigious property to be popular with high-end incentive groups and for company dinners and celebrations.
Peninsula Hotels is also preparing for its much-anticipated debut in London. Enjoying a spectacular location overlooking Hyde Park Corner and the Wellington Arch, in the heart of Belgravia, The Peninsula London will welcome guests from early 2023.
In Peninsula style, there will be a grand entrance and colonnaded lobby, along with destination restaurants, a glamorous Grand Ballroom, and The Peninsula Spa.
The 190 rooms and suites are being designed by famous interior designer Peter Marino, who took his inspiration from the surrounding Belgravia neighbourhood. The hotel promises to “showcase the best of British culture, art, and cuisine” when it opens.
The Grand Ballroom and prestigious location will make this property a hotspot for celebratory events such as awards and celebrating company milestones.
Are you looking for help with sourcing an event venue or hotel in London? If you want to know more about our luxury experiences, contact us now!