Hotel Review: The Westminster London, Curio Collection
Introduction
Nestled in the historic Westminster district, just a stone's throw from the River Thames, The Westminster London has emerged from its cocoon as a stunning addition to the Curio Collection by Hilton. Formerly known as the DoubleTree Westminster, this property has undergone a remarkable transformation, shedding its old identity and embracing a new era of boutique luxury.
While The Westminster exudes the charm of a boutique hotel, its 464 rooms spread across 12 floors speak to its grand scale. My stay in a Queen Premium Corner Room offered a unique layout and courtyard views. The corner placement provided an expansive outlook, complete with soundproof walls that made for easy sleeping.
Location
The hotel's location is undoubtedly one of its strongest selling points for those looking to embark across London. Within a mile radius, you'll find yourself surrounded by London's most iconic landmarks – Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace. This strategic positioning allowed us to cover an impressive amount of ground in a remarkably short time, making it an ideal base for city explorers. I had no problem adventuring around the area and found it to be super ideal.
However, it's worth noting that the rail connectivity, particularly from the airport, could be more convenient. For those looking to train, you should opt for the London Underground to Westminster Station, followed by a brisk 15-minute walk to the hotel. While this might be a minor inconvenience for some, the trade-off in terms of proximity to major attractions is well worth it. Uber is still worth it in general should you have a ton of luggage.
Lobby
As you step into the hotel, the ambiance immediately transports you into a world of luxury and sophistication. The reception area, adorned in a striking petrol blue that subtly nods to the Hilton brand, strikes a perfect balance between modern elegance and quirky charm. Comfortable seating areas and a communal workspace complete with a Mac computer cater to both leisure and business travelers.
One cannot help but be captivated by the hotel's artistic flair, exemplified by installations like the whimsical bowler hat display. These touches of creativity pepper the property, adding layers of visual interest at every turn.
The Room | RM 1239
48 hours before check-in, I assigned myself a corner room on the 12th floor. A quick walk from the elevators and I’m greeted by a small but lovely corridor. The room's design is a study in clever space utilization. Upon entry, you're greeted by a bathroom and dressing area that seamlessly blends functionality with style. The black marble-clad shower and toilet areas, while intentionally dim, create an atmosphere of understated luxury. It’s definitely on the smaller side but ergonomically it works well. Do note that big luggages may have trouble fitting in the closet if opened fully.
Speaking of which - the walk-in closet is complete with a built-in luggage rack – a thoughtful touch for travelers who prefer to live out of their small to mid-size suitcase. The abundance of mirrors throughout the room ensures you'll look your best from every angle, though some may find this level of self-reflection a bit daunting!
The shower pressure was fantastic and I found the in-house amenities to be sufficient. The shampoo and body wash has a great smell and found it to last throughout the night.
Breakfast
If there was one disappointment with this hotel, it’s the breakfast. As a Curio Collection, I was expecting it to be on par with the other Curio hotels I’ve stayed at. Unfortunately, this was not the case at all.
Breakfast is served on the 1st floor at the Westminster Bar and Grill (2nd floor for Americans, considering lobby is considered at ground level and then 1st floor is the 2nd, haha) and was quite busy for both the weekdays and weekends. I was looking forward to a nice English breakfast, and found the buffet spread to be abundant. From pancakes to sourdough to fruits to sausages to an egg station, it’s a standard for most breakfasts.
However, the quality of the ingredients, particularly on the hot foods was not to par. The eggs felt powdery, the sausages were dry and the hash browns definitely felt a bit out of place. It was such a weird mix of items that I wasn’t sure if it was just an outlier on this otherwise fantastic hotel. Nevertheless, it was a disappointment on my first try.
Conclusion
The Westminster London, in its new Curio Collection guise, offers a refreshing blend of boutique charm and big-brand reliability. Its prime location, stylish interiors, and attention to detail make it a standout choice for travelers seeking a quintessentially London experience with a touch of luxury. As the hotel settles into its new identity, it's poised to become a go-to destination for discerning visitors to the British capital.
The Westminster London's transition to the Curio Collection brand is a testament to its unique character. Curio, Hilton's line of high-end, distinctive hotels, allows properties to maintain their individual charm while benefiting from the Hilton Honors ecosystem, yet their breakfast was a massive misstep and a fix I hope they quickly look to remedy.
