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’d like to take an updated look at the most anticipated new Marriott property in London, which is now running a few years behind schedule, though appears to have firmer plans to actually open.
Westbury Mayfair Hotel becomes 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.
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 (I’m sure the price tag has gone up significantly in the meantime).
That’s a huge amount to spend, so this is more than just a renovation — the hotel is getting an eighth floor, plus the rear of the hotel is being extended, creating enhanced public areas, along with renovations to the facade of the building and the drop-off area outside the main entrance.
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 timeline then became 2024… then 2025… then 2026.
There seems to be material progress now — the St. Regis London finally has a webpage, and it’s expected to open in October 2026, though isn’t yet accepting reservations. We know the hotel will have 193 keys, and that 66 of those will be suites, so that’s a good suite to room ratio (in terms of upgrades, at least in theory).
The hotel will feature two restaurants, as well as two bars and lounges. One restaurant will be Le Perroquet, a French brasserie concept by Chef Daniel Rose, and there will be a second restaurant, which hasn’t yet been revealed. Then there will be a lobby bar, as well as a speakeasy jazz bar. When it comes to other amenities, expect a full service spa and fitness center.
This is a property I’m rather excited about. Personally St. Regis is probably 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.
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.
London’s luxury points hotel scene is improving
Fortunately it’s not just Marriott bringing one of its flagship luxury brands to London, as Hyatt has recently opened a new property, and Hilton will do so soon as well.
In late 2024, we saw the opening of the Park Hyatt London River Thames. Physically, the 203-room hotel is beautiful, though the location leaves a bit to be desired, especially for a flagship property of the Park Hyatt brand. It’s located in the One Nine Elms development, a mixed-use skyscraper, which doesn’t exactly have a central location.
Perhaps the most exciting points hotel coming to the city is the Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch. This 100-room property is expected to open this year, and will be located near Buckingham Palace, in a landmark that’s going to become a hotel for the first time. However, there also seem to be delays there, so let’s see when it actually opens.
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 not-too-distant future (though with how expensive points redemptions across brands are getting, it’s hard to get too excited).
Bottom line
The St. Regis London is expected to open in October 2026, representing a delay of around three years compared to the initial timeline, which called for a 2023 opening. The former Westbury Mayfair Hotel has undergone a significant redevelopment, including an expansion, and will reopen as a 193-room St. Regis.
What do you make of the upcoming St. Regis London?