RIU opens second London hotel near Westminster landmarks

RIU Hotels & Resorts has opened the Hotel Riu Plaza London The Westminster, a 464-room property located in London's Westminster district, one minute from the River Thames and Tate Britain.

The hotel sits within walking distance of Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, St James's Park, and the London Eye. 

The property is located approximately 15 minutes on foot from RIU's first London hotel, the Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria, which opened in July 2023.

The decision to open a second London property follows strong demand at the Victoria location, according to RIU. 

The Hotel Riu Plaza London The Westminster becomes the chain's 13th urban property, joining hotels already operating in Panama, Guadalajara, Madrid, Miami, Chicago, San Francisco, New York, Berlin, Dublin, and Toronto.

Originally built in 2003, the hotel underwent a complete renovation in 2021 when it operated as part of the Curio Collection by Hilton. 

Following RIU's acquisition, the property has joined the chain's RIU Plaza portfolio of city hotels. 

The recent refurbishment means the hotel will not require major adaptation works, according to the company.

The hotel's interior design features spy-themed décor reflecting its proximity to MI5 and MI6 headquarters, the British intelligence services.

Amenities include a full buffet breakfast, described as a hallmark of RIU's city offerings, along with a lobby café bar, meeting rooms and a 24-hour gym.

RIU continues to focus on expanding in major cities and is currently building its third hotel in New York while exploring new opportunities in European capitals.

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