Spa treats and together time are the dream family city break in London for Katie Amps and her daughter, and The Westin London City turns out to be the perfect hotel for all that, and more.
View from Mosaic Restaurant, The Westin London City
If you’re dreaming of a city break that balances luxury with location, wellness with wanderlust, and includes quality time with your teen (minus the eye rolls), look no further than The Westin London City.
Earlier this year, my 17-year-old daughter Ella and I packed our bags for a mini family city break packed with pampering, sightseeing, and a whole lot of girlie fun.
Ella, The Westin London City
Also, there’s something blissfully refreshing about ditching the daily grind for a little mum-and-daughter escape: no packed lunches, no deadlines, and absolutely no debates about screen time.
That’s exactly what my 17-year-old daughter Ella and I were after when we checked into The Westin London City in January 2025. Our mission? To squeeze in some much-needed girlie time and a whole lot of London fun. Mission very much accomplished.
Family Room, The Westin London City
The Westin London City is perfect for a family city break
Perfectly placed between the majestic St. Paul’s Cathedral and the arty cool of the Tate Modern, The Westin London City is a real find.
As well as staying in a beautifully calm double room – all soft lighting, cloud-like bedding, and one of those showers you never want to leave – we arrived to a surprise gift box packed with relaxing treats from the spa; oh, and not forgetting the amazing chocolates! Cue immediate brownie points from Ella.
The room became our little family city break cocoon. Ella practically melted into the Heavenly Bed (it’s not just a name – it’s a vibe), and we spent our first evening in robes, chatting, laughing and working our way through the chocolate stash while watching the city lights.
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Pool, Heavenly Spa by Westin, London
Carve out some time at the Heavenly Spa by Westin
We carved out some proper R&R at the Heavenly Spa by Westin the next morning. It was everything you want a spa to be – warm, quiet, zen – and the side-by-side facials had us both glowing. Also, it’s hard to beat floating around a pool when it’s freezing outside.
Dinner that night was at Mosaic, the hotel’s all-day restaurant. Think healthy-but-yummy food, smart service, and a relaxed vibe that makes it totally fine to wear stretchy trousers. Ella went for a colourful poke bowl, I tucked into grilled sea bass that was cooked to perfection. We were both delighted.
St. Paul’s Cathedral, London
Vintage shopping, London’s big-hitters and Insta gold for Ella
The next day we embraced our London explorer mode. One New Change was our first stop – a quick five-minute walk and home to all our high-street faves.
From there, we dipped into Leadenhall Market (gorgeous architecture and excellent coffee), mooched around Hay’s Galleria for souvenirs, and hit Carnaby Street for a bit of trend-spotting. We even managed a stroll down Brick Lane – vintage heaven and graffiti gold for Ella’s Instagram.
Culture-wise, we ticked off the family city break big hitters. St. Paul’s? Majestic. The Tate Modern? Weird and wonderful. Shakespeare’s Globe? A selfie essential.
We even squeezed in a trip to Greenwich via the DLR and wandered around the Thames Barrier like true tourists. Best bit? It was all so close and easy.
Back at the hotel, the breakfast spread at Mosaic deserves a shout-out. Croissants, smoothies, eggs-you-name-it – all washed down with top-tier coffee. It set us up perfectly each day.
Presidential Suite, The Westin London City
What’s new for a family city break at The Westin London City
New for summer 2025, The Westin has launched four brand-new Residences that are perfect for families who want more space without giving up hotel perks.
Each three-bedroom home-away-from-home (named The Fitzroy, The Grosvenor, The Berkeley, and The Cadogan) comes with its own private entrance, access to all hotel facilities, complimentary parking, and a balcony overlooking the Thames. They’re beautifully designed with open-plan living areas, full kitchens, and massive floor-to-ceiling windows that let the light pour in. It’s ideal for a longer family city break or if you’re travelling with extended family or teens who want a bit of extra room to stretch out.
Also launching this summer is a unique cultural touchpoint: The Art of Renewal, a ceramic art installation and workshop series led by Artist-in-Residence Caroline Winn. Running June to October 2025, it brings the Thames’ story to life through sculpture. Look out for her Salt and Rivière collection in the Haven lobby lounge, and if you’re feeling inspired, sign up for one of the interactive workshops. It’s a thoughtful way to add some creativity and culture to your stay.
The Westin London City
Turn a family city break into something more memorable
The Westin London City is one of those places that just makes life feel easier. It’s stylish but not stuffy, relaxing but brilliantly located, and has enough thoughtful touches (hello spa, gift boxes and heavenly beds) to turn a regular family city break into something genuinely memorable.
Whether you’re reconnecting with your teen, grabbing a weekend away from work/life chaos, or simply treating yourself because you deserve it – this hotel hits the sweet spot. And yes, Ella is still talking about the bed.
How to plan this family city break
How to get there
The Westin London City, 60 Upper Thames Street EC4V 3AD
2 minutes walk from St. Paul’s tube
Where to stay
The Westin London City, Family Room (2 adults, 2 children) from £595 per night
Residences, 3-bedroom (up to 8 guests) from £1,700 per night – minimum 3-night stay
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