Introduction

After a rebrand from the Hilton Curio Collection, the Hotel Riu Plaza London The Westminster has emerged as a formidable second act for the Spanish brand. While the Victoria location handles the high-velocity transit crowd, this newly minted flagship (formerly a Curio Collection property) officially joined the RIU portfolio last month with a sophisticated, espionage-inspired edge. It represents a significant strategic shift, positioning a massive 464-room inventory directly into the imperial heart of the city, trading the frantic energy of the train station for the atmospheric, river-adjacent pulse of Millbank.

The arrival experience is a masterclass in modern mystery. Upon entering, guests are greeted by a design language that pays homage to the nearby headquarters of MI5 and MI6—think sleek, dark textures, integrated surveillance-style lighting, and "spymaster" motifs that elevate the lobby from a standard transit hub to a cerebral urban retreat. The transition from the rainy London streets into this polished, glass-bound sanctuary is handled with a proactive grace that signals RIU’s intent to compete at the highest level of metropolitan service.

The Location: Thames and Tower

The location of the Riu Plaza The Westminster is factually unparalleled for those who wish to walk the halls of power. Situated just one minute from the River Thames and the artistic sanctuary of Tate Britain, the hotel sits at the epicenter of London’s political and cultural history. Within a ten-minute stroll, you can stand before the Gothic majesty of Westminster Abbey or the Houses of Parliament, making it a logistical dream for those who want to experience the city's most iconic landmarks without the need for a taxi or a crowded Tube carriage.

Compared to the landlocked properties near Victoria, this hotel offers a "riverfront" perspective that is far more atmospheric. You are positioned at a pivot point where the grandeur of Big Ben meets the avant-garde energy of the South Bank, accessible via a short walk across Lambeth Bridge. This proximity allows guests to treat the city as an extension of their living room, whether you’re heading to the London Eye for sunset or navigating a morning meeting in the corridors of Whitehall. In 2026, this is the definitive vantage point for the "power traveler."

The Grounds: A Vertical Metropolis

The hotel grounds are an exercise in vertical sophistication, occupying a prominent corner that frames views of the river and the distant city skyline. Unlike the sprawling, gardens of the countryside, the "grounds" here are defined by elevated social hubs and a deconstructed public space model that encourages movement and observation. The interior design is factually unique, utilizing a "spy-themed" aesthetic that features numerous nods to British intelligence, creating a multi-sensory environment that feels intensely localized to its Westminster neighbors.

The layout is designed for maximum "intel" and interaction, centered around a vibrant Lobby Café Bar that serves as the hotel’s social radar. The transition from the high-energy public zones to the quiet, residential corridors is a study in modern isolation, where the hustle of the city is filtered through advanced acoustic engineering. It is a unique environment where the scale—464 rooms—is mitigated by a layout that prioritizes private nooks and intimate meeting spaces, ensuring that the property feels like a secure, high-end village rather than a monolithic hotel block.

Points vs. Cash: The RIU Class Calculation

In 2026, the RIU Class loyalty program provides a factual alternative to the standard cash transaction, though the calculation differs significantly from the Hyatt or Hilton models. Points are generally earned as a percentage of your spend and can be redeemed for a "points plus cash" discount or a fully covered stay. At the Riu Plaza London, a standard night generally requires a substantial balance—often starting around 2,000 to 3,000 points for a meaningful reduction. Given the high cash demand for Westminster proximity, the value-per-point is most advantageous during the "summer session" when London is at peak capacity.

However, a pure cash booking is often the more logical path for those who utilize Preferred Partner rates or corporate discounts. The cash rate in 2026 remains competitive with nearby four-star-plus peers like The Rochester or The Clermont, but with the added benefit of far more modern infrastructure. For the luxury traveler, the "pro move" is to pay cash to maintain RIU Class Gold or Diamond status, which triggers the most significant value-adds: late check-outs and priority room assignments that can make or break a busy London schedule.

Deluxe Queen: A Bit of a Squeeze…

The Deluxe Queen is a factual exercise in metropolitan efficiency, and it is vital to note that the room is undeniably cramped. Spanning approximately 18 to 19 square meters, the layout is a masterclass in spatial optimization, but it offers little room for the "unhurried" sprawling found in larger suites. The aesthetic is "spymaster sleek," featuring a monochromatic palette of charcoal and ivory, accented by floor-to-ceiling windows that attempt to trick the eye into seeing more square footage than actually exists.

The "feel" of the room is one of a high-tech cabin—private, sterile, and intensely focused. While the footprint is small, the acoustic insulation is formidable, ensuring that the roar of the city outside is reduced to a distant, silent film. It is a space designed for the traveler who treats their hotel room as a high-performance recharge station, providing a polished and predictable sanctuary in the heart of the capital.

The bathroom of the Deluxe Queen continues the narrative of surgical precision, functioning as a sleek, highly efficient laboratory of clean. It features a walk-in rainfall shower with "perfectly machined" pressure and a contemporary vanity with integrated LED lighting that is both flattering and functional. The design utilizes large-format porcelain tiles and polished chrome fixtures that mirror the hotel’s "modern-intelligence" aesthetic. It is highly usable, provided you appreciate a layout where every amenity is within arm’s reach.

The amenities are provided by RIU’s own signature line, known for their crisp, neutral scents that invigorate without lingering—a hallmark of the brand’s city hotels. The towels are plush and presented with a technical neatness that defines the property's housekeeping standards. While there is no room for a deep-soaking tub in this category, the shower experience is factually superior to many of the older, "classic" hotels in the Westminster core, offering instantaneous temperature control and a robust flow.

Dining: The Cosmopolitan Table

Dining is anchored by RIU’s legendary Full Buffet Breakfast, a factual hallmark that remains the best value-add in the city. Served in the main restaurant, the spread is an "elemental" journey, featuring everything from a traditional "Full English" to sophisticated continental pastries, fresh exotic fruits, and rotating international specialties. The atmosphere is professional and vibrant, providing a technical start to the day in a room that frames the morning movement of the Westminster streets.

The Lobby Café Bar serves as the property’s social radar, offering a curated menu of "spymaster" cocktails and high-end tapas. It is a convivial space that transforms from a quiet coffee spot in the morning to a high-energy lounge at night. The view of the Millbank traffic and the nearby intelligence headquarters adds a sense of "urban theater" to every drink, making it a popular spot for both guests and local professionals seeking a discreet but stylish meeting point.

The breakfast is catered towards more business clients, but designed as a high-energy, comprehensive "world tour" to fuel a day of exploring Westminster. Served in the main restaurant, the service follows a massive buffet-style model that is a signature of the RIU Plaza brand, emphasizing variety, volume, and taste. I would honestly value the breakfast as average, as it seemed more focused on doling out customer turnover than anything else.

The spread is divided into several distinct stations:

The Hot Station: This is the heart of the "Full English" experience, featuring high-quality back bacon, sausages, grilled tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, and baked beans. Eggs are typically prepared in multiple styles, from scrambled to fried, with a high turnover that ensures everything stays fresh and hot.
The Continental Section: A sprawling selection of artisanal breads, buttery croissants, and Danishes, alongside a variety of European cold cuts and cheeses.
The Wellness Corner: For those seeking a lighter start, there is an extensive array of fresh exotic fruits, yogurts, muesli, and various cereals. The juice bar offers several chilled options, and the professional-grade coffee machines provide a quick, reliable espresso or latte.

For evening dining, the menu shifts toward a "cosmopolitan-fusion" aesthetic, highlighting locally sourced British proteins prepared with global techniques. The lobby bar serves as the social heart of the property, offering a curated list of international wines and "metropolitan" cocktails. It is a place where the "front-row seat" to London’s energy is the primary appetizer, providing a convivial atmosphere for a post-sightseeing drink or a casual business dinner.

Fitness and Wellness: The Urban Gymnasium

The fitness center at the Riu Plaza is a factual standout for the district, offering a high-performance environment that far outpaces the "closet-gyms" of traditional Westminster boutique hotels. The facility is equipped with the latest TechnoGym cardio gear and a comprehensive selection of free weights and resistance machines. The layout is spacious and bathed in artificial sunlight, creating a high-energy atmosphere that encourages a rigorous workout regardless of the London weather.

While the property does not feature a traditional spa or pool—a factual trade-off for its primary location—it compensates with a focus on "active recovery." The gym is open 24/7, acknowledging the erratic schedules of the global business elite. The proactive grace of the staff ensures the facility remains in a state of "laboratory-clean" readiness, with chilled towels and hydration stations always at the ready.

The layout is designed to avoid the "congested" feel of municipal gyms, offering enough personal space for functional movement and stretching. In 2026, the property also offers curated "Westminster Running Maps," guiding guests through the nearby St. James’s and Green Parks. It is a facility that acknowledges fitness is a non-negotiable part of the high-performance journey, providing a high-tech environment that matches the kinetic energy of the surrounding City.

Finally, the locker rooms are meticulously maintained, featuring steam showers that provide a restorative end to a workout. The integration of high-end tech with a sterile, focused environment makes this one of the most efficient health hubs in the Victoria area. Whether you are running a 5K on the treadmill or engaging in a heavy lift, the fitness facilities are designed to help you reach your peak state before a day of meetings or sightseeing.

Curated for Class?

For the traveler who are slightly on budget but want fantastic location and efficiency, the Hotel Riu Plaza London The Westminster is a slight recommendation for those that travel light. The highlights are undeniable: an unbeatable proximity to Tate Britain and the Houses of Parliament, paired with a sleek, spy-themed infrastructure that is unique in the city. The lowlights are equally factual—the Deluxe Queen rooms are undeniably cramped, and the property lacks traditional hotel amenities for those seeking just a bit more than a place to relax and dine.

I can recommend this property for the "objective-driven" visitor—the traveler who wants a high-tech, quiet sanctuary to reset between missions in the capital. While The Conrad London St. James offers a more "statesman" energy and the Park Plaza provides a more sprawling resort feel, the Riu Plaza captures the modern, high-velocity spirit of London like no other. If you are looking for the future of Westminster hospitality—sleek, connected, and impeccably efficient—this "bunker by the Thames" is your definitive home.

Curated for Class Final Score | 36.5/50

This is a bit tough. While the hotel serves as a high-performance basecamp for the objective-driven traveler, the experience is defined by a compromise in space, as the Deluxe Queen rooms are undeniably cramped and the property breakfast is adequate at best. However, if location and proximity matters more, than this hotel is recommended for those visiting London for the first time.

Ambiance: 7.5/10

Room: 7/10

Food & Beverage: 7.5/10

Service: 7/10

Does it Feel Special: 7.5/10

Hotel Review: Riu Plaza London Westminster