Spanish hospitality group RIU Hotels & Resorts has strengthened its presence in the United Kingdom with the opening of Hotel Riu Plaza London The Westminster, marking its second property in the British capital. The new hotel features 464 rooms and becomes the thirteenth property in RIU’s urban hotel collection, situated just one minute from the River Thames and Tate Britain. Guests can also take advantage of free attractions such as the nearby British Museum, which houses approximately eight million objects, including the Rosetta Stone.
The Westminster location offers guests convenient access to iconic landmarks, with Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben within walking distance. Visitors can also easily reach Buckingham Palace, St James’s Park, and the London Eye. The hotel is approximately a 15-minute walk from RIU’s first London property, Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria, which opened in July 2023.
Originally built in 2003, the Westminster building underwent a complete renovation in 2021 when it joined the Curio Collection by Hilton. RIU acquired the property for £290 million, taking over after Hilton’s management ended on January 8, 2026. The recent refurbishment meant no major adaptation works were required before reopening under the RIU brand.
The hotel incorporates spy-themed décor elements, reflecting its proximity to MI5 and MI6 headquarters. The company’s expansion into urban markets includes current development of a third hotel in New York. The group’s decision to expand in London was driven by strong demand for its first property in the city. Guests can enjoy RIU’s signature full buffet breakfast, a lobby café bar, meeting facilities, and a 24-hour fully equipped gym. All rooms feature modern, elegant design with quality amenities.
RIU’s expansion into London follows strong demand from its first UK property. The hotel brand continues to focus on major global cities as part of its strategic urban portfolio growth. Founded in 1953 in Mallorca, Spain, the family-owned hotel chain now operates 98 hotels across 21 countries. The RIU Plaza urban hotel concept, launched in 2010, includes locations in major cities like New York, Madrid, Berlin, and Dublin.
The United Kingdom represents a key market for RIU, with many British tourists frequenting the company’s properties in Spain and the Caribbean. RIU continues to pursue expansion opportunities in major European capitals, focusing primarily on leisure travelers rather than business clients.
