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Profile
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 The Westbury is one famous name that is surrounded by others. Centrally located in London, on Bond Street, it has Versace, Tiffany's, Armani, Sotheby's and Burberry as neighbours. The Westbury is the ideal choice for discerning guests from all over the world. From the moment you walk through the door, you will see the difference, the welcome is as warm as the service is well informed.
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 The Polo Lounge provides just the soothing atmosphere and light refreshments you need after a hard day in the city, or following a day's shopping in Bond Street. Start the day at your private fitness centre where you can tone up on a selection of cardio-vascular equipment, and refresh yourself in the steam rooms or shower.
The four private meeting rooms offer accommodation suitable for an intimate dinner, press launch, a lavish reception or a business meeting. The Westbury is ideal for both business and pleasure with major tourist attractions just minutes away.
Upon opening, the character of The Westbury was defined as being discreet luxury with the emphasis on service and this applies equally today as it did in 1955.
A Short History |
 The Westbury Hotel was opened on the 1st March 1955. It was the first hotel to be built in London in 20 years and it was the first American property in Britain. The new hotel, situated on London’s most prestigious retail street, Bond Street, created immense interest in the press.
The Westbury was named after its sister establishment that similarly enjoyed a prestigious location on New York’s Madison Avenue. The two properties were named after the famous Long Island polo ground in New York State. The Westbury, New York was later sold in 1998 and converted into luxury condominiums. |
 When The Westbury opened its doors in London, much was made of its provision for American guests. Central heating was installed throughout the hotel as well as efficient air conditioning. Knowing the American penchant for ice with drinks, an ice machine was installed capable of producing 16,000 ice cubes a day. Special adapters were incorporated so that American appliances could be used in the rooms and sockets for electric razors were fitted in the bathrooms. A shoe shine boy was permanently on call in the hairdressers.
The rooms were made a little smaller than thought appropriate, but the design was heralded as revolutionary in concept - the bed was a divan by day and a bed by night. The emphasis was on bed-sitting room type of accommodation and efficient room service. There was no harsh overhead lighting, only standard lamps and concealed lighting in places where guests would need it, such as the dressing table, wardrobe and bathroom. |
 All bedrooms had a television socket, a telephone, a set of note paper, blotter and ink, and, even more decadent, their own private bathroom with heated towel rails and a brand new toothbrush awaited each guest. Even the newly created maid’s trolleys were considered an innovation, enabling linen and cleaning materials to be moved between rooms effortlessly and efficiently.
The Polo Bar captured London’s imagination boasting that they served the coldest iced water in town. The head barman came from the American Embassy and the Martinis were described “as dry as dust” and were the largest in town for a mere 3/6. Within six months, the Polo Bar became the place to be seen and the most popular cocktails served included the Bronx, Sidecar, Manhattan and naturally, the Martini. |
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