W Hotels to extend presence in the UK

Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide is to expand its W Hotels portfolio in the UK by opening two new sites – one each in Manchester and London – in 2010.

The W London Leicester Square will be built on the site of the former Swiss Centre building in the capital’s famous Leicester Square and is scheduled to open in October 2010.

The 194-bedroom hotel will include 10 two-level luxury branded residences, a signature spa, health and fitness club, a destination restaurant and a Living Room-branded night club.

Facilities at the 160-bedroom W Manchester are similar, and include a health spa. W Manchester is set to open in 2010 and has been designed by architect Ian Simpson. The property will be located in the city’s warehouse district, famous for its artistic community.

W Hotels is Starwood’s luxury hotel brand with 23 hotels across the world. Details: starwoodhotels.com