Since its inception in 1930, Westin Hotels has continuously shaped the landscape of the hospitality industry with pioneering initiatives and a commitment to exceptional service. Let’s take a detailed look at the remarkable milestones that have defined the history of Westin Hotels over the decades:
1930: A Serendipitous Encounter Sparks the Birth of Western Hotels In a serendipitous twist of fate, two rival hoteliers found themselves sharing breakfast at a diner in Yakima, Washington. This chance meeting led to a conversation that birthed an alliance, laying the foundation for Western Hotels.
1946: Pioneering Guest Services with the First Guest Credit Card Western Hotels sets a new standard in guest convenience by issuing the first-ever guest credit card, streamlining the check-in and payment process.
1947: Introducing the "Hoteltype" Reservations System In a groundbreaking move, Western Hotels introduces the "Hoteltype" reservations system, revolutionizing the way guest reservations are confirmed with instantaneous confirmation capabilities.
1954: Evolution into Western International with Expansion into Canada With the addition of a property in Canada, Western Hotels expands its horizons and evolves into Western International, marking a significant milestone in its global presence.
1969: Setting the Standard with 24-Hour Room Service Western Hotels once again leads the industry by becoming the first hotel to offer 24-hour room service, catering to the diverse needs and schedules of its guests.
1978: Innovating Culinary Excellence with In-House Chef Training Recognizing the importance of culinary expertise, Western Hotels pioneers the development of the first in-house hotel training program for Executive Chefs, ensuring unparalleled dining experiences for guests.
1980: Celebrating 50 Years with a Name Change to Westin Hotels & Resorts In honor of its 50th anniversary, the company rebrands itself as Westin Hotels & Resorts, reflecting its commitment to providing premium hospitality experiences.
1983: Implementing Advanced Reservation and Check-Out Systems Westin Hotels sets a new benchmark by becoming the first major hotel to implement a comprehensive credit card reservation and check-out system, enhancing efficiency and convenience for guests.
1991: Personalized Guest Services with Voicemail Service Continuing its tradition of innovation, Westin Hotels introduces personal voicemail service for guests, offering a level of personalized communication unprecedented in the industry.
1994: Introducing Westin Kids Club® and Service Express® Westin Kids Club®, the first children’s program catering to infants and children under 13, is launched, providing a wide range of services and facilities. Additionally, the pioneering Service Express® program allows guests to request all hotel services with a single call, simplifying their experience.
1999: Revolutionizing Sleep Comfort with The Heavenly Bed® Westin proudly introduces The Heavenly Bed®, redefining the standard for sleep comfort and revolutionizing the industry’s approach to providing a superior sleep experience.
2001: Expanding the Heavenly Family of Innovations The Heavenly Bed® is joined by the Heavenly Bath®, featuring dual showerheads and luxurious amenities, as well as the Heavenly Crib®, designed to ensure babies enjoy a restful night’s sleep.
2003: Introducing WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Centers Recognizing the importance of health and wellness, Westin introduces WestinWORKOUT® fitness centers, providing guests with state-of-the-art facilities to maintain their fitness routines while traveling.
2004: Personalized Fitness Options with In-Room Workout Equipment Responding to the growing demand for personalized fitness experiences, Westin adds fitness equipment to guest rooms, offering guests greater flexibility in their workout routines.
2005: Celebrating 75 Years of Exceptional Service Westin Hotels & Resorts® commemorates its 75th anniversary, reflecting on a legacy of providing exceptional service and unforgettable experiences to guests worldwide.
2006: Enhancing Arrival Experience with Sensory Elements Westin enhances the arrival experience by introducing sensory elements such as signature scents, music, lighting, and botanicals, creating a welcoming ambiance for guests.
2007: Elevating the Spa Experience with Heavenly Spa by Westin(SM) Westin redefines the hotel spa experience with the introduction of Heavenly Spa by Westin(SM), offering rejuvenating treatments and in-room spa services to enhance guests' well-being.
2008: Promoting Wellness with SuperFoodsRx(TM) Breakfast Menu Continuing its commitment to guest wellness, Westin adds SuperFoodsRx(TM) items to its breakfast menu, providing guests with nutritious options to fuel their day and be their best on the road.
Through decades of innovation and a relentless dedication to guest satisfaction, Westin Hotels has not only made history but continues to shape the future of hospitality with its unwavering commitment to excellence.
