Dublin's Westin Hotel cancels name change after slavery links highlighted

The owners of the Westin in Dublin have scrapped the planned renaming of the hotel to the Westmoreland, after it was pointed out by many that the proposed new name was associated with a defender of the slave trade.

Based in College Green on Westmoreland Street, the hotel was to receive its name change based on the road it sits on, named after John Fane, the 10th Earl of Westmorland.

Fane was Lord Lieutenant of Ireland for 5 years, serving as the British monarchy's personal representative during their rule over Ireland. It has been pointed out that Fane was also a slavery defender - and condemned efforts to end the slave trade in 1799 in London's House of Lords.

The Westin had previously announced the name change in April, and has since then received backlash from those pointing out the British Lord's past.

''The Westin Dublin is about to begin a new and exciting chapter!''

Our General Manager, Joanne Dillon is delighted to make an exciting announcement on behalf of The Westin Dublin. pic.twitter.com/p6iXsO1hhk

— The Westin Dublin (@TheWestinDublin) April 27, 2023

The Westin has since confirmed it will instead change its name to The College Green Hotel. The hotel's general manager Joanne Dillon explained in a statement that the Hotel "looks forward to becoming The College Green Hotel at the end of the year."

“Having initially considered a renaming to The Westmoreland Hotel, we took on board the feedback from patrons and others, which alongside reflection on our environment and patron experience, informed our decision to opt for a new name.

"We are very excited to adopt The College Green Hotel as our new brand and are grateful to those who shared their views. It feels right for us and for our patrons, both now and for the future."

Westin Hotel is part of the US Marriott Group and a member of the Irish-owned and managed MHL Hotel Collection. The hotel received recent renovations following a multi-million euro buyout. The new name will start being used at the end of the year.

The Westmoreland name, still the title of one of Dublin city's busiest roads, has seen previous public outcry. Earlier this year, Independent Councillor Nial Ring suggested renaming the street as part of a larger renaming plan spanning roads across the city, amid concern that several prominent areas honour British aristocrats and landlords. The Green Party’s Janet Horner also voiced her support for the plan.