Opened in 1969, it is the flagship property of the Westin Hotels & Resorts brand, owned by Marriott International.

Western International President Edward E. Carlson selected the local architecture firm of John Graham & Associates to design the hotel, and the local Howard S. Wright Construction Company to build it.

The aging Benjamin Franklin wing was demolished in July 1980[11] for construction of a second, nearly identical tower.

The Washington Plaza was the first property in the chain to be renamed, becoming The Westin Hotel on September 1, 1981.

[12] The 137 m (449 ft), 47-story north tower opened in June 1982 and remains the tallest hotel in the city.