StyleNest headed to the heart of Theatreland to stay in London’s five-star One Aldywch hotel.
One Aldwych sits pride of place on the cusp of The Strand and the West End’s Theatreland, boasting just about everything you could wish for in a central London five-star hotel.
Not only does One Aldwych hold a prime location, a spa and pool, award-winning interiors and a hint of history, it’s also home to some of the best service in London. From the moment we arrived to the moment we left, the hotel’s warm and welcoming staff make you feel as though you’re staying in your home from home.
Whether you’re happy to lap up the luxury of the hotel’s own facilities, or want to explore the city; One Aldwych’s impeccable concierge will plan your perfect stay. Take a trip over the road to a Somerset House exhibition or open-air cinema night, which takes place in August, or nip next door to the Lcyeum Theatre where one of London’s best-loved musicals, The Lion King is showing.
We were quite happy to stay put and enjoy the hotel’s luxury facilities. Depending on your budget One Aldwych offers a wealth of rooms, from simple and chic to two top suites complete with their own private gym. Our deluxe double was kitted out with all the mod cons you’d expect from a five-star hotel, from Bang & Olufsen TVs to free WIFI throughout, calm interiors, a huge bath and walk in shower, and the finest bed linen.
The hotel are great at the ‘little touches’ from a free shoe shine each morning – simply leave your shoes outside your door in the wooden box the night before, to the fresh fruit and flowers that appear daily.
Although quiet and tranquil, our window looked out over the Lyceum Theatre and its bright yellow Lion King banners – the only reminder you were actually smack bang in the middle of busy London.
One Aldwych is definitely a hotel made for the evening, thanks to its bars, restaurant and events menu. We headed down for dinner in the Axis Restaurant, before stopping off for a cocktail in the vibrant Lobby Bar – a double height space bursting with colour, vast fresh flowers in giant vases and some of the hotel’s exquisite 350-piece art collection, including the bar’s centrepiece – a spectacular oarsman.
In the Axis Restaurant we sat down to a menu celebrating some of the best of British. We recommend the roast wood pigeon risotto to start and the succulent rack of lamb for main. The restaurant has an unpretentious vibe, but stylish nonetheless, with happy diners of all ages. There’s a great children’s menu on offer if you have little mouths to feed to.
Unfortunately we didn’t get to sample One Aldwych’s very own cinema, which hosts weekly movie and food nights from Movies & Martinis to Film & Fizz. We hear this September the hotel will be hosting a Great Gatsby movie night so keep an eye out to book your place.
One of the hotel’s hidden gems has to be its 18-meter pool, hidden away in the basement. With soft mood lighting and a luxury spa next door, you won’t find a more serene space in London.
Although a five-star, One Aldwych tends to slip under the radar of London’s luxury hotels list, in favour of the nearby Savoy, St. Martins Lane and Waldorf. It shouldn’t, for many reasons. Combining chic style with practicality, premium location and warm, welcoming staff, we’re championing One Aldwych as the place to stay in London this summer.
Need to Know
Rooms: 105 rooms, including 2 suites with private gyms
Rates: Room rates start from £264 per night
Facilities: 100% pure and natural complimentary PlanTation toiletries, fresh fruit and flowers daily in room, flat screen TV, free WIFI, digtal on-demand entertainment & CD player, iPod docking station, 24 hour room service, complimentary shoe shine, full concierge, children’s amenities, valet parking, 18 metre pool, steam room, sauna, gym, spa, private cinema, Lobby Bar, Axis Restaurant and Indigo Restaurant.
Check out time: 12 noon
How to get there: Covent Garden, Temple and Holborn underground stations are between 5-10 minutes walking distance. Victoria Rail Station is about a 10minute cab journey away.
One Aldwych, 1 Aldwych, London WC2B 4BZ Tel. +44 (0)20 7300 0501 www.onealdwych.com
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