Hotel of the Week: One Aldwych

In the heart of London’s Theatreland, occupying a landmark Edwardian building commissioned in 1907 as the office of The Morning Post newspaper, One Aldwych was King of Cool as soon as it opened in 1998.

This summer, 21 years later, after closing for an extensive five-month makeover, the hotel has come of age with a remodelled bar and restaurant and a refreshed elegance in its 86 rooms and 16 suites, building on its reputation as one of London’s prime contemporary luxury hotels.

Where is it?

Minutes from Waterloo Bridge, encircled by London’s most prestigious theatres and dominating an island between Aldwych and The Strand, One Aldwych wins top marks for location. The iconic triangular building stands proud among its illustrious neighbours, pleasingly close to the shops and restaurants of Covent Garden and an easy stroll from the culture and sights of South Bank.

Style:

Two designers were employed in the latest makeover. Robert Angell remodelled the bedrooms and suites using muted colourways in homage to British manufacturers, and the simple elegance skilfully complements the Edwardian building. In the Indigo restaurant and the dramatic lobby bar, Fabled Studio has introduced a more modern, dynamic design with low-level curvaceous seating.

There are humorous nods to the building’s former life as a newspaper offices with block-embossed text etched into the bar tables, while Art Deco touches mix with 350 contemporary artworks and striking floral displays.

Facilities

A well-sized and stocked gym on the lower floor is open 24/7 and one floor below there’s an attractive chlorine-free pool with underwater music. The spa has three treatment rooms and uses Natura Bissé and OSKIA products.

Alongside meeting and conference rooms there is a light and inviting resident’s lounge with a selection of art books curated by Sir Paul Smith, a screening room available for private hire – one of the few rooms not altered in the refurbishment – and live music in the lobby bar every Friday evening.

Extracurricular:

An embarrassment of riches. The very best venues in London, are on the doorstep. Within ten minutes walk there are over twenty theatres, the Royal Opera House and the London Coliseum. Nearby galleries include Somerset House, the National Portrait Gallery and the National Gallery while Tate Modern and the Globe are across Waterloo Bridge on the Southbank. Pick up a boat at Embankment Pier, ride the London Eye or check out the British Museum: it’s all on hand.

Shoppers can head to Covent Garden to find everything from three floors of the Apple Store to small independent boutiques and newly arrived big brand names (Burberry and Tiffany among them). Borough Market is twenty minutes by foot to be in the middle of London’s widest choice of restaurants and bars. Top picks include Clos Maggiore, Hawksmoor, Polpo and The Ivy.

Food & drink:

The double height lobby bar with its vast windows and emblematic oarsman sculpture deserves to become a go-to pre and post-theatre venue thanks to its careful staging, delightful staff and magic booklet of 26 “Globetrotting Cocktails”.

Comfortable Indigo restaurant has come through the renovation with a more distinct indigo palette. It serves breakfast – and arguably the best avocado and poached egg in London – and also lunch and dinner (2 courses for £23 or 3 for £28) with a gluten and dairy-free menu of freshly sourced British ingredients.

Downstairs Eneko Basque Kitchen & Bar has re-opened little changed from the refurbishment. This is a fabulous restaurant, serving up small and large serving dishes of the finest Basque food by celebrated chef Eneko Atxa. Drop in for a light lunch, share some pinxos (Basque tapas) before heading to the theatre or stay for a full evening blow out when the lights are turned low and the atmosphere fizzes.

Which room?

Rooms fall into four categories: Classic, Superior, Deluxe and Suites with the total number reduced as part of the refurbishment. All have fabulous Frette linens, custom-made and highly covetable woollen blankets from Skye Weavers and comfy chairs or sofas. Bathrooms are generally compact but with plenty of space to stash toiletries and generous bottles of Mitchell & Peach products.

Rooms on the fifth and sixth floors have delightfully sloping panelled walls following the curve of the building, providing an especially cosy feel. Favourites include 605, a Classic Room with good light and larger than average bathroom; 516, a Deluxe Room with beautiful painted panelling and for a blow the budget treat; 500, the Terrace Suite, with a generous terrace that provides a wonderful bird's eye view of Theatreland.

Best for...

Business travellers will find plenty to like at One Aldwych but the warm welcome from the staff and the prime location mean that this is ideal for leisure guests coming to experience London. Young children – and many adults – will love the award-winning Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea served in Indigo.

Details:

Room rates start from £385 per night. One Aldwych​, 1 Aldwych​, London, WC2B 4BZ; onealdwych.com/