One Aldwych

The Scene

Interested in theatre? If you’re staying in Covent Garden, you should be! At One Aldwych, you’re just across the street from the venerable Lyceum Theatre (currently running The Lion King) and an extremely short walk from other notable theatres---including the Theatre Royal on Drury Lane where One Aldwych partner Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is running (you must try the inspired afternoon tea). The venerable River Thames is a couple blocks from your front door (just across the Strand) and a host of venerable landmarks stretch along it: Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament on one side, the City of London and St Paul’s Cathedral on the other. The area buzzes with theatrical levels of creativity (as it should!).

The Concept

Never conceived to be more than a contemporary-styled luxury hotel in the former Edwardian façade of The Morning Post, One Aldwych delivers exquisite service subtly surrounded with original art. It’s a veritable gallery unto itself featuring hundreds of pieces of art of all kinds, an in-house florist (which only guests can take advantage of), a guests-only library curated by fashion’s Paul Smith, and a love for theatre that’s nearly unrivaled in all the West End. From the moment you walk in, you’ll spot pieces the hotel is known for---the rower, for example, or the mural made of former printing press letters cobbled together. The lobby invites staying and non-staying guests alike to sit down and mingle at the Lobby Bar (try the One Negroni cocktail) for drinks or for tea in the afternoon amongst any of the cozy seating sprinkled throughout. One Aldwych also ensures you don’t have to go far to get a bite---sample the complimentary canapés in the afternoon in the guest lounge or a proper meal at either of the two restaurants in-house.

The Look

The rooms possess a modern yet timeless feel with a largely neutral palette. There’s oodles of luxury in the details---for example, Frette linen is used throughout---and color. A touch we particularly love is all the artwork in the rooms unique and original. While the design may appear at first glance to be somewhat bland and uninspired, this could not be further from the truth: nothing is ever overbearing yet the space is ever-changing, alive, and invigorating. One Aldwych knows what you really want is a comfortable room that suits your needs and doesn’t merely exist to inflate the ego of some designer---and it delivers that comfort in every way it can from keeping all spaces immaculately clean to providing fresh flowers and fruit each day.

In Short

Though it may never have set out to make a mark on the boutique hotel community, the easy elegance of One Aldwych and its deep connection to its arts-driven location make this a natural shoe-in for our collection. Its traditional approach to the hotel business ensures top-notch service and amenities, but its welcoming atmosphere and sophisticated art collection are what truly make this gem stand out.