One Aldwych

Built in 1907, the hotel was originally an old newspaper press, and is now protected by English heritage laws and has been deemed one of the most historically important [Edwardian buildings](1. Interiors at this boutique property, such as the popular Lobby Bar, are modern, with a high-end polish) in London. Inside, the hotel is an exercise in all things handsome. Interiors are done up with striking monochrome decor and feature high ceilings along with dramatic touches like walls covered in black tiles or patterned mirrors. The hotel also has an in-house florist who creates theatrical floral displays throughout the hotel -- a luxury that carries over into the hotel's chic rooms. The hotel's design is complimented by a contemporary art and sculpture collection of over 400 items displayed throughout the hotel. The owners also pride themselves on their “green” credentials and provide paraben-free toiletries in the bathrooms and have a chlorine-free swimming pool. Unsurprisingly, this hotel's exclusive atmosphere means that guests here are mostly well-heeled travelers from across all categories including vacationers and businesspeople.

The hotel is located at a very busy crossroads in the Aldwych/Covent Garden area of London. The location is fantastic for tourists and business travelers, with a vast number of shops, pubs, restaurants, cafes, and the famous Covent Garden market within a few minutes' walk. Despite the busy location, the hotel stays relatively quiet inside due to triple-glazed windows. Covent Garden Underground station and Charing Cross Station -- for overland trains -- are both within a five-minute walk, making it easy to get around the city. The London Transport Museum is opposite the property, and the National Gallery, The National Portrait Gallery, and the British Museum are all within a 10-minute walk. Being in the heart of London's theater district, many top entertainment venues are a stone's throw from the hotel as well, including the Lyceum Theatre, Theatre Royal Drury Lane, and the Royal Opera House, all of which are within a three-minute walk. Heathrow International Airport is around 50 minutes away by car or an hour by underground.

In the realm of luxury hotels -- of which there are plenty in London -- this relatively small option packs plenty of punch. One Aldwych has an indoor swimming pool, which is quite a rarity in central London. It’s a particularly trendy pool, too, with mood lighting and underwater music along with being environmentally friendly and chlorine free. The pool is part of the hotel’s Health Club, which also includes a 24-hour fitness center with a great selection of modern equipment plus a steam room, sauna, and three spa treatment rooms.
There’s a Lobby Bar, which is extremely well regarded and popular, serving creative and original cocktails in a trendy setting. It also offers a popular afternoon tea themed on Roald Dahl’s "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." Indigo restaurant is a relaxed, but elegant eatery that overlooks The Lobby Bar. It has a modern menu offering organic and healthy options using carefully-sourced British ingredients. It’s open every day for breakfast, lunch, and pre and post theatre dinner. Unfortunately breakfast is not included in the already steep rates. Eneko Basque Kitchen and Bar, a restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Eneko Atxa, opened in 2016. Twenty-four-hour room service is also available. The hotel even has its own cinema where it screens movies on the weekends. There are eight meeting rooms available for business guests, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.