The award-winning One Aldwych has established itself as a leading contemporary luxury hotel in the heart of London.

Breaking Travel News reporter Alice McKeown here finds out what makes a stay here so unforgettable.

Situated amid the rich and vibrant background of Covent Garden, the One Aldwych Hotel takes a modern classic approach to luxury; guests enjoy a five-star experience, but with the superfluous trappings of grandness stripped away.

The exterior design alone of the One Aldwych is striking.

The building was originally built in 1907 for The Morning Post Newspaper, and its fine lines and unique exterior structure have ensured it is one of the most important Edwardian buildings in London today.

As you enter the lobby, you’re welcomed by a team who offer a highly attentive and welcoming service, but without a hint of pretentiousness.

The One Aldwych’s ethos concentrates on two critical points which underpin in a luxury stay - a highly professional service, and great comfort, and both these carefully refined approaches make a stay here an absolute pleasure.

Careful thought has gone into the hotel’s interior design, and the overall feel is sleek, sophisticated and contemporary.

The Lobby Bar has been named of the top five hotel bars in the world by the Sunday Telegraph, and with its double-height ceiling and strong classic interior, the space is a magnificent one.

Dark oak panelling contrasts with the light airiness of lobby, and vast, intricate flower arrangements stand resplendent on centre stage.

The drinks menu is extensive, and the bar provides a calm oasis in which to enjoy a pre-theatre cocktail.

The One Aldwych enlisted British designer Mary Fox Linton to create the award-winning interiors, and speaking about her vision says: “I was determined to avoid the design clichés of the predictable ‘international deluxe’ style and to resist the temptation to be relentlessly fashionable. 

“Nothing is so dull as standardisation, and nothing dates so quickly as trendy.”

The hotel offers 105 guestrooms and suites - two of which have private gyms.

Rooms are spacious and modern, and guests can enjoy a view out over the Strand, or the hustle-and-bustle on the streets around Covent Garden.

A nice touch is the inclusion of fresh flowers in every room, changed daily by the hotel’s in-house florist.

Room rates start at £414 per night, which includes an excellent breakfast.

Guests can relax and unwind in the hotel’s health club, which, alongside a well-equipped gym, includes an 18-metre chlorine-free swimming pool, a sauna and a steam room.

Three treatment rooms mean guests can also pamper themselves with exclusive treatments from Natura Bissé.

The health club provides an oasis of calm and tranquillity, which is perfect before or after a long day.

Those who choose to dine at the One Aldwych are in for a treat.

There are two restaurants within the hotel - Axis at One Aldwych, and Indigo on the mezzanine overlooking the lobby.

Executive chef Dominic Teague oversees the menu at both, and the quality is excellent.

I dined at Axis, which provides modern British cuisine amid the restaurant’s elegant backdrop.

The starter of chicken liver parfait was the best I’ve ever had; rich and buttery, melting away delightfully on the tongue.

The Whys Estate organic pork starter was also delicious, the salted crusts on the crackling glimmering like little jewels across the plate, and countered by the earthy mustiness of the truffle.

The main course of braised beef cheek in red wine and port was melt-in-your-mouth, and it was accompanied by a rich creamed potato, and pancetta.

Every element of the meal was fantastic, from the food to the service, and whether you’re dining at Axis for a pre-theatre meal or a celebratory occasion, it will be a top-notch experience.

The fixed-price menu at Axis is very reasonable - £25 for three courses, and £50pp. for three courses on the a la carte menu.

It’s clear that the One Aldwych takes great pride in its links to the historic Covent Garden area, and quite rightly; the region has a cultural richness and vibrancy which is unique within London.

The hotel has been closely involved with helping to raise awareness of Covent Garden’s recent rejuvenation.

Howard Rombough from One Aldwych says: “We’re excited by the Covent Garden regeneration nearby, with smart boutiques, vibrant new restaurants and wonderful spots such as Somerset House all on our doorstep.

“So much so that the hotel made six short films revealing Covent Garden’s hidden gems, from the likes of actress and campaigner Joanna Lumley and Caroline Rush, chief executive of the British Fashion Council.”

Whether you’re able to drop into the One Aldwych for an afternoon cocktail in the lobby, or enjoy a longer stay, the hotel will offer a level of service and attentiveness which is difficult to top.

The hotel’s modern and lively approach to design is exciting and progressive; it’s clear that within its Edwardian exterior, the One Aldwych is one of the leading contemporary luxury hotels in London today.

More Information

More on One Aldwych on the official website.

Alice McKeown