In short… One Aldwych merges old-school London luxury and new-school contemporary, with an emphasis on art and a design that embraces the surrounding neighborhood. The overall effect is fresh, not stuffy.
The surroundings… The property sits on The Strand overlooking Waterloo Bridge, right at the center of Covent Garden and steps from Soho, and in the heart of many of London’s historical sites—the West End, Somerset House, the National Theater across the river. It’s remarkably central without feeling caught in the crush, which makes it a perfect base for a more touristic stay in London. My room overlooked the bridge, and even as a local, I loved watching the stream of big red buses from the window.
The backstory… The Edwardian-style building that houses One Aldwych was built in 1905 as the home of The Morning Post newspaper by Mewès & Davis, the architects who also designed The Ritz hotels in both London and Paris, and the Royal Automobile Club on Pall Mall. The hotel opened in 1998 and in 2019 underwent an extensive renovation by Robert Angell, preserving its storied history.
The vibe… Entering One Aldwych you essentially walk right into their Lobby Bar, a refreshing alternative to concierge and reception desks. The hotel’s emphasis on showcasing contemporary art means there is art hung pretty much everywhere, from the lobby to the guest rooms, creating a gallery effect. The ceilings are tall and the space feels light yet cozy. In the evening, the lobby lights are dimmed for a great vibe. The large windows overlooking the street maintain your connection to the city, but at a peaceful remove.
The rooms… I stayed in one of the hotel’s Bridge View Studios, a circular room at the front of the building that looks directly onto Waterloo bridge and The Strand below. The bed sits at the center, so you have the most incredible view in front of you. The decor is distinctive—I loved the 1960s-style freestanding headboard with attached bedside tables and the small library of art books that channels the hotel’s art focus. It all feels super light and bright, unlike so many London hotels that lean dark and brooding.
The food & drink… The first night, we had some small bites in the lobby bar with our cocktails. Their recently released menu of specialty cocktails—each one connected to an art piece around the property—had some delicious highlights: special shoutout to the Earl Grey Martini, their interpretation of a raspberry Negroni, and their Gooseberry Margarita. Wanting to make the most of our incredible room, we went back and ordered room service, which was delicious! And the prices are not extortionate, as they can often be. Although there are a sea of culinary options at the doorstep, dinner at Indigo was great—easy and unfussy, leaning into seasonal produce in thoughtful dishes. There’s also a great view from the mezzanine onto the Lyceum Theatre.
The wellness… They have a spa on property with an 18m pool—unusual for city hotels!—as well as a full Technogym-gym, sauna, steam, as well as treatments. I had an amazing deep-tissue massage—it’s rare that the masseuse knows exactly where all of your deepest knots are. The massage table was adjustable to your body—no bolsters under knees or extra cushions. I carry a soft spot for luxurious spa changing rooms, and with Natura Blissé and Rituals products as well as Dyson hair dryers and GHD styling tools here, this one definitely spoke to me.
Be sure to… Book a treatment in the spa with Tatiana. You will not regret it. She seriously has the hands of an angel.
Parting words… One Aldwych is a London hotel that feels fresh and welcoming rather than stuffy. It’s luxury without any hangups—unscripted, personal, and warm. The staff is friendly, the rooms are bright and comfortable, with design that avoids both gimmick and nostalgia. The wellness program is thoughtful and tailored. And the location is ideal for first-time visitors:walking distance to major landmarks, right at the city’s center, yet never overwhelming.
Dates of stay… September 29-October 1, 2025
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