One Aldwych in London, U.K.

My dad and I like to plan big. We visited London last June, and we cooked up a dream itinerary that crisscrossed the entire city, taking us to all the biggest sites and busiest neighborhoods. But since we were only there for a weekend, we knew one thing: our hotel had to be located in the very heart of London. And we found the perfect solution at One Aldwych.

As the capital of the U.K., the Big Smoke has no shortage of great hotels. One Aldwych, however, is sited in London’s lively Covent Garden neighborhood in the thick of some of the city’s best attractions and landmarks. In fact, it’s so beloved that it was voted one of Travel + Leisure readers’ favorite London hotels of 2023. Whether you’re in the city to sightsee like us or are visiting for business, the hotel’s prime location, top-notch service, and elegant atmosphere make it a top choice for a memorable trip.

As my dad and I set out on our treks across town by foot, tube, and bus, we never felt too far away from the hotel and its charming Edwardian facade. (Fun fact: the building dates back to 1905 and housed The Morning Post, and you can still request a complimentary daily newspaper during your stay.) However, if you do stick around the property, you’ll find plenty to do in the neighborhood. One Aldwych is less than a mile from the West End Theatre, minutes from the British Museum, and just a block from the Thames, where you can see the London Eye in full view.

For the short time that we were there, One Aldwych felt like a home away from home. My dad and I loved returning from our adventures to the friendly greetings of the staff. And despite being located in a busy part of the city, the property felt decidedly quiet and serene.

Here’s what it’s like to stay at One Aldwych.

The Rooms

There are 101 rooms and suites at One Aldwych, all of which have a quaint, but contemporary aesthetic and a cute, pastel color palette.

The rooms are outfitted with sleek, modern furniture, crisp and plush bedding with handwoven blankets, and large picture windows with stunning views of the city—some even have private balconies. We stayed in a Studio Suite that overlooked Waterloo Bridge. Even though it was a “studio,” the space still felt light and airy thanks to the large windows and an ample amount of closet space. The bathroom was equally impressive, with marble accents and Mitchell & Peach toiletries.

If you’re traveling with a large group or with family, you may also want to spring for one of the 16 suites at the property. There are three suite types that you can choose from, but all of them have an apartment-like feel—you can also request extra beds, cots, or bed rails as needed.

Food and Drink

The main restaurant at One Aldwych is Indigo, which has a creative menu that skillfully highlights British dishes and produce. Since the restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients, the selection often changes based on what’s available each season. Some highlights include fish and chips served with mushy peas, tuna tartare made with fish caught off the coast of Cornwall, and Irish rib-eye steak. Though Indigo is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, we most enjoyed starting our days at the restaurant with a spread of eggs, pancakes, pastries, and juices.

For a more relaxed vibe, the hotel lounge has an afternoon tea service inspired by the British classic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory—think cotton candy cones, bottles of chocolate milk, and a plethora of cakes and sweets. My personal favorite thing, however, was ordering late-night room service—the chicken pot pie was perfection.

Activities and Amenities

One Aldwych has a range of nice amenities, but one of the standouts has to be its chlorine-free, subterranean swimming pool in the wellness center, which was one of my favorite places to unwind after a day of exploring. The fitness center is well-equipped and open 24 hours as well. Perhaps one of the most unique offerings at the hotel is its underground movie theater (editor’s note: at the time of publication, the theater is temporarily closed), where guests can enjoy private screenings of new and classic films accompanied by a glass of bubbly and popcorn.

The Spa

The Health Club (aka the spa) is located underground and has a nice selection of classic massages, facials, and body scrubs that are tailored to each individual guest. Products from the luxe British skincare brand Oskia and the Spanish brand Natura Bissé are used in every treatment. This is also where you’ll find the 24-hour gym, which is well-stocked with Technogym equipment, and the 60-foot-long, chlorine-free pool.

Family-friendly Offerings

Though this hotel doesn’t have a kids club, it’s very family-friendly. Babysitting services are available upon request, and extra beds or cots can be brought up to rooms if needed. You’ll also find a kid-friendly breakfast menu as well as a separate one for lunch and dinner.

And if you have a furry friend in your family, One Aldwych is also pet-friendly. Small to medium-sized dogs who are at least one year old are allowed at the hotel, and will even be treated to their own bowl, towels, ergonomic bed, and treats. Note that your buddy will not be able to join you at the restaurant or the Health Club, but they’re allowed in public areas like the library or lobby bar until 5 p.m.

Sustainability and Accessibility

There are three accessible rooms at One Aldwych, which have features such as widened doors, emergency buttons to call for help, and bathrooms with lowered vanities, walk-in showers, and grab rails. The elevators on the property are also fairly wide.

One Aldwych was London’s very first B Corp-certified hotel, which means it met the nonprofit organization’s high environmental standards. The property is outfitted with water-conserving fixtures, low-impact lighting, and it also composts waste. Indigo, the on-site restaurant, notably uses British produce and meats. In fact, you may enjoy breakfast with honey sourced very close to home—the hotel has a rooftop apiary.

Location

Located in the heart of London’s Covent Garden neighborhood, which is, as we quickly learned, one of the city’s liveliest areas. It’s also perfectly positioned for theatergoers, with the West End—London’s version of New York’s Broadway—just a short walk away. The hotel is also very close to other historic landmarks such as Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden Market, and the Royal Opera House. And you will certainly have no shortage of trendy shops and dining options to explore in the area.

If you’re flying in, the airport is about 17 miles from Heathrow Airport (LHR). If you order an Uber or a cab, it will take you about 45 minutes to get to One Adlwych. Alternatively, if you take public transportation (either a bus or a subway and bus), it will take you about an hour and a half.

Book Now

Although One Aldwych is independently owned, it’s part of the World of Hyatt, thanks to the program’s partnership with Mr & Mrs Smith, a travel club that includes some of the best luxury and boutique hotels around the globe. That means World of Hyatt members can either earn or burn points during a stay here. However, note that unlike traditional World of Hyatt hotels, Mr & Mrs Smith properties are dynamically priced when it comes to points bookings, so the cost of your stay may fluctuate based on when you book and current demand.

Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.