The building may date back to 1905, but One Aldwych didn’t become a hotel until 1998 with a huge refurb in 2019. Designed by architect Charles Mewès, the same man behind the Ritz in London and Paris, the original structure was once home to the Morning Post newspaper. Today, instead of headlines and deadlines, it’s all about cocktails, curtain calls, and comfortable beds in the heart of Covent Garden.The Edwardian façade still gives the place a sense of gravitas, but inside it feels modern and practical rather than museum-like. The lobby is compact, with low lighting, contemporary furniture, and a bar that fills up quickly with pre-theatre guests. Look closely and you’ll notice the hotel’s impressive private art collection — sculptures, photography, and bold contemporary pieces quietly woven into the public spaces.Rooms are a decent size by London standards, with proper desks, armchairs that actually get used, and blackout curtains that block out the city completely. Bathrooms are well laid out with walk-in showers or deep tubs — ideal after a long day navigating the Underground.
Number of Rooms: 101
Sweet Suite: The Dome Suite sits under the building’s curved roofline and feels noticeably more spacious than the standard rooms. High ceilings give it an airy feel, and the separate seating area makes longer stays more comfortable — especially if you like to unpack properly rather than live out of a suitcase.
Favorite Thing: The chlorine free underground swimming pool. Hidden below street level, it stays remarkably quiet for such a central location. Evening adult-only hours make it a peaceful place to unwind after theatre crowds, Tube platforms, and London pavements.
Nearby: Covent Garden’s piazza, the Royal Opera House, and Theatreland are all just around the corner. Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, and the Strand are easy walks, and there’s no shortage of good restaurants within a few blocks.
Amenities: a concierge team that knows London’s theatre schedules, an on-site spa, 24-hour gym, quiet underground pool, dining at Indigo, and a cocktail bar that becomes a social hub before curtain time. Guest only library. Afternoon tea isn’t your standard finger-sandwich affair either…the hotel’s playful Charlie & the Chocolate Factory experience turns sweets into an edible art form in a magic space.
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*****Special amenities when booked through me & Wells Luxury Travel*****
Another beautiful and interesting hotel to consider when in London….thank you for the review!
Time to revisit London UK – Thx