Hotel Review - One Aldwych, London

Balcony View, Suite 500

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of staying at one of London's most stylish and environmentally-conscious hotels, One Aldwych. The whole experience was such a treat from check-in to check-out and really appealed to the city girl and green girl within! In fact, any fashion mavens descending upon the city this month for London Fashion Week (LFW) and its eco-counterpart, Estethica, will be excited to find One Aldwych located across the road from LFWs new home, Somerset House.


Lobby and The Boatman Sculpture by Andre Wallace

Arrival
I gladly finished work early on Friday afternoon, in order to make my way over to One Aldwych, located in Covent Garden. What better way to end the week, than to stay in a luxury hotel that was recently awarded 'Hotel of the Year 2008' (Considerate Hoteliers Association). I dodged the suits and tourists and made my way towards the hotel's impressive Edwardian building that was once the site of the Morning Post Newspaper. Stepping away from the bustling streets of London and into One Aldwych was like entering a sanctuary of relaxed decadence and refined elegance. The contrast from 'city chaos' to 'city chillout' was impressive and just what I needed.


The Lobby Bar - The perfect place to unwind at the end of the day

Walking through the beautiful Lobby towards reception, you can't help but notice a real eye-catching sculpture by Andre Wallace, The Boatman. Somehow, the sight of a man in a boat, paddling with oars that almost reach the ceiling, looks perfectly normal. Guests recline comfortably around The Boatman on couches and throne-like chairs, sipping some of the best cocktails in London in the Lobby Bar that was once the newspaper's advertisement hall. The Lobby Bar is the ideal slick yet cosy environment for meeting friends or work colleagues at the end of the day (by the way, I ordered a Neon Juice made with watermelon, strawberries and lychee juice and every sip was sublime!).

The beauty of the Lobby and friendliness from the staff created such a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Guests are even welcomed to the hotel by a dog standing by reception. Well, not exactly a real dog, rather 'Beano' a cartoon-covered art dog by Justine Smith (a quirky touch guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone checking in). Beano, the dog and The Boatman are just two of over 350 displays of contemporary art featured throughout the hotel.



Watch 'The Devil Wears Prada' in One Aldwych's Screening Room during Fashion Week (playing 18th & 19th September).

Exploring the Hotel
I knew One Aldwych had an impressive array of facilities spread throughout the hotel but I couldn't decide which to check out first. I stepped into the disco-like elevators (coloured lighting that alternates throughout the day) and decided to head to the basement. This was once the site of the old paper's printing press but now you will find an 18 meter, chlorine-free lap pool with underwater music. After a sensational swim you can hit the gym with a personal trainer or indulge in a Natura Bissé spa treatment or two.

If your idea of indulgence is less fitness orientated and a bit more mellow and perhaps involves champagne, a three-course meal and a movie in a 30 seat private screening room, you'll be happy to learn One Aldwych can make all of this happen too. And you don't even have to leave the hotel!


The hotel's chlorine-free pool

Green Initiatives
One Aldwych were recently awarded the Green Tourism for London - Silver Award 2009, for it's commendable green practices. The hotel has a dedicated Green Team that meet once a week to ensure the hotel and staff are operating in the most environmentally responsible way. A few green initiatives that really impressed me were the hotel's 'no bleach' policy, extensive recycling programs, only using organic tea and flour throughout the hotel and the rather symbolic gesture of giving every new employee a packet of seeds from the 'Plant a Tree' project, which they can plant at home.



Dome Suite, Sitting Room

The Room
Ah, the room. Our room had everything you could hope for. White fluffy, marshmallow beds, original art work, views onto the street and spaciousness. The bathrooms are surprisingly large and feature televisions and ample space for girls to spread their organic beauty supplies. Not that you need to bring your own toiletries though because One Aldwych provide a heavenly selection of natural, paraben-free beauty products from REN. Another green feature to the bathrooms is the use of EVAC systems for the toilets which use '80% less water than conventional flushing systems.' Girls will appreciate the well-sized closets (essential when in London) and complimentary wireless broadband internet access.


Indigo Restaurant

Night Out in London
After drinks in the Lobby Bar, we wandered up to Covent Garden to have a look around the shops. The hotel is within walking distance to so many places but I especially recommend walking over Waterloo Bridge to capture the views of Westminster, Big Ben and the London Eye. You can then continue over to the South Bank and walk along the Thames (which is at its prettiest at night).

One Aldwych is located near 15 major theatres, so we booked a show for the night but not before a bite to eat in the hotel's restaurant, Indigo. We had a great spot overlooking the Lobby Bar and I enjoyed an artichoke and avocado salad with a luscious soy-ginger dressing and noted every plate in the restaurant looked equally exquisite. I could have lingered at Indigo much longer or perhaps checked out the hotel's other restaurant, Axis (where Executive Chef, Tony Flemming's motto is "keep it British, keep it simple") but the theatre was calling.

We briskly set off to walk towards Piccadilly Circus to see 'The 39 Steps' at the Criterion Theatre. You must see this show if you get the chance. It is incredibly funny and performed by four very versatile actors who pull off a comedic/thriller spy caper oh so well.


Studio Suite

Sweet Dreams
We returned back to our room and fell into our fabulously, comfortable cloud beds, but not before perusing the copy of the charity book left for guests to read on their first night, 'Change the World Nine to Five' describing '50 actions to change your workplace and make you feel good.' There was also a little card left in our room informing us about tomorrow's weather and advising us to make use of the umbrella stored in our closet. It's little things like this that make you feel so looked after!

Favourite Things
Staying in a beautiful hotel that was environmentally conscious. One Aldwych do eco-luxury incredibly well. I also loved the atmosphere of One Aldwych. Its so rare to find five-star hotels offering decadence in such a warm and relaxed environment.


People Tree, one of the ethical fashion labels displaying at Estethica during London Fashion Week, located near One Aldwych (image: Recycled Sari Teardrop Sleeve Dress).

Why Green Girls Will Love One Aldwych

• chlorine-free pool with underwater music
• great restaurants and bars for meeting with colleagues or clients
• sumptuous rooms with ample closet space
• spacious bathroom with TVs and REN beauty products
• One Aldwych is one of the most beautiful and elegant hotels in the capital. You must check it out the next time you are in London, either for an overnight stay or drinks and a meal. You'll be so grateful you did.
  

Gordon Campbell Gray, Managing Director and Chairman of Campbell Gray Hotels (and Vice President for the charity, Save the Children) also has the Dukes Hotel in London and Carlisle Bay in Antigua. Keep an eye out for more hotels set to open in Morocco, Beirut and Scotland.

One Aldwych
One Aldwych, London WC2B 4RH
Ph: +44 (0) 20 7300 1000
www.onealdwych.com

London Fashion Week and Estethica
18th - 22nd September
Somerset House