Hotel Review: One Aldwych, London.

Every so often I love nothing more than a staycation in my favourite city. I adore curling up in a big hotel bed and listening to the noise and sirens whizzing around outside, enjoying the delights of a luxury hotel just down the road from my office and favourite haunts, and then heading home to the countryside at the end of it all. This time I stayed right in the heart of London’s theatre district, at One Aldwych, right slap bang next to Covent Garden.

For my 25th birthday weekend I was a guest of One Aldwych where I tested out the restaurant and bar, the huge comfy bed, and even the massage services! The restaurant and bar were tested out with Jasiminne a coupla days before my stay at the hotel, as Adam had planned my huge birthday night at Salmontini and Project with some of my closest friends for the Saturday night, so we couldn’t do the dinner on the Saturday.

There was a large bathroom which was pretty awesome – I loved the rounded sink and bath tub! I also loved how the amenities were all natural and organic, with no parabens, SLS’s or other nasties. Big thumbs up from me and my sensitive skin! I also loved the fluffy robes, that were so fluffy you could barely see the name of the hotel on them…

The bedroom itself was clean and modern and equipped with a large comfy bed, a small seating area, a desk and chair, and a very spacious wardrobe space which had a decent sized shelving unit. The mini-bar was well stocked and had a great selection of drinks and snacks.

The bed was so comfy and I was so exhausted from my birthday night that I didn’t wake up until 11ish, and after getting showered and dressed I wandered down to the spa very hungover for my 90 minute full body massage. It was pure bliss. My massage therapist was amazing and after filling in a short form, she asked me to choose which massage oils I wanted.

They use Balm Balm oils, which as you may know is one of my favourite natural brands – I love their lip balms. I chose the lavender one, and spent the next 90minutes in a dreamlike state only awaking to turn over. Similar to what happened at the Lebua in Bangkok earlier this year, I may have woken myself up with my own snoring…oops. At the end of the massage I was offered a cup of mint and cucumber water or lemon citrus water – I chose the mint and cucumber, and was also given a small portion of dried fruit, which I thought was a lovely touch!

I loved every minute of my experience at One Aldwych, from the cocktails and dinner to the overnight stay and massage. Sadly I didn’t get to try the breakfast as in my hungover state I really wasn’t hungry, but I hear they do an excellent breaky! Oh, and check out the pool and the view of the Lyceum Theatre from the room!

The location of the hotel was incredible, and the staff and hotel itself were fab (and OMG, it has the coolest lift ever), but I do think the room was a little basic and not as plush and luxurious as other five star hotels in London. Although really lovely and with some modern features, it felt a little tired and could do with a refresh. Aside from those minor points though, it was perfect!

Catherine Lux

Catherine Lux is a veteran travel blogger by night and the Head of Content Marketing at Amazon by day. Originally from Surrey, she spent four years living in Australia (2007-2009, and 2016-2018), and now lives in London. An ex-party girl sometimes prone to relapses, she loves nothing more than sharing her fine dining and luxury travel experiences with her loyal readers.

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