One Aldwych, London - Cranley Report

The Cranley Report®: One Aldwych

One Aldwych, London

Hotel Address

One Aldwych
London
WC2B 4RH
England

Cranley Rating

One Aldwych

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Hotel Summary

Category

Hotel

Awards Won

2006 Number 42, Top 100 Hotels of the World - Institutional Investor Magazine
2006 Gold List - Condé Nast Traveler (US)
2007 Top 10 Boutique hotel in London - Gayot
2006 Number 14, Reader Choice British Isles Award - Condé Nast Traveler (US)
2006 Gold List - Condé Nast Traveler (UK)
2007 Hotel of the year - Catey Award
2007 The Considerate Hoteliers Awards
2007 Hotel of the month - Travel Channel
2006 Class UK Bar Award

Hotel Opened	1998 (Originally commissioned in 1907 as the home of the Morning Post newspaper it subsequently became known as Inveresk House. One Aldwych Hotel opened its doors for the first time in July 1998)
Refurbishment	Axis Restaurant - August 2007

Cranley Summary

Ideally located in the centre of London’s Theatre Land, this impressive building was designed and built in 1907 by the Anglo-French partnership Charles Mewes and Arthur Davis who were responsible for the Ritz hotels in London and Paris. The design expertly combines Edwardian grandeur with splendid Parisian elegance. One Aldwych opened its doors to hotel guests for the first time in 1998 having being extensively modernised whilst retaining many of its original features. British interior designer, Mary Fox Linton, has used rich colours and textures and sumptuous fabrics to create a relaxing contemporary environment incorporating the hotels private collection of art and sculptures of over 400 items which are permanently displayed throughout the hotel. The range of rooms and suites leading off the soothing corridors are modern and well equipped with many little extras to add to the tranquil One Aldwych experience. The restaurants have imaginative menus that cater for all tastes and diets in settings of not too overly stated grandeur. The Health Club, Spa and lap swimming pool are located in the hotel's basement levels and are well thought out and spacious. The six meetings and event spaces, including a private screening room, offer flexible spaces with cutting edge technology for meetings and private entertaining.

Hotel Location & Layout

Location Description

One Aldwych is located on a triangular site at the junction of Aldwych and the Strand, close to the river Thames, Covent Garden, Waterloo and Temple underground stations. Ideally located for many of London’s galleries, exhibitions, and within 15 minutes walk of 15 theatres and opera houses. The southern end of the hotel is home to Axis Restaurant and Bar, to the right of the hotel is the hotel’s own florist and coffee shop. There are a number of small shopping outlets close by. Covent Garden is a short stroll away where you will find a covered market and many restaurants and cafes.

Airports
Distance	14 km
Airport Transfers	Taxi or car journey to London City Airport has an approximate driving time of 40 minutes

Cities and Sights
Distance	4 km
City/Sight Transfers	Taxi or car approximately 12 minutes

Layout Description

One Aldwych is one of London’s most important Edwardian listed buildings and was completed in 1907 on a triangular site at the junction of the Strand and Aldwych. The bedrooms and suites are located over six floors. The reception and Lobby Bar area is on the ground floor and is overlooked by the mezzanine level which houses one of the hotel's restaurants, Indigo, and two of the conference suites. Axis Restaurant and Bar are on the lower ground and basement levels at the southern end of the hotel and are accessed either by lift or by a separate entrance from the street. The Screening Room, Spa and Gym are found on the lower ground level, the pool in the basement level can be accessed from the health club, gym and spa.

Lobby & Guest Relations

Open Hours	24 Hours
Languages Spoken	English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, and several other languages spoken.
Payment Methods	All major international credit cards and cash accepted.
Foreign Exchange	Open 24 hours. All major currencies exchanged. No commission is charged.
Taxis Arranged	Taxis may be called from the street. A chargeable limousine service is also available.
Tours Arranged	Private tailored tours can be arranged in English, French, German or Spanish. Throughout the day open top siteseeing buses regularly stop outside the hotel entrance. Tours can be arranged to: Buckingham Palace Hampton Court Kensington Palace Luxury River Thames cruises Madame Tussauds St Paul’s Cathedral The London Dungeon The London Eye Tower of London Windsor Castle

Guest Relations	Standard Service
Concierge Services	The Concierge offers guests assistance with arrangements including restaurant reservations, car rental or airport transfers, booking theatre, opera or ballet tickets at any time during or prior to their stay.
Medical Facilities	Staff are trained to administer first aid for minor incidents. A doctor is available 24 hours a day, a typical response time is within 1 hour according to the hotel.
Parking	Car parking is available 24 hours a day for which there is a charge. Guests are advised to allow 10-15 minutes for their car to be transferred to the hotel's main entrance. One Aldwych is located within the London Congestion Zone.

Cranley Comment

The hotel's elegant exterior has a Norwegian granite façade and decorative features with a grand entrance to the lobby. In keeping with the exterior many of the original features have been retained within the lobby area, including large double height windows, dark oak panelling and original pillars which are complemented by contemporary fibre optic lighting, a polished limestone floor and outsized high-backed Chinese style chairs. Some of the fabrics and soft furnishings within the lobby are changed on a seasonal basis adding extra charm to this space. The Lobby Bar is located at one end of the room and is popular for pre-dinner and post theatre cocktails and light meals. Leading off the large bright lobby are the reception and concierge desks and a discreet lift area. Indigo restaurant on the mezzanine floor enjoys a view overlooking the Lobby Bar.

Shops & Amenities

Description

Woodhams at One, a Chelsea Flower Show award-winning on-site florist is adjacent to the entrance of the hotel. It is open from 10:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday. On Saturday the florist closes at 16:00. There are five theatres within the three connecting streets of the hotel. Across the road from the hotel there are several newsagents and small supermarkets that is open until late, 7 days a week. Covent Garden is a short stroll away.

Cranley Comment

The hotel's own florist is located just outside the main entrance of the hotel. The hotel's coffee shop, the Cinnamon Bar, can be found at the northern end of the hotel with its own separate entrance, while the Axis Restaurant is at the southern end on the Strand. One Aldwych is in the centre of London’s Theatre Land with many theatres only a few minutes walk away. There are a number of small retail outlets and newsagents in the streets adjacent to the hotel with Covent Garden market only a short walk away.

Rooms, Suites & Villas

Number of Floors	6 floors
Total Rooms	105
Elevators	2
Rooms per Elevator	53
Total Staff	250
Staff per Room	2.4

Check-in Time	14:00
Check-out Time	12:00
Late Checkout	Subject to availability.
Smoking Rooms	Floors 2 and 5 have a selection of smoking rooms.
Room Service	Full menu served 24 hours
Laundry Service	A next day, same day and express dry cleaning and laundry services is available. One hour pressing service is available between 07.00 to 21.00 24 hour shoe-shine service (complementary)
Unique Features	Original art or sculptures in every room Two suites with their own private gym Children are given gift packs and a teddy on arrival at the hotel

Club or Executive Facilities

There are no club or executive floors

Cranley Comment

One Aldwych has 105 guest rooms and suites, two of which have private gyms. All the rooms have subtle design themes with original works of art in every room, therefore, no one room is identical to the next. The colour schemes vary from smoke blue; sage green; hidcote lavender; sunset red and honey beige and are complemented with crisp white Frette bed linen and feather and down duvets. All the rooms have city views, with a small number overlooking Waterloo Bridge. Each room is well equipped with the latest technology, direct dial telephone and Wi-Fi. The mini bars are well stocked and contain organic canapés, fruit and flowers are changed daily. The bathrooms have granite surfaces, free-standing round basins, mini televisions, phones and organic toiletries.

Type of Room, Views & Facilities

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Standard Twin	11	Street/City	Individually controlled air-conditioning Work space/desk WiFi High speed internet access Voicemail DDI line Fax on request Large flat screen television TV Keyboard for Internet connection Satellite television Movie channels In-room video games (on request) Radio CD Player Fibre optic reading lights Safe Mini-bar Umbrella En-suite bathroom Bath tub with fitted shower over it Bathrobes Slippers Shaving mirror Heated towel rail Hairdryer Bathroom scale Telephone Mini TV Organic toiletries	2 Adults	23 - 24

Cranley Comment

Standard Twin rooms are laid out with a writing desk and chair, separate relaxing chair and good sized wardrobes. Each room is equipped with the latest technology, flat screen television, direct dial telephone and WiFi is available. The colour schemes vary from smoke blue; sage green; hidcote lavender; sunset red and honey beige which are complemented with crisp white Frette bed linen and feather and down duvets. The Standard Twin rooms have city views and are quiet. The bathrooms have granite surfaces, free-standing round basins, a large bath with shower over, mini televisions, phones and organic toiletries.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Standard King-sized	46	Street/City	As for Standard Twin with the added benifit of: Separate step-in shower. Individually controlled air-conditioning Work space/desk WiFi High speed internet access Voicemail DDI line Fax on request Large flat screen television TV Keyboard for Internet connection Satellite television Movie channels In-room video games (on request) Radio CD Player Fibre optic reading lights Safe Mini-bar Umbrella En-suite bathroom Bath tub with fitted shower over it Bathrobes Slippers Shaving mirror Heated towel rail Hairdryer Bathroom scale Telephone Mini TV Organic toiletries	2 Adults	23 - 24

Cranley Comment

Standard King-sized rooms are of a good size and are well laid out with a writing desk and chair separate relaxing chair and good sized wardrobes. Each room is well equipped with the latest technology, flat screen television, direct dial telephone and WiFi is available. The colour schemes vary from Smoke Blue; Sage Green; Hidcote lavender; Sunset Red and Honey Beige which are complemented with crisp white Frette bed linen and feather and down duvets. The Standard King-sized rooms have city views and are quiet. The bathrooms are striking with granite surfaces, free-standing round basins, a large bath and separate shower, mini televisions, phones and organic toiletries.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Executive	18	Street/City	As for Standard King-sized room	2 Adults	26 - 27

Cranley Comment

Executive rooms are well laid out with a writing desk and chair, separate relaxing chair and good sized wardrobes. Each room is well equipped with the latest technology, flat screen television, direct dial telephone and WiFi is available. The colour schemes vary from Smoke Blue; Sage Green; Hidcote lavender; Sunset Red and Honey Beige which are complemented with crisp white Frette bed linen and feather and down duvets. The Executive rooms have city views and are quiet. The bathrooms are striking with granite surfaces, free-standing round basins, a large bath and separate shower, mini televisions, phones and organic toiletries.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Deluxe	18	Street/City	As for Standard King-sized room	2 Adults and 1 Child	34 - 36

Cranley Comment

Deluxe rooms are larger than the Executive rooms and are able to accommodate a child’s cot or roll-out bed. They are well laid out with a writing desk and chair separate relaxing chair and good sized wardrobes. Each room is well equipped with the latest technology, flat screen television, direct dial telephone and WiFi is available. The colour schemes vary from Smoke Blue; Sage Green; Hidcote lavender; Sunset Red and Honey Beige which are complemented with crisp white Frette bed linen and feather and down duvets. The Executive rooms have city views and are quiet. The bathrooms are striking with granite surfaces, free-standing round basins, a large bath and separate shower, mini televisions, phones and luxury Ren organic toiletries.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Studio Suite	3	Waterloo Bridge	As for Standard King-sized room with the added benefit of: DVD player Lounge area	2 Adults and one Child	48

Cranley Comment

The three Studio Suites are circular and quiet, they each have a birds-eye view of Waterloo Bridge. Their unusual shape comfortably accommodates a lounge sitting area with settee, two chairs and coffee table a writing desk and chair, they are able to accommodate a child’s cot or roll-out bed. The Studio Suites on the first and second floor benefit from double height ceilings the third suite is located on the third floor. The walk-through wardrobe areas are of a good size and are located between the main room and bathroom. Each room is well equipped with the latest technology, flat screen television, DVD player, direct dial telephone and WiFi is available. The subtle colour schemes are complemented with crisp white Frette bed linen and feather and down duvets. The bathroom is striking with granite surfaces, free-standing round basins, a large bath and separate shower, mini televisions, phones and luxury Ren organic toiletries.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Executive Suite	6	1 Waterloo Bridge 5 Aldwych	As for Studio Suite with the added benefit of: Entrance Hall Separate lounge area Dining table with 4 chairs Kitchenette with sink in 3 Executive Suites Fridge/freezer Microwave Available as either one, two or three bedrooms	2 Adults and 2 Children	48

Cranley Comment

The Executive Suites have views over The Aldwych and are located on the corners of the hotel building. Each suite has its own entrance hall, a separate large sitting room with dining area, a writing desk and chair, and is able to accommodate a child’s cot or roll-out bed. The suites have their own well equipped walk-through kitchenette area. The Executive Suite overlooking Waterloo Bridge does not have its own kitchen facilities. The suites can be configured as either one, two or three bedrooms (the dimensions given relate to a one bedroom configuration). Each suite is well equipped with the latest technology, flat screen television, DVD player, direct dial telephone and WiFi is available. The subtle colour schemes are complemented with crisp white Frette bed linen and feather and down duvets. The bathroom is striking with granite surfaces, free-standing round basins, a large bath and separate shower, mini televisions, phones and organic toiletries.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Suite 410	1	Waterloo Bridge	As for Studio Suite with the added benefit of: Entrance Hall Guest cloackroom Private gym Separate lounge area Dining table with four chairs Kitchenette with sink Fridge/freezer Microwave Available as either one or two bedrooms	2 Adults and 2 Children	72

Cranley Comment

Suite 410 has views over Waterloo Bridge and has its own entrance hall, a guest cloakroom and private gym. It benefits from a separate large circular living room with dining area, a writing desk and chair, and is able to accommodate a child’s cot or roll-out bed. The suite has its own well equipped kitchenette and can be configured as either one or two bedrooms (the dimensions given relate to a one bedroom configuration). Suite 410 is well equipped with the latest technology, flat screen television, DVD player, direct dial telephone and WiFi is available. The subtle colour schemes are complemented with crisp white Frette bed linen and feather and down duvets. The bathrooms are striking with granite surfaces, free-standing round basins, a large bath and separate shower, mini televisions, phones and organic toiletries.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Suite 500	1	Aldwych	As for Studio Suite with the added benefit of: Entrance Hall Guest cloackroom Private gym Private rooftop terrace Separate lounge area Dining table with 4 chairs Kitchenette with sink Fridge/freezer Microwave Available as either one or two bedrooms	2 Adults and 2 Children	74

Cranley Comment

Suite 500 has its own private roof terrace with views over The Aldwych and the Royal Opera House. It has its own entrance hall, a guest cloakroom and private gym, a spacious sitting room with the terrace leading off, a dining area, writing desk and chair, and is able to accommodate a child’s cot or roll-out bed. The 500 Suite has its own well equipped kitchenette and can be configured as either one or two bedrooms (the dimensions given relate to a one bedroom configuration). Suite 500 is well equipped with the latest technology, flat screen television, DVD player, direct dial telephone and WiFi is available. The subtle colour schemes are complemented with crisp white Frette bed linen and feather and down duvets. The bathrooms is striking with granite surfaces, free-standing round basins, a large bath and separate shower, mini televisions, phones and organic toiletries.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Dome Suite	1	Street/City	As for Studio Suite with the added benefit of: Entrance Hall Guest cloackroom Separate lounge area Large separate dining room for 12 guests Ktchenette with sink Fridge/freezer Microwave Available as either one, two bedrooms	2 Adults and 2 Children	106

Cranley Comment

The Dome Suite is located on the top floor with views over the city of London and Waterloo Bridge. It has its own entrance hall, a guest cloakroom, spacious sitting room with writing desk and chair, and is able to accommodate a child’s cot or roll-out bed. The Dome Suite also benefits from a unique circular dining room for 12 guests. It has its own well equipped kitchenette and can be connected to a deluxe room to be configured as either one or two bedrooms (the dimensions given relate to a one bedroom configuration). The Dome Suite is well equipped with the latest technology, flat screen television, DVD player, direct dial telephone and WiFi is available. The subtle colour schemes are complemented with crisp white Frette bed linen and feather and down duvets. The bathroom is striking with granite surfaces, free-standing round basins, a large bath and separate shower, mini televisions, phones and organic toiletries.

Restaurants & Cafés

Number of Restaurants

Restaurant Comments

One Aldwych offers a good selection of fine dining experiences in relaxed settings. Axis Restaurant and Bar, refurbished in August 2007, the hotel's premiere A la Carte restaurant with its new exciting menu created by the hotel's innovative chef is located at the southern end of the hotel. Indigo, located on the mezzanine level, is open all day and serves breakfast and afternoon teas with a full A la Carte menu at lunch and dinner times with healthy organic and light meal options. The Lobby Bar area serves a continental breakfast followed later during the day with creative snacks, sandwiches and canapés. The relaxed informal upmarket coffee shop, the Cinnamon Bar, is located at the northern end of the hotel with its own entrance and is primarily a juice bar serving a good selections of fresh coffees, spirits, home baked quiches, sandwiches and muffins.

Axis Restaurant