Heading to London this weekend but aren’t sure where to stay? Enjoying a privileged location on the Aldwych crescent, in the heart of London’s trendy theatre district, the Waldorf Hilton London exudes Edwardian grandeur and is the perfect pick if you’re looking for old-world glamour and sophistication, without compromising on modern comfort.
Having opened its doors all the way back in 1908, this glamorous 298-room establishment has undeniably retained the charm of times gone by – but make no mistake, as when it comes to amenities, this place has plenty to offer the modern traveller, too.
I recently had the pleasure of experiencing a stay here and found myself transported back to an era gone by – in the best possible of ways.
Hotel
Even today, this stunning historic building exudes a sense of glamour from the bygone Edwardian era, with dramatic chandeliers hanging overhead in the foyer and black and white photos of Hollywood’s elite lining the walls.
And, despite its age, it certainly doesn’t scrimp when it comes to facilities, with a generous sized swimming pool surrounded by grand columns and a state-of-the-art fitness centre both free to access along with a sauna and steam room. As London hotels go, it’s extremely well equipped – after all, where else can you take a morning dip in the centre of the capital without having to leave your accommodation?
Guests staying on the executive floor benefit from access to the Executive Lounge which serves complimentary refreshments throughout the day, where staff are friendly and the service is just as impeccable as you’d expect.
Rooms and suites
If you’re familiar with Hilton hotels, then the style of the rooms here won’t come as a surprise. You can expect a quiet and peaceful space to call your own for the duration of your stay, and one that goes the distance when it comes to both comfort and space.
The blue and white colour scheme can’t help but calm the senses, and, while there’s nothing overtly glamorous about them when compared with the rest of the hotel, extras like an in-room Nespresso machine, robes and slippers and a powerful hairdryer ensure you have all you need for a restful and enjoyable stay.
The bathrooms are a highlight, with their white brick tiling and opulent marble basins. There’s a bathtub ready and waiting when it’s time to soak away the stresses and strains of a busy day out the capital, or if you need to rush out in the morning or make a quick change from day to night, then the opulent rainfall shower and Temple Spa toiletries are on hand to facilitate a speedier process and will provide a much needed moment of indulgence.
Food and drink
Breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner are served in Homage, a grand dining room characterised by high ceilings, huge floor-to-ceiling windows, glittering chandeliers and impressive columns. There’s a lavish buffet in the mornings, before the main menu comes out later on in the day – but you can expect a truly decadent dining experience, whatever time it happens to be.
Homage is headed up by executive head chef Luke Rayment-Blakey, who began his career in Australia where he won a string of esteemed accolades including Young Chef of Queensland. He then went on to work under Gordon Ramsay at London’s Savoy Grill, becoming head chef at Gordon Ramsay at Claridges – one of the most iconic hotels in the world – in less than a year.
Luke also counts being the opening executive chef of Mondrian London – which is now known as Sea Containers London – amongst his achievements, as well as opening successful members’ club Soho House, suffice it to say, he certainly knows what he’s doing when it comes to the kitchen.
The menu at Homage is packed with decadent seasonal delights, with each dish based on the freshest ingredients and combining mouth-watering flavours. Think cured Hampshire chalk stream trout or caramelised shallot tart for starters, and venison loin, fillet of Hertfordshire chicken or a choice of steaks for mains, to give you just a taster. There are also plenty of options to suit vegetarians and vegans, like the salt-baked celeriac and the Waldorf salad.
Afternoon tea, served daily from 1-4pm, is a highlight, and features a generous selection of hand-cut sandwiches and savouries along with warm scones served with clotted cream and jam and a variety of sweet treats and teas. You can, of course, add a glass or two of champagne if you’re feeling extra-indulgent – and why not?
Good Godfrey’s Bar and Lounge (which takes its name from the former leader of The Waldorf house band, Howard Godfrey), with its dark oak panelling, is a cosy spot for drinks and canapes, and offers up a cocktail menu that’s to die for. Designed to emulate a list of 1920s record tracks, expect names like ‘A Night to Remember (Jameson black barrel, tidal rum, Braulio, maple, Waldorf sweet vermouth blend, luxardo antico and chocolate) and ‘Got a Date With an Angel’ (Monkey 47, Stoli Elit, Hope and Glory chamomile, Benedictine, Spanish bitters and fragile flower) – all of which can be enjoyed amidst an atmospheric setting.
The Wild Monkey – an immersive pop-up cocktail bar – is the place to go if you’re looking for a slightly more intimate spot to enjoy a nightcap. And the Palm Court (which featured in the iconic 1997 film, Titanic) stages a quarterly tea dance, featuring the five-piece Berkeley Square Society Band, promising to whisk you back in time to the good old days.
The T Room is the newest addition to The Waldorf, and is the perfect place to enjoy tea and cake whilst watching the world go by. This is a place that takes its tea very seriously, to the point of having its very own resident tea sommelier, and offers tea tasting experiences that take you on a journey all the way from field to cup.
Spa and fitness
The Waldorf Hilton London offers guests a range of fantastic health and fitness facilities. Enjoy the generously sized swimming pool (a rarity for central London hotels, of course) flanked by grand columns and a spacious, modern gym equipped with a free weights area and cardio machines. Both the pool and gym are free to access, as is the sauna and steam room.
To do
Enjoying a privileged location on the Aldwych in the heart of London’s trendy theatre district, the Waldorf Hilton is just a stone’s throw from the likes of the Royal Opera House. Covent Garden, The British Museum and Trafalgar Square are all within a one-mile radius, too – so if you’re looking for a base that will place you close to the thick of the action while in the capital, whilst simultaneously serving as a luxurious haven away from the hustle and bustle, then look no further.
In a nutshell
An iconic London hotel built blending Edwardian grandeur with modern day comfort, the Waldorf Hilton promises to be the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for old-world glamour and opulence without compromising on all the latest amenities. Add to that its convenient location, and it’s a great place to base yourself from which to navigate the capital – whether for work, or pleasure.
Factbox
Double rooms from £219 in low season; and from £236 in high. Breakfast from £22. Free Wi-Fi.
Address: Aldwych, London WC2B 4DD
Phone: 020 7836 2400
Website: hilton.com/en/hotels/lonwahi-the-waldorf-hilton-london/
All imagery credit: Hilton
