The Waldorf Hilton

The Waldorf Hilton is the grand Edwardian hotel on the Aldwych, the curved street of theatres on the eastern edge of Covent Garden. It was built in eighteen months and opened on 28 January 1908, which makes it one of the longest-running grand hotels in London, and it remains a first choice for theatregoers who want to walk back from the West End in a few minutes.

When it opened, the hotel was a showpiece of its era: 400 bedrooms, bedside telephones and electric light, three lifts and central heating, all rare comforts at the time. Today it holds 298 guest rooms, including 19 suites, in a building that keeps its Edwardian proportions while the rooms themselves are furnished for modern travel. The Palm Court at the heart of the hotel is where London's first tango teas were danced in 1913, to the disapproval of polite society, and it is still the hotel's signature room. Now operated by Hilton, the hotel sits within one of the largest hotel groups in the world, with its loyalty programme and booking tools attached.

An Edwardian hotel in Covent Garden, between the theatres and the river

The Aldwych location is the point. The Novello and Aldwych theatres are neighbours, the Lyceum and the Theatre Royal Drury Lane are a short walk, and the Covent Garden piazza, the Strand and Somerset House on the river are all within a few minutes on foot. Dining is handled by Homage, a restaurant inspired by the grand cafes of Europe that serves English food in a modern European style, and the original 1908 Grill Room survives as the Homage Grand Salon. The Palm Court afternoon tea under the glass roof is the best-known way to see the interior without booking a room.

What to expect on a visit

Expect genuine Edwardian heritage rather than a period-styled refurbishment: the date on the building is 1908, and the Palm Court is the original. The Homage restaurant and the Palm Court are open to non-residents, so the hotel works as an afternoon tea or pre-theatre stop as well as a place to stay. Room service, a bar, concierge and event spaces round out the facilities. For other places to stay nearby, see our guide to hotels in Covent Garden, and for a more contemporary neighbour on the same street, One Aldwych is a few doors along.