Honestly, The Waldorf Hilton caught me off guard – and I mean that in the best way possible. You know how some hotels try so hard to be grand that they end up feeling stuffy? This place actually pulls it off. Walking into that lobby feels like stepping into an Edwardian gentleman’s club, all rich wood paneling and marble columns, but somehow it doesn’t make you feel underdressed if you’re rolling up in jeans after a long flight.
The location is what really sold me though. I mean, you’re literally on Aldwych – which, if you’re not familiar with London, is this curved street that connects the Strand to Kingsway. It’s one of those spots where you can walk to Covent Garden in about three minutes (seriously, I timed it), but you’re far enough from the tourist chaos that you won’t hear street performers at midnight. The Royal Opera House is right there, Somerset House is a stone’s throw away, and you can actually get to both the West End and the City without wanting to tear your hair out on the Tube. Plus – and this is huge for London – there’s decent parking nearby at the NCP on Drury Lane, though honestly, you won’t need a car here.
What I really appreciated were the little things that make a difference when you’re actually staying somewhere, not just passing through. The rooms have proper thick curtains (you’ll thank me when you’re dealing with those brutal 5 AM summer sunrises), and the air conditioning actually works – which isn’t a given in London hotels, trust me. The Wi-Fi is solid throughout the building, even in the lobby areas where you might want to camp out with your laptop. I spent a fair bit of time in their Palm Court, which has this gorgeous glass ceiling that makes afternoon tea feel pretty special, even if you’re just grabbing coffee and checking emails. The staff genuinely seems to know the neighborhood too – they pointed me toward a fantastic little pub on Kemble Street that I never would have found otherwise.
Look, it’s not perfect – the elevators are a bit slow during busy periods, and some of the rooms facing Aldwych can get traffic noise (though it’s more of a gentle hum than anything jarring). The 7.8 rating feels about right to me. It’s not trying to be the Savoy, but it’s got character and substance that a lot of chain hotels miss. If you want to feel like you’re staying somewhere with history but don’t want to sacrifice modern comforts, this hits that sweet spot. Just book early if you’re coming during theatre season – the Opera House crowd knows a good thing when they see it.