Think of the Waldorf and you might think of old-school glamour. You might even think of the Waldorf salad that featured in an episode of Fawlty Towers. Well, Fawlty Towers it ain’t – this central London hotel is a class act and the perfect place to spend our anniversary.
The rooms
Now part of the Hilton chain, the Waldorf has an imposing pillared frontage in London’s Theatreland but the interior is surprisingly modern. We’re lucky enough to have an Executive Room, so we can check in at the Executive Lounge, which has snacks, afternoon tea and a very popular happy hour. The friendly staffer tells us that they’ve been unusually busy over the holiday season, especially with flagging shoppers weighed down by the designer gear they’ve snapped up in the sales. Now that’s the life!
Our room is hip without being try-hard, mixing minimal whites with orange brights and a sculpture-come-coat hanger in the corner. Looks like someone’s tipped them off about our anniversary (OK, me): there’s a vase of red roses and the towels have been arranged like heart-shaped swans on the bed! It’s a little OTT, but fun. There’s no bath but a big walk-in bathroom with a shower. Also, importantly, there’s a well-stocked mini-bar and a large TV at the foot of the big, comfortable bed.
Eating and drinking
We manage to get a table for pre-dinner drinks in the Executive Lounge, which is full of couples and families with weirdly well-behaved children. One vodka later, we’re in the much grander dining hall: Homage Grand Salon restaurant, a large airy hall mixing elegant columns with modern art. Prices are around £13 for a starter and £16-£20 for mains and set menu deals are reasonable. I have a delicious goats’ cheese salad starter followed by fillet of wild boar pork. And yes, you can order a Waldorf salad, as made famous by the original Waldorf in New York. It’s decent nosh in gorgeous surroundings.
The accompanying bar, Homage, has a more contemporary feel: the perfect place to relax with a post-dinner drink. There’s a separate entrance from the street, so it’s a popular place for well-heeled drop-ins; as is the glamorous patisserie bar next door. Afternoon tea is also a draw: we spotted quite a few tourists enjoying their English experience in there earlier in the day.
Breakfast is included in our room rate and we have the option of a continental in the Exec Lounge or a hot buffet downstairs. We plump for the latter – good call. The Palm Court is a gorgeous English Heritage-listed setting which is also the venue for the famous Waldorf Tea Dances. Helping yourself to a fry-up feels slightly incongruous in such a spectacular setting, but you know what? We manage.
The Waldorf Hilton’s been a treat: peaceful despite its bustling location. As Londoners, it’s been an easy yet luxurious romantic break – and I’d recommend it for out-of-towners looking for somewhere classy but unpretentious and competitively priced. I’ll remember it every time I have a Waldorf Salad.
The Waldorf Hilton, Aldwych, London WC2B 4DD. Rooms from £299 plus VAT. To book visit hilton.co.uk or telephone 020 7836 2400.
