Review: Dog-Friendly Staycation at One Aldwych, London

3 years ago

Treat yourself to a stay at one of London's finest hotels... and don't forget to bring your dog, too

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Review: Dog-Friendly Staycation at One Aldwych, London

Renowned for its sumptuous interiors, award-winning spa and prime London location (just a stone’s throw from Covent Garden), One Aldwych has earned itself a reputation as one of the city’s finest establishments. And now, the five-star hotel is welcoming dogs to indulge in the splendour too.

Win a Stay for Two at One Aldwych

Review: One Aldwych, London

STAY

If you’re the kind of dog owner who rarely likes to leave your four-legged friend behind, One Aldwych is the hotel for you. It announced that it would be welcoming dogs for the first time in September of last year (despite a short pandemic-prompted hiatus), with general manager Janine Marshall stating that ‘one of the things that lockdown has taught us is how much we value our pets, so we thought, if people are loving their pooches, they might like to bring them to London for a treat!’.

It’s not often that a luxury inner-city hotel welcomes dogs into its midst – let alone at no additional charge. But, with a little helping hand from local pet shop and grooming parlour Bow Wow London (located in Covent Garden), One Aldwych has pulled out all the stops for its furry new residents. Pups can expect to find a cosy bed, bowl, towels and treats (home baked peanut butter and banana biscuits – pawsitively delicious!), plus an adorable London-illustrated bandana to take home.

With such sumptuous interiors designed by Robert Angell (think marble bathrooms, original art works and contemporary pastel furnishings), the hotel kindly requests that pups be fully house-trained and at least one year old. But they’ll feel right at home welcomed by friendly, dog-adoring staff and the hotel’s renowned papier mâché dogs, Spencer and Lizzie, who have greeted guests since the hotel’s opening in 1998.

The Terrace Suite is of particular note – a luxurious two-bedroom, three-bathroom hideaway with its very own private balcony that offers a fantastic view of Aldwych below. Dogs will love the space this expansive suite offers, whilst humans can delight in the kitchenette and dining area (and tempting fully stocked minibar), providing ample opportunity to kick back, relax and dine in-room – breakfast in bed is a must.

EAT

For those who wish to indulge in the hotel’s culinary delights, One Aldwych’s Indigo restaurant highlights ‘the very best of British ingredients’, led by the expertise of Executive Chef Dominic Teague (formerly of Marco Pierre White’s L’Escargot and the Sandy Lane Hotel in Barbados). Expect the likes of Brixham mackerel tartare, Scottish beef, and Cotswold chicken breast. If you wish to dine with your dog, The Library is the place to be, where you can enjoy an expansive selection of cocktails (shaken and stirred at the Lobby Bar) and a more informal meal of delicious bar-style dishes.

Also worth a mention is the hotel’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-themed afternoon tea. Loved by little ones and adults alike, the playful spread includes the likes of spinach ‘roly-polys’, violet marshmallows, a delicious ‘swudge’ milkshake and scones with ‘snozzberry’ jam and cream.

DO

Whether pre- or post-dinner, a ponder around the local area (with pooch in tow) is a must. Part of One Aldwych’s allure is its vicinity to some of London’s most coveted venues and destinations, from the top West End theatres to the Royal Opera House (located just a three-minute walk away) and Somerset House. Head towards Waterloo Bridge (also a three-minute walk away) for spectacular views of the Thames, the London Eye, and St Paul’s Cathedral. Then head towards the South Bank for a leisurely stroll.

The Best Dog Walks in London

Once your dog is all walked-out, drop them back at the room for a snooze whilst you take advantage of the hotel’s first-class health club complete with an 18-metre swimming pool, 24-hour gym, sauna and steam room. You might even be tempted to treat yourself to an OSKIA or Natura Bissé spa treatment.

THE FINAL WORD

While staycationing with a dog is often synonymous with muddy boots and countryside walks, there’s no reason not to consider an inner-city break with your four-legged friend. For five-star service in a luxury, dog-friendly setting, One Aldwych ticks all the boxes.