As you know Mr S and I love going on holiday, and it’s lovely to have a little break over the festive period. So on the 23rd of December we excitedly packed our suitcase and jumped in a taxi all ready to go on holiday…about fifteen minutes down the road!
Yes, our little festive trip was a staycation in London, at the gorgeous five star hotel, One Aldwych in Covent Garden. When we arrived at our room we were greeted with some gorgeous chocolate truffles, marshmallows and turkish delight and I whipped out a bottle of champers from the fridge for us to imbibe while we took tour around the room.
We had a huge executive suite which was decorated in a gorgeously modern style. It was so big that it would actually be a perfect base if you wanted to enjoy an extended stay in London.
There was sooooo much space, funky bespoke furniture and original works of art decorating the room.
As well as useful things such as an iPod docking station and a Nespresso machine.
I always like to have a little nose in the mini bar too…
Though I’m usually careful not to take too much from a mini bar, it would be rude not to have that little bottle of Moet with Christmas two days away…
There was a big flat screen Samsung TV and I loved the way there was a personal welcome message on it. Actually, the hotel were great with little personal touches such as the truffles and a little card informing us of the weather the following day.
We also had the perfect view down a London road and onto Embankment. I love this photograph, Mr S actually took it, he’s getting rather impressive with his photography skills.
And from our other window we could just about see the Shard and the Gherkin poking over the top of the other buildings.
On to the bedroom…
Which also had a flat screen TV, lots of wardrobe space and a second mini bar, should we require more champagne later…
The bed was so soft and duvet made from the finest linen.
There were fresh flowers all over the room which are delivered daily.
My only disappointment was the bathroom which was rather small comparatively to the living room and could have done with a lick of paint. Having said that, there were plenty of bathroom amenities, a powerful shower, a bath and even a little TV.
With our little tour over with I whacked on some make up and a little frock and we headed out the room for our staycation date night.
Mr S took a quick outfit pic of me in the corridor which was also very modern and decorated with fresh flowers and modern art.
Lift selfie!!!
You may remember Mr S and I have visited One Aldwych before for a Film and Fizz night. Back then it was decorated for Halloween, and this time the halls were decked all Chrismassy!
I loved the quirky Alice in Wonderland Christmas tree that was adorned with teapots and drink me bottles.
Now every blogger knows that when ordering a cocktail, the most important thing is what it looks like and will it look cool on the blog.
Now with that in mind I ordered a Strawberry and Vanilla, fresh strawberries and vanilla liquer, topped with Champagne, because I wanted it.
And I told Mr S to get the ‘For Love’ cocktail because I thought it would look good in the pictures and because we liked the name.
The cocktail contained chilli infused vodka, ginger and lemongrass cordial, rhubarb liqueur and lemon juice and it was served in a mini shaker and tulip glass. It passed the looking cool test but it also very much passed the taste test, probably the spiciest cocktail I’d ever tried. I loved it!!
I’ve written about the Lobby bar before, it’s a fab place to go for a drink if you’re in the area, which is at the heart of Covent Garden’s theatre land. The cocktail list is extensive and hugely inventive, and I love the room itself with it’s sweeping high ceiling and interesting works of modern art.
Our next interesting looking cocktail was a Drink or Gamble.
A cinnamon-infused Gentleman Jack, Cointreau, Benedictine, cherry puree, lime juice and maple syrup. It was served in a snifter glass with a chocolate truffle on the side.
I wasn’t actually too keen on the cocktail as it was a little bit sickly. Mr Silver polished off the cocktail. I had the truffle.
Our final cocktail was the Charlie.
Made with Dalmore 12, cherry liqueur, sugar syrup, cherry puree and topped with champagne.
It looked very cool as it was served over dry ice.
I’ve previously reviewed One Aldwych’s main restaurant Axis, and this time I would trying their more informal offering, Indigo.
Indigo is actually on the hotel’s mezzanine level and overlooks the lobby bar, which allows you to take in just how cool that tree is!
We’ve been dining out a lot lately (you may have noticed) so it was lovely to have a more informal meal in the comfortable autumn-hued restaurant.
We really enjoyed the Modern European menu and chose a simple smoked salmon platter served with blinis and some crab on toast to start.
Those really are blinis, even though they look like scallops!
For main course, Mr S went seasonal with a perfectly cooked venison and poached pear.
For me, sea bass and seafood is always in fashion so that was my choice.
Desserts were a real highlight…
Apple tarte tartin, Mr S and I loved apple based puddings.
And it was Christmas so we wanted something chocolate-y. Despite the fact I’d already had three chocolate truffles…actually chocolate seems to be something that One Aldwych does very well and I’m keen to return for their Charlie and the Chocolate Factory afternoon tea.Anyway after champagne in the room, some rather potent cocktails and wine at dinner, I was feeling a little tipsy. Fortunately, I didn’t have far to go to bed…wouldn’t it be great if you could always do that? Night buses, late tubes and expensive taxis home would be a thing of the past.
The next morning I awoke from my very comfortable slumber and threw the curtain open…
It’s Christmas Eve!!
Breakfast was once again at Indigo, and here’s that gorgeous tree in the day time.
As it was Christmas Eve, the child in me fancied dippy eggs and soldiers.
That’s what I call #eggporn, look at that perfectly runny yolk!
Mr Silver, of course, had the full English. That’s the great thing about a staycation, you can have a fully cooked breakfast that you wouldn’t normally make yourself at home. Plus there’s no tidying up!
While many people were out braving the crowds and doing some last-minute shopping, I had the joy of relaxing in One Aldwych’s fab spa.
Feeling totally zen, I relaxed as the spa therapist, Victoria, worked her magic with a fabulous hot stone treatment. Warm volcanic stones were used to massage me with a scented oil in order to work out all the tensions and stress I have from working so hard on my blog ;). Mr S had a massage too, but his was more manly and sporty, obvs!
There was a huge gym…just perfect for taking a healthy selfie.
Oh…and for working out, if that’s what you fancy doing on holiday. I do enough of that at home though!
There’s a rather relaxing indoor pool too, with gentle lighting, under water music and a video of underwater life so that you can feel like you’re in a fish tank.
After our treatments, Mr S and I just didn’t want our little holiday to end so we thought we’d round it off with a spot of room service lunch.
The service was quick and efficient and he set up our dining area beautifully.
Salmon again for me (atoning for last night) and a hearty spag bol for Mr S. Then it was time to pack up our bag and hail a taxi…for our whole fifteen minute journey home.
So why do a staycation in your own home town?
1. Fabulous views of London.
2. Use as many towels as you like without having to do laundry.
3. Chocolate truffles.
4. Getting tipsy at dinner without the danger / cost / difficulty of getting home.
5. Your own personal spa service.
6. Home made food is just a phone call away.
7. Fully stocked mini bar.
8. Isn’t it just nice to have a change of scene?
Mr Silver and I absolutely loved our London holiday and you’ll certainly be seeing a few more next year 😉
One Aldwych Hotel
London
WC2B 4BZ
020 7300 1000
Mr S and I were lucky enough to stay at One Aldwych Hotel on a complimentary basis.
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