"How did it strike you on arrival?Dominating the corner of Aldwych and the Strand with its Flatiron-esque façade, this looks like a grande dame hotel—in fact, I felt a little worried I was under-dressed the first time I came here (my concerns were unfounded). Nice. What’s the crowd like?There’s a decent mix of business types and people on short city breaks—especially theater breaks, since the hotel is so close to Covent Garden. They’re chic rather than hipster, though—celeb fans include Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Lily Cole. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.All 105 rooms are different here, thanks to the configuration of the old building, but the style is sharp, classic luxury: muted tones, a plush desk-side chair and modern art on the walls. All rooms have a cubby-hole linked to the outside, so you can pick up room service or your newspaper without getting dressed. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?It’s as deliciously comfortable as a five-star bed should be, with Frette sheets, a Hypnos mattress and a pillow menu. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?I love the fresh fruit and flowers that are replenished every day, in every room—and the cute baggie they leave for you on the day of check-out, in case you want to swipe your bathroom toiletries. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Excellent shower pressure and fluffy towels. The toiletries are by little-known brand T London Darjeeling, with notes of tea, spices and plant oils (so you’ll be needing that baggie). Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Free, and a fast-for-London 10MB speed. Room service: Worth it?I haven’t had room service there, but it has to be one of the “All in One” dinner trays—pick from the Children’s Tray, Healthy Tray, Working Tray, or the stellar Movie Tray ($39, including a hot dog, popcorn, and nachos). Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?The florist for those daily bouquets. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.The underground pool is superb—a huge (for London) 18m, chlorine-free, and with underwater music, no less. There’s also 24-hour child care and all-round great provision for kids, while (not necessarily related) the bar does a fine line in theater-themed cocktails. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?The emphasis on well-being, despite its luxury status—the room service menu specializes in healthy options, and restaurant Indigo is British, seasonal… and entirely gluten- and dairy-free. Bottom line: worth it, and why?It’s the perfect combination of a boutique feel on a luxury-grade scale." - Julia Buckley
