Arrival/Check-in: Loaded down with luggage, we arrived a little past noon on a Saturday. The bellman assisted us with the bags and opened the wheelchair-accessible entrance at this century-old Edwardian property. Once inside, I rode a small elevator to reach the check-in desk. Because it was early, our room was not yet ready. Our bags were quickly tagged, and we left the hotel to explore Covent Garden.

Guest Quarters: Returning to the hotel a bit after 3 p.m., we were escorted to our second-floor executive room. Considering the age of the hotel, we were surprised to have such spacious and modern accommodations, which had been modified to be wheelchair-accessible. A small glass-enclosed shower stood apart from the private toilet, and a sink with mirror served as a vanity. A contemporary glass chandelier hung above the king-sized bed. Large windows provided a street view, and blackout curtains ensured a restful night’s sleep. A desk, wall-mounted plasma television and day divan completed the furnishings.

Services/Amenities: The Executive Lounge was crowded with people enjoying afternoon tea, and we joined them. As we spread clotted cream on our scones and read The Times, our son checked his email on the computer. The attentive staff refilled our beverages as a family sat beside us to play cards. On trying to go for a workout, we discovered that the fitness center closed at 5:30 p.m. The facility is run by LA Fitness Club and closes at 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays. The business center is open 24 hours a day, with a fax, computers, copier, rental cellphones and projectors. The Homage Grand Salon Restaurant, reminiscent of Europe’s grand cafés, is an excellent choice for a pre- or post-theater meal.

The Experience: Flanked by the Aldwych Theatre on the left and the Novello Theatre to the right, the Waldorf is in the heart of the theatre district. Theater-lovers can’t go wrong booking a stay at the Waldorf, with more than a dozen performance options within a 15-minute walk.

GT Checklist

• Doorman/valet
• Less than 10 minutes for check-in
• Separate tub/shower
• Large vanity
• High-quality towels
• Large, flat-screen TV
• Large desk with convenient outlets
• Complimentary in-room WiFi
• Ample lighting
• High-quality bed linens
• Choice of pillows
• Powerful, unattached hair dryer
• Iron and ironing board
• Easy-to-set alarm clock
• On-site restaurant and bar
• 24-hour room service
• In-room coffeemaker
• Large, complimentary laptop safe

The Waldorf Hilton, London

Aldwych, London WC2B 4DD
United Kingdom
tel 44 20 7836 2400
http://www.waldorfhilton.co.uk