The Secret Movie Theater at One Aldwych

I have a confession. After a day running around sightseeing, hiking, kayaking or whatever latest adventure it is that we’re researching, I’m exhausted! I long ago was over the nightlife scene and it might sound lame, but I’m often more than happy to just order room service and stay in. So when One Aldwych, a luxe 5-star hotel on the edge of London’s theatreland, invited us to enjoy their Film & Fizz One Aldwych experience, I didn’t have to think twice. A secret movie theater right in the hotel? It sounded like the absolute perfect way to spend an evening in London.

Film & Fizz

The Film & Fizz One Aldwych Overnight experience includes a movie in the private screening room, followed by a 3-course dinner in one of the hotel’s restaurants, overnight accommodations, and breakfast. As we got seated in the private screening room, we were greeted with a chilled glass of Champagne Lallier Grand Cru Grande Réserve Brut and our choice of salty or sweet popcorn. As I sipped my champagne and munched on my popcorn, Captain America flickered up on the screen. This, I thought, is how a movie should always be enjoyed.

After the movie, we were seated for dinner in Axis and offered a 3-course menu. The sommelier made a wine pairing suggestion that would work well with both our choices from the night’s pre-fix menu selections, and we sat back to relax. I loved that the bread was served with miniature pots of delicious hummus and tapenade. As we tucked in to our glazed pork belly, we debated which Marvel film was coming next and laughed over the funny lines from the movie. Film & Fizz really was the perfect date night.

The Festive Film & Film series is about to kick off for the holidays. You can enjoy some of the holiday classics like Miracle on 34th Street or Disney crowd pleasures like Frozen. There are even mocktails for the kids. Check out the full Film & Fizz line-up here.

The Hotel

One Aldwych is located steps away from the Novello and Lyceum Theaters. Though the street below is bustling and theatergoers pouring out are still singing the familiar lyrics of ABBA’s Dancing Queen, we didn’t hear a peep thanks to the hotel’s soundproof glass. It was so quiet, you nearly forget that you’re in a sprawling city like London at all.

The spacious rooms are done in calming colors of beige and olive and we had a king size bed with down bedding. Well appointed, the rooms have a flatscreen tv, mini bar, and complimentary wifi. I loved the bathroom with separate walk-in rain shower, soaking tub big enough for two, and potted orchids.

The service was top notch. We arrived from a late flight and knowing we were probably a bit hungry, the staff sent up a cheese plate and fresh fruit. It was the perfectly midnight snack. We also loved the other tiny details and conveniences like the card with the next day’s weather that was left on our bed and a plastic ziplock bag left in the bathroom in case you had carried on and wanted to take the bath products with you. And I have to mention the spicy nuts, which I kid you not, other guests have left tips about how to order online in their TripAdvisor reviews. How do I know? Because we too loved the spicy nuts served in the Lobby Bar and left as a snack in our room so much that we too tried to Google them after our stay!

Breakfast is served in Indigo, the restaurant overlooking the lobby, and is a la carte from their menu. I actually love a la carte more than breakfast buffets, because let’s be honest, we all tend to eat more than we normally would when breakfast is buffet style. And my favorite type of eggs, eggs benedict, are never on a breakfast buffet.

Being in the heart of London’s theatreland, you’d expect nothing less than a theatrical affair for afternoon tea. One Aldwych has partnered with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to inspire their magical tea. With cotton candy puffs, golden eggs, and a selection of fine loose-leaf teas, this afternoon tea is sure to be a crowd pleaser for kids and the kid-at-heart.

With all the fantastic food on offer, thankfully One Aldwych does have a gym with everything from treadmills to free weights. You can even have a session with the on-site personal trainer. And there is a sauna and spa to relax in after a work out. Of course, with the West End location it’s an easy walk to the London Eye, Westminster Abbey, and other popular London tourist attractions.

Know Before You Go

We were invited guests of One Aldwych to experience the Film & Fizz One Aldwych Overnight package. However, Luxe Adventure Traveler maintains full editorial control of the content published on this site. As always, all thoughts, opinions, and enthusiasm for travel are entirely our own. This article contains affiliate links. When you book on Booking.com through our affiliate site, we earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.