The Waldorf Hilton, London

The Waldorf Hilton stands in Aldwych, a corner of the City of Westminster where the Strand meets the Thames. Built in 1908 for William Waldorf Astor, it replaced an earlier scheme by theatrical impresario Edward Sanders. The hotel’s 190-foot granite façade curves along the street, topped by a frieze of cherubs that shows the arts and sciences. Inside, the architect Alexander Marshall Mackenzie recreated New York luxury, adding three lifts, central heating and bedside switches for electric lights. The building’s steel frame rose in eighteen months, opening with 400 bedrooms and 176 bathrooms. The hotel quickly became a social stage. In 1913 the Palm Court hosted the first of many tango teas that scandalised Edwardian London. During the Second World War a bomb shockwave shattered the Palm Court roof, forcing tango dances to pause while the restaurant turned into a staff dormitory. The house band led by Howard Godfrey recorded fifteen discs with Al Bowlly, including ‘Love is the Sweetest Thing’. Later, Egon Ronay launched his hotel guides here in 1964, and Melody Maker held its music awards in 1969. Today the Waldorf Hilton offers 298 rooms, including nineteen suites. The Adelphi Suite occupies the former 300-foot dining space, while the Palm Court still hosts afternoon tea beneath its domed skylight. Homage restaurant serves modern European dishes, Good Godfrey’s Bar recalls the hotel’s jazz era, and the Wild Monkey bar brings a tropical cocktail mood. The Executive Boardroom once served as the Gentlemen’s Smoking Room, and the Executive Lounge was the billiard room.