One of London’s most famous and prestigious hotels, the Waldorf Hilton, has put the finishing touches on a £13.5 million hotel-wide renovation. The renovation has restored the hotel’s elegant 1920s Edwardian style, which has made it a favourite with guests from all over the world for more than a century.Situated on the verdant, tree-lined thoroughfare of Aldwych, The Waldorf Hilton opened in 1908 and is a Grade II listed building. Completed over several phases, the hotel-wide renovation encompassed all 298 guestrooms, seven meeting rooms and event spaces, including the iconic Palm Court, Good Godfrey’s Bar, Adelphi Suite and Executive Boardroom, with refreshed interiors complementing the grandeur and grace of the hotel’s striking architecture.
For the guest rooms, interior designers Fox Linton Associates drew inspiration from the glamour of the 1920s. Style and elegance is reflected in timeless features such as antique brass metalwork, silver-leaf and mirrors whilst a sense of playfulness, frivolity, gentle decadence and attention to detail, bring the Edwardian heritage of the hotel to life.
Pastel colours feature in the guest rooms and bespoke furniture in each room showcases the designers’ attention to detail. Subtle variances in pattern and texture come from Italian leather headboards with antique brass studs, chaise longues and contemporary fabrics that reflect the classic style of the hotels early years with a contemporary twist. Meanwhile, the bathrooms have been elegantly designed with a monochrome palette of white ceramic tiles, black trim and nickel fittings also reflecting the 1920s era.
The magnificent Adelphi Suite function space has been given a new ‘champagne elegance’ colour palette and now boasts stunning bespoke chandeliers with 1920s flute glass shades. The original wall lights have also been restored to match, whilst fan designs, popular in the era, are reflected in the carpet design and curtain trim. Modern technology has not been forgotten with the new suite benefitting from a state-of-the-art architectural and lighting system.
Originally the gentlemen’s smoking room and bar of the hotel, the beautiful listed Executive Boardroom has been restored and converted to a classical boardroom. With its traditional fireplaces and oil paintings, this room is a unique and original space for private dining and smaller meetings.
A hotspot for dancing and socialising since the hotel opened in 1908, the famous Palm Court has been lovingly restored to its former Edwardian glory. All features of the unique and grand centrepiece ballroom have been brought back to life, including the historic black clock, lanterns, stunning columns, cornicing and balustrades. The Palm Court is the dramatic stage for a monthly Afternoon Tea Dance, complete with contemporary afternoon tea and traditional ballroom music, as well as a monthly Tango Supper, hosted by professional Argentine tango dancers Leonardo Acosta and Tracey Tyack-King.
Good Godfrey’s Bar and Lounge opened its doors in 2011 to become a much-loved part of the hotel. The brand new interior features large antiqued mirrors and a bar with illuminated marble, chrome and granite elements. Proudly taking its name from Howard Godfrey, the handsome and talented bandleader of the Waldorf house band in the 1920s, Good Godfrey’s is open all day, serving breakfast, lunch and a variety of tantalising plates to accompany the bold selection of cocktails in the evening.
Alison Palin, general manager, said: “Every element of this landmark refurbishment has been taken into careful consideration. The attention to detail to ensure that the feel and grandeur of the 1920s remains instilled in the iconic hotel has been top priority — it first opened its doors in 1908 and, although times have changed, the style and elegance of days gone by has remained for guests to enjoy. The Waldorf Hilton has been a stalwart fixture of the West End, providing guests with superb service and elegance, for 107 years. This renovation will ensure that it continues to do so, in true Edwardian style, for many years to come.”
