Whether you arrive by plane or train into London, a taxi will pick you up and maneuver through the web of roadways and bridges to your hotel. If that hotel happens to be One Aldwych, you can rest assured knowing that your travel-weary body can soon de-stress in comfort. Upon arrival, a doorman escorts you into the contemporary two-story lobby, replete with floor-to-ceiling windows, exotic plants in oversized vases, and modern art that hangs on the walls.

A concierge will soon guide you to your room, one that hopefully overlooks the Thames and Waterloo Bridge. Strawberry smoothies and books on London will be waiting for children in the room. Mom and dad will savor the spacious sitting area and large bathrooms. But the best is yet to come.

Once you’re feeling acclimated, head out the door of the triangular building and you’ll quickly realize that you’re located across the street from the Theater District and only minutes from the performers and restaurants of Covent Garden. A slightly longer walk will bring you to the National Gallery of Art in Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace. When you’re ready to return to One Aldwych, an indoor pool and sauna is waiting downstairs for your pleasure.

One Aldwych houses 105 guestrooms and suites. The hotel has six interconnecting rooms for families, one room with a king-sized bed and a second room with twin beds for the children. Both rooms have sunken tubs and some of the rooms also have standing showers. All rooms have ample closet space, flat screen televisions, iPod docking stations, and free Wi-Fi.

Suites
Two and three-bedroom executive suites, some with full kitchens, are also available on the corners of the building. The finest suites for families are the deluxe suites with a spacious circular living room and magnificent views overlooking Waterloo Bridge. These private suites have two bedrooms and your own personal fitness room and kitchen. Each afternoon, peaches and cookies arrive, with a fresh batch of Gerber daisies.

Pool
After a long day of sightseeing, return to the hotel for a dip in the swimming pool. There's also a sauna and steam room located nearby.

Electronics
Wii can be set up in your room and kids can also go downstairs to find favorite DVDs to watch back in your room.

Concierge
The concierge service is excellent at the hotel, always pointing you in the right direction. Leicester Square, the center of the West End theater district, and Covent Garden, where families will find street performers and restaurants, are all situated nearby. Trafalgar Square, home to the free National Gallery, is just down the road, too.

Indigo
On the second floor, breakfast is served at Indigo, overlooking the lobby. Start with fresh squeezed orange juice, then dig into the French toast, blueberry pancakes, mouth-watering sausage, fresh fruit, and yogurt. The strong coffee will get you ready to start the day. Lunch and dinner are also served here.

Eneko at One Aldwych
Serving lunch and dinner every day except Monday, this country cuisine restaurant features items like duck, salmon fillet and stew. Sunday brunch is also served here.

Lobby Bar
An ideal spot for rejuvenating yourself throughout the day, the Lobby Bar offers various types of espresso and light meals. A step up from generic coffee chains, this spot has friendly staff and chic decor. A popular pre-theater hang-out, families can avoid the crowds by visiting for breakfast or lunch.

All About the Extras
Service is impeccable, from the moment you enter the hotel to the moment you leave. Special kudos go to the concierge and waitstaff at both restaurants who pay special attention to requests made by children. The fresh daisies, peaches, and other daily snacks was a nice touch. We also liked the heated towel racks.

The Art of Smart Timing
This being London, one of the most popular cities in the world, it's hard to envision a low season. Perhaps January through March, when it can get a bit nippy in these parts.

Getting There
Heathrow International Airport is about 45 minutes away from the hotel.

Getting Around
Much of London's sightseeing is within walking distance or a short taxi ride away.

For Mom and Dad
Leave the kids upstairs with a good movie, while you duck into the spa for a rejuvenating massage, facial, or skin treatment. Even if you're in a hurry, sample the 30-minute Tired Legs treatment. It will have you dancing in the room that evening.