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in pure, modern luxury. There’s free, hotel-wide Wi-Fi, down to the gorgeous swimming pool in the health club. Suites have amenities such as a private gym, a kitchen, and a terrace. The pool at One Aldwych has underwater speakers that play music you can hear only when you dive in. Pros: understated (and underwater) luxury; ultra-cool atmosphere. Cons: all this luxury doesn’t come cheap; fashionable ambience not always relaxing; design sometimes verges on form over function. TripAdvisor: “special mention to the housekeeping,” “great location and fabulous service,” “pleasant and efficient staff.” | 1 Aldwych, Covent Garden | WC2 4BZ | 020/7300–1000 | www.onealdwych.co.uk | 93 rooms, 12 suites | In-room: a/c, safe, kitchen (some), refrigerator, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: 2 restaurants, room service, bars, pool, gym, spa, laundry service, parking (paid) | AE, MC, V | Charing Cross, Covent Garden

Fodor’s Choice | The Savoy.

£££££ | Reopened in late 2010 after a £220 million renovation, the Savoy is one of London’s most famous hotels—and undoubtedly one of its best, too. As face-lifts go, this is surgical enhancement par excellence—the edges have been smoothed out, the creases ironed away, and the old girl is looking like a star again. Guest rooms are all individually designed, with chandeliers, silk wall coverings and Edwardian- or Art Deco–style furnishings. Bathrooms are huge and finished in marble and chrome. Gadgets such as iPod docking stations and LCD TVs are oh-so-discreetly incorporated so as not to destroy the effect as you get ready to go down for cocktails at the oh-so-iconic American Bar (which still employs a strict no reservations policy for guests, no matter who they are). There are three superb restaurants: Simpson’s in the Strand, the Savoy Grill or the River (no prizes for guessing which has the best view). Of course, all this comes at a price—but if you’re going to really splurge anywhere in town, this should be near the top of your shortlist. Pros: historic hotel; gorgeous location; luxurious surroundings; less snooty than many others of its pedigree. Cons: everything comes with a price tag (even Wi-Fi); bedrooms can be surprisingly noisy; particularly on lower floors. TripAdvisor: “a haven of calm,” “lots of energy but still elegant,” “surprisingly large.” | Strand, Covent Garden | WC2R 0ET | 020/7836–4343, 800/257–7544 in U.S. | www.the-savoy.com | In-room: a/c, safe, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: 3 restaurants, 2 bars, room service, gym, pool, laundry service, parking | AE, DC, MC, V | Covent Garden, Charing Cross

The Trafalgar London.

££££–£££££ | This fresh, contemporary hotel defies the Hilton norm; rooms here, in either sky-blue or beige color schemes, keep many of the 19th-century office building’s original features, and some have floor-to-ceiling windows with extraordinary views of Trafalgar Square and the city. Twenty-one rooms are split-level, with upstairs space for chilling out with a CD or DVD and sleeping space below. Bathrooms have deep baths, full-size toiletries, eye masks, and mini-TVs. Go up to the roof garden for spectacular views of the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and the London Eye. Better yet, ask for Room 303 to enjoy these exquisite views in privacy. Pros: amazing location and views; spacious rooms; weekend rates have come down recently. Cons: decor is somewhat austere; service is patchy. TripAdvisor: “we were treated like family,” “rooms are spacious,” “great location for seeing the sights.” | 2 Spring Gardens, Covent Garden | SW1A 2TS | 020/7870–2900 | www.hilton.co.uk | 127 rooms, 2 suites | In-room: a/c, safe, DVD, Internet. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bar, laundry service, parking (paid) | AE, DC, MC, V | Charing Cross

Waldorf Hilton.

££££–£££££ | After a massive overhaul, the Waldorf now has frosted glass, white marble, and understated bedrooms. Modern travelers’ demands are well catered to, with plasma-screen TVs, complimentary fruit, herbal teas, and soft drinks, as well as safes with laptop chargers in all rooms. The elegant restaurant and bar make for memorable evenings.