I'm too sexy for my hotel
For the hippiest of the hip I would have to recommend St Martins Lane. Great location, a stone's throw away from Covent Garden, theatres and restaurants.
My initial reaction was 'wow', this is a bit overwhelming; you are constantly stimulated by lights, art and some good looking staff, but it's lot of fun! Even the lifts have you distracted. We stayed with our two children and they were treated like royalty; fresh cookies and milk arrived after we checked-in, popcorn accompanied the movie (we did pay for the movie).
Our suite comprised of two double beds, an endless light show and a bathroom I’m still dreaming about. Tariff around £400 for a suite, coupledom 225.
By Ally Wallace, IATA agent
STAY
5 star Boutique Hotel - Malmaison
— One in the chain of hotels throughout the UK, this one is situated in a grand Victorian home in the Clerkenwell district. Its hip and happening and reasonably priced. You are a taxi or tube away from the Tourist hot-spots so a little 'calmer' here and rooms are slightly bigger. The hotel's restaurant is always busy serving French cuisine and there's a pub next door, Fox and Badger for more casual meals and drinks.
Rooms: Elegant, modern, lots of beige, lilac and earthy tones which combine well with crisp white cotton sheets and the occasional splash of red or fuschia. All 97 rooms have Power Showers (a little faster than most I'm told) CD/Satellite TV, mini bar, free internet. Children are accommodated with an extra bed or cot but only in Superior Rooms.
Romantic getaway: From £275 per night you can enjoy a glorious suite, champagne on ice, chocolate dipped strawberries, aromatic oils and candles, a chilled Mal CD and that all important champagne breakfast in your room.
www.malmaison-london.com
18-21 Charterhouse Square, EC1M 6AH
5 star Grosvenor House - glistening from renovations
— This hotel is a 'jewel' in London's prestigious Park Lane district, they also offer some great packages. The hotel stands on the former grounds of Gloucester House, the London home of King George III's brother, Duke of Gloucester. When the hotel opened in 1929 it was a haven for the wealthy set.
Its big, 494 luxuriously appointed rooms, five bars and four dining options including the popular BORD’EAUX restaurant which has been winning great reviews from even the harshest critic. The hotel is home to the BAFTA's and the Art & Antiques Fair and many other big events.
For convenience, there's a hair and the beauty salon located just minutes away. There's no fitness centre in the hotel but arrangements at Spa Country Hall, approx. 3 miles and of course there's in indoor swimming pool (although closed until March 2009).
Myweekin.net package: Two nights in a deluxe bedroom (pictured), breakfast and one dinner in BORD’EAUX, plus a private full–day walking tour by a Blue Badge guide. £740
The package includes a souvenir gift of “The Times” History of London by Hugh Clout. The “Historic Weekend” package is available until January 31, 2009 and is subject to availability.
Rooms: All recently refurbished, elegant and refined with luxurious bedding, down/feather pillows. Marble bathrooms, wired of course. Decor best desceived as - distinct British charm.
Area: Walk to most attractions, Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, shopping in Oxford Street. We'll put more in your itinerary.
Park Lane London W1K t: 44 20 7499 6363