I have repaired to many chain hotels during my lifetime of travel, and more than once to the ubiquitous brand of Premier Inn. I have, I believe, always found those particular establishments to offer a good reliable standard of comfortable, spacious rooms, coupled with a pleasing range of food and drink; in short, one can usually depend upon a Premier Inn to deliver well and readily.

On a precious few occasions, however, in that big blue moon of travel, one can stumble across something quite unique, an establishment that sets itself apart from the daily run of things. Such was my experience of the Kidderminster Premier Inn.

Beset by a handful of retail giants, glitteringly holding hands around a busy, late autumn car park, it takes a few moments and closer inspection for the first marvel of this establishment to strike its target, namely, that the hotel has made its home in the impressively and lovingly restored Slingfield Mill. The second note of excitement sounds in the fact that the reception, adjacent to the establishment’s eatery and bar, is located all topsy-turvy on the top floor; moreover, in the loft!

This cannot fail to put a smile onto the face of any weary traveller, but this is immediately enhanced by a dedicated team – and this includes every last one we had the pleasure to meet – who positively bubble over with enthusiasm to serve you as well as you might possibly be served, always willing to hold discourse with you over pretty much any subject you might want to bring up, and at all times with a warm and genuine smile. Presided over by the very amiable and capable Ross, the whole experience of this delightful hostelry is a happy and welcoming one – it actually feels as though it were privately owned and run by a big, warm, loving family who want you to have the best of times while staying with them; great fun but always tip-top and professional.

‘The Kitchen’ – the name attributed to the excellent loft eatery – is something quite apart from any other chain restaurant I have sampled. The food is simple and delicious, served fresh and with aplomb, and the environment in which it is consumed convivial, chic and relaxing. A perfect combination tied beautifully together by the vivacious team of which mention has already been made.

Add to this propitious brew comfortable, clean rooms and the most convenient of locations, and it occurs to me that many a large and reputable hotel chain, and indeed all the other goodly Premier Inns, could do well to take this shining example as their guide and business model.

Visit www.premierinn.com/kidderminster

Premier Inn Kidderminster
Slingfield Mill
Weavers Wharf
Kidderminster
DY10 1AA
England

Tel.: 0044 (0)871 527 9350

As mentioned in our article about Rannoch Moor, whether you arrive at this wonderfully secluded spot via the legendary train station, just about midway on the West Highland Railway as it snakes its route from Glasgow to Fort William, or indeed by car, along the B846 through the village of Kinloch Rannoch, a road whose path must be followed until the very end in order to reach this beautifully desolate spot, you will find upon that arrival but one hostelry at which to lay your head.

That this auspicious place is just about as good as it could be, is welcome news to the weary, if excited, traveller. Stealing up by car, one cannot possibly stand in the shoes of the intrepid rail traveller who, disembarking at the quaintly picturesque station aforementioned, would be a hard nut to crack indeed if he, or she, or they, did not feel some trepidation and wonder at just how, and why, one could fetch up at such a wild, if exhilarating, locale, and putting to themselves the question as to whether there might have been some trace of madness in ancestry which, as these things are sometimes wont to do, had made a sudden and successful bid to resurface and be reasoned with.

Any such doubts however, by whichever track one eventually arrives, are completely banished by the warm welcome of Scott and Steph, your hosts at the prestigious Moor of Rannoch Hotel.

This grand little establishment is as pleasing to the countenance as the very breath of fresh air one seeks by first determining to repair to such a spot, with its charming and comfortable en-suite rooms, all individually styled, right down to the cosily inviting lounge bar and superb restaurant.

From Steph’s mouthwatering breakfast offerings, including, of course, the full Scottish if you’re up to it (and our advice would be to see that you are, at least once during your stay) to the perfectly balanced dinner menu, conjuring the very best home-cooked dishes, prepared using fresh, locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients, to absolute perfection, one could entertain not the remotest possibility of going hungry for the merest instant.

No wifi, mobile or TV signal is the supreme enhancement of your stay, causing you to partake of that wonderful, enforced rest and relaxation time, where you can just shrug your shoulders at those demanding constant contact with you, and say, in a feign, wistful manner, “what could I do?”

You might think that such a blissful sojourn would come at a premium, but not a bit of it. The rates at the hotel are surprisingly competitive, and the dinner menu just £29 for three courses, or £23 for two. Non residents are welcome for dinner, but booking is absolutely essential.

Remember, heading to the Moor of Rannoch is a long journey by road. Make sure your car is well prepared (especially if you’re travelling in the winter), and pay particular attention to the tyres. Websites such as Tyre-Shopper.co.uk and National.co.uk make it easy for you to find the right tyres for your vehicle.

So, in summary, this is one of those little indulgences every soul needs to sink deep into every now and then; when the world gets a little too much, and you need to get far from that ever madding crowd, seek out this unspoilt corner of Heaven, and plan your retreat to the majestic Moor of Rannoch.

Moor of Rannoch Hotel
Rannoch Station
Perthshire
Scotland
PH17 2QA

Visit www.moorofrannoch.co.uk

Tel.: +44 (0)1882 633 238

Email info@moorofrannoch.co.uk

Whatever the reviews may have said, if you’re not familiar with the holiday hotel you have booked, there is usually an element of trepidation until you have checked in and seen your room first hand.

You may want to opt for the familiarity of an established chain, but it’s important not to overlook those very well run, privately owned offerings, which often go the extra mile to make you comfortable, firstly because it’s their business, and secondly because they want to make a very favourable impression.

One such hotel is the Princess, in the Belgian coastal resort of Ostend, perfectly situated just a few minutes’ walk from both the beautiful promenade in one direction, and the town centre in the other.

The team is friendly and welcoming, reception light and airy, and the rooms appointed to a high standard of comfort and convenience.

The included hot and cold buffet breakfast is ample, and served ’til 10.30am daily, while the relaxing and intimate bar serves until late, however, even when it’s closed, drinks can be procured from reception and enjoyed in the comfort of one’s room.

The multilingual reception personnel are friendly and helpful, and will happily offer advice and directions to assist you in getting the most out of your stay.

The overall impression the Princess creates is one of calm comfort and cool sophistication; it’s unmistakably a family run business, but this is to its credit, and it also scores highly on value, with room costs being extremely competitive.

It’s hard to imagine a more perfect venue from which to base your Ostend seaside adventures.

Hotel Princess
Boekareststraat 7
8400 Ostend
Belgium

Visit www.hotelprincess.be

Tel.: 0032 59 70 68 88

Email info@hotelprincess.be

An excellent meal, a glass of wine, perfect service and a stunning view – The Bay Restaurant at Fleetwood’s North Euston Hotel has them all in spades…

I suppose it can be said that most restaurants these days are pretty good. I’m guessing the worst I would say about anywhere I’ve eaten out in the past few years would be that it was mediocre; there are, thankfully, few genuinely rotten apples in the culinary world.

But exceptionally good ones can be few and far between, which is why I feel so delighted that I have such an establishment right on my doorstep here in Fleetwood, Lancashire. The Bay Restaurant at the town’s prestigious and imposing North Euston Hotel – so named as it was intended to be the main rail link for travellers from London’s Euston Station who were bound for the steamers to Scotland – is situated right at the front of the building.

Ok, so let’s talk about location first. Aah, location, location, location. No, I’ve not gone mad, or suddenly found myself uncharacteristically lacking in vocabulary, but the location of this place is so special, it needs a bit of going on about. To sit and have lunch or dinner overlooking the stunning Morecambe Bay is, literally, quite breathtaking. With its quaintly nostalgic seafront promenade, it’s impressive enough on a bright sunny lunchtime. But time your dining with the setting sun, and your evening becomes magical, enchanting and more than a little bit special, an experience only equalled by dinner in the restaurant car of a train bound from Bucharest to Budapest, as I sipped wine and ate a Romanian delicacy, against a backdrop of the sun slowly setting behind the Transylvanian Alps. It might sound daft, but The Bay even cheers me up on a those blustery ‘out of season holiday town in the rain’ days so beautifully evoked by Mr De Burgh in his song, Fatal Hesitation. If you’re visiting Blackpool, one of the supa-dupa new trams will take you pretty much to the door – just head straight for the Fleetwood Ferry terminus.

Right – so we’re in no doubt about just how perfectly situated this establishment is. Now, what about the food? Well, in my opinion, it falls nothing short of excellent. The menu is incredibly varied, so there’s something to suit most palates, from the most delicious Fleetwood fish and chips (with mushy peas, of course) to gammon, steaks, lasagne, pastas, sandwiches… I could go on and on, but you get the idea. A vast array of beers, wines and spirits completes the experience, topped off by the most wonderful team, beautifully attired in black and white uniforms, and presided over by the wonderful maître d’ Philippe. The service received from this Parisian grand master, and the likes of Ally, Kath and Andy, to name but a few, is, frankly, excellent. Given all of the above, I’m not sure how on earth they serve up such fare, in such surroundings, by such professionals at the prices they do, but suffice it to say that it keeps us coming back several times a week without feeling any strain on the pocket. There’s an alternative a la carte evening menu, and if you’re an early bird (between 6pm and 7pm) you can enjoy a superb three course dinner off it for just £12.50.

The North Euston itself is undergoing something of a renaissance since being taken over by the Spearman family, and the hotel’s facilities and decor are being given a sympathetic facelift so as to preserve its original charm. Room rates are excellent, so it’s well worth making a night of it and settling into one of the comfy en-suite rooms, many of which have a sea view. I spent a magical Christmas Eve here once, listening to sea birds from my bedroom window while nursing a hot chocolate, picking over the bones of what had been a fantastic night in the restaurant.

I’d like to say that this is an experience to be savoured, but that seems to suggest that it’s a once in a while treat, which may, of course, be the case for tourists. Personally, I’d urge locals to include it as part of their regular routine – how could you have a gem like this virtually in your pocket and not?

The North Euston Hotel
The Esplanade
Fleetwood
Lancashire
FY7 6BN

Visit www.northeustonhotel.com

Tel.: 0044 1253 876525

A stay at the Ambrosia Hotel is the perfect way to explore the Ypres Salient

Every now and then, you get to stay in an establishment that just kind of puts that inner smile on your wellbeing. There’s just something about such a place that puts the world to rights and makes you feel that you’re in good hands. It doesn’t have to be a five star hotel – the humblest guest house can do it, but it does have to be well run for the benefit of its patrons and offer something a little out of the ordinary. Such a hostelry exists in the beautiful, unassuming little town of Ypres, in the Flanders area of Belgium – namely the excellent, privately run Ambrosia Hotel, tucked quietly away on 54 D’ Hondstraat.

Now I’ve been forbidden to bang on in this article about the virtues of this amazing yet underrated country, but that’s never stopped me before. My views on Belgium are no secret, but those people who have never actually been but ‘just don’t fancy it’ are a source of much misery to this particular wanderer; let me say once and for all to all those uneducated creatures: Belgium is one of the finest countries on this earth, and its capital one of the greatest cities and Ypres one of the most pleasing little jewels you’ll ever have the good fortune to happen across, and I’ll brook no argument to the contrary.

Exquisitely owned and operated by Vincent Vandelannoote and Iwona Danik, the Ambrosia extends a truly warm welcome to its guests. Elegant rooms, simply and comfortably furnished, provide relaxing accommodation just minutes away from some of Ypres’ greatest attractions, such as the Menin Gate and the fantastic Flanders Fields Museum.

After a comfortable night you can wander down to a leisurely breakfast, and I heartily recommend you sample the gourmet delight of Eggs Vincent. Quite simply, these are a couple of sunny-side ups done the Monsieur Vandelannoote way – to absolute perfection. It’s the perfect start to either a day of adventurous exploring, or simply a relaxing potter around the town itself, availing yourself of its many and varied delights.

A few days at the Ambrosia leaves you feeling both relaxed and inspired, and it is well connected for pretty much all you could want to do in the area, from a trip to the beautiful Tyne Cot Cemetery to a wander round the haunting nearby town of Passchendaele. Vincent and his team will provide you with hints and tips to help you make the most of your stay, happily supplying leaflets and hand-outs for the many and varied organised tours available, although do bear in mind that these are often best booked in advance.

Our stay at the Ambrosia was so congenial that it stands out among the many hostelries we have frequented during our years of globetrotting, so much so, in fact, that we proudly include it in our Tiny Atlas compendium of the world’s most unforgettable experiences.

Hotel Ambrosia
D’ Hondstraat 54
8900 Ieper
Belgium

Visit www.ambrosiahotel.be

Tel.: +32 57 366 366

Email info@ambrosiahotel.be

The Sanctuary, a hideaway at the stunning Cranleigh Hotel at the heart of Bowness-on-Windermere, ranks easily with some of the world’s finest

Imagine a place where nothing else exists apart from the means by which you can totally indulge your every whim. A hideaway where you can be as far as you like from the madding crowd but within a hair’s breadth of a cosy bistro or intimate bar, and all within a stunningly beautiful setting at the heart of the English Lakes.

You’d be forgiven for thinking it either sounds too good to be true, or would come at such a premium price as to make it prohibitive. Happily, neither is true. Believe me when I say that I’ve stayed at some rather fabulous rooms and suites in pretty exclusive locations across the globe, having been lucky enough to review them for a selection of high-end publications both online and in print. Now these do come with a price tag to match (on occasions that’s been several thousands of pounds per night) and there’s no denying they’ve been very impressive, but I’ve always come away with the notion that it’s just somewhere to put my head down at the end of the day, and the money I’d have had to pay would feel wasted, no matter how well-heeled one might be. But I’ve had my head turned and my heart changed, and I kind of feel like I’m revealing a secret that I don’t really want everyone to know about, but then that would just be selfish and defeat the whole object of World Travel Blog.

Ok, so I’m going to let this one out of the bag. I had the good fortune recently to stumble across the Cranleigh, a stunning little jewel of a hotel in the centre of Bowness. It’s always worth noting that, when booking anywhere for the South Lakes, you might want to consider Bowness over Windermere if it’s the lake you’re after; whilst Windermere is a perfectly pleasant, picturesque Lakeland town, it has no actual lake. Lake Windermere itself is actually situated in Bowness, and this is a good five to ten minute drive (so a considerable walk) further on. The Cranleigh is in the very centre of Bowness, just four or five minutes from the lake.

Upon arrival, I’d have been perfectly delighted to have been staying in the main hotel itself, but was fortunate enough to have booked the Sanctuary, a self-contained apartment tucked quietly away off the main drag. Private and unassuming from the outside, absolutely nothing on earth could have prepared me for what was on the other side of that little front door. For the first time in many a long year of staying in hotels, this stunning pied de terre literally took my breath away, from its luxuriously opulent decor right down to its incredible attention to detail. Chilled Champagne and chocolates welcomed us as soon as we walked through the door and, still reeling from the surprise of this, my eyes started to drink in the other details making this surely the best room in the Lake District. A huge bed, fit for royalty, dominated the main room without overcrowding it, and yes – it was as comfortable as it looked, affording me the best night’s sleep I’d had in ages. Add to this a 46” LCD television which is connected to a Bose surround sound Lifestyle system with iPod docking station and DVD player, well-stocked bar (with complimentary sherry) and all the comfort and trappings you could imagine in your ideal environment – there’s even free internet access – and you still couldn’t begin to have a picture of what the Sanctuary is all about.

And then there’s the bathroom, which I’m perfectly sure I could have lived in quite happily, with its glass Ben de Lisi bath (the first ever to be fitted in a hotel room), walk-in shower and relaxing LED light show to boot. Oh, and of course there’s a separate 18” widescreen TV in the bathroom, situated perfectly to enable relaxed viewing whilst bathing. Outrageous.

The icing on the cake has got to be the private hot tub, situated externally to the property in its own little ‘courtyard’ – the perfect environment in which to enjoy your Champagne (in, of course, the plastic ‘glasses’ provided. Mustn’t forget the Health and Safety Exec).

All in all, it’s hard to imagine accommodation which could be more luxurious, and in such a perfect location. If you want a real treat – that all too rare occasion when pampering is the order of the day, and you feel like living someone else’s life a tad more glamorous than your own – then this should be at the top of your list. But the real surprise is the price; the Sanctuary comes in at between £250 and £400 including bed and breakfast, based on two sharing, and trust me when I say this represents breathtaking value for money. Once you’ve lapped up the Black Magic Marble floor tiles (and underfloor heating), the Samara Platinum wall tiles, the wall papers and fabrics from the Royal Collection in the Queen’s archives and a fantastic night’s rest in the super kingsize bed with goose down bedding, let me suggest you take the breakfast like a king in your room. Ample, carefully selected local produce, beautifully cooked and lovingly presented, provides not just your average full English, but a gourmet extravaganza which will round off this whole experience with lasting finesse. This is the stuff dreams are made of, and every now and then, it’s nice to acknowledge just how ‘worth it’ you are.

For more details, visit: www.thecranleigh.com

The Cranleigh
Kendal Road
Bowness-on-Windermere
Cumbria
United Kingdom
LA23 3EW

+44 (0)15394 43293
Email: enquiries@thecranleigh.com

all images © The Cranleigh Hotel

Happisburgh – a magical corner of the north Norfolk coast

Ever fancied staying overnight in a 1901 signal box built for a railway that never came? Not the sort of question you get asked every day, I know, but if you like your adventures a little different and want to meander off that well-worn beaten track, you could do a lot worse than fetch up at the Hill House pub at Happisburgh (pronounced Haysborough) on a remote stretch of the north Norfolk coast.

Lovingly run by Clive and Sue Stockton, this exceptional hostelry is one of the very few that make it onto my list of establishments which are actually run for the benefit of the patrons. My first taste of this homely welcome was during the drive down to Norfolk, some six hours from my home in Lancashire, on a Friday evening. Knowing full well that we’d be lucky to arrive in time for last orders, we phoned on ahead and advised Sue of our slow progress.

“Have you eaten?” she inquired, completely unfazed.

“No,” we replied, rather sheepishly.

“Don’t worry – you must be starving. I’ll make you something nice when you get here.” You could feel the smile on her face even over the phone.

And sure enough, on our eventual arrival we were shown straight to our quarters where we quickly dumped our bags, and within ten minutes were enjoying a glass of real ale while anticipating a culinary treat from Sue’s kitchen.

The signal box itself was superb. Still almost completely original, it is situated in the pub grounds, making it a real hideaway. For the thirty quid or so per night tariff, the accommodation was bountiful, but it would be a sin to make cheap bed and board your main reason for being here; this is a chance to stay somewhere beyond your wildest imaginings, and in a location which is both remote and stunningly beautiful. The signal box’s spooky, nostalgic charm makes it one of the most exciting places I’ve ever stayed, although at times I was convinced I’d been caught up in the creepy drama of the forties film The Ghost Train, half expecting Arthur Askey to pop out at any moment with his immortal “Hello playmates!”. Apart from two ample rooms over the pub itself, there’s also an original coach house which has been converted into a stylish, ground level apartment. Deliciously quirky, the bar has a more important claim to fame: it was a holiday favourite of Sherlock Holmes creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and it is thought he actually penned The Dancing Men whilst on holiday in the village. Happisburgh itself actually doubled as Aldeburgh (although called Seaburgh) for the 1972 BBC film version of M R James’s classic ghost story, A Warning to the Curious.

After a comfortable night, a day of exploring was heralded by one of Sue’s mean fry-ups over at the pub – a true touch of breakfast heaven! Replete, we made for the nearby sea front, with its raw and rugged cliffs. The battered skeleton of 1950s ‘Hold the Line’ defences which snake up and down the beach is now almost completely impotent in the war against coastal erosion; little Happisburgh doesn’t seem to matter anymore to the powers that be, and the village has been consigned to its fate. As the great north sea pounds its way inexorably landwards, it devours a few more metres of land every month, and with it go livelihoods, homes and heritage.

At nearby Cliff House, a bed and breakfast establishment literally holding on by the skin of its teeth, Diana Wrightson has no choice but to sit and watch her home and her business slip away as disaster edges closer by the day. “We’ll stay open as long as we can,” she told me, “but we may not see another season. We lost eight metres in one night during a particularly nasty storm a few weeks ago.

“I used to offer guests either a view of the lighthouse or a sea view – now I can offer them both!”

And when, along with many others, Cliff House finally topples into the advancing ocean, there won’t be one shred of compensation for devastated residents. The 15th century church of St Mary is only a stone’s throw away, as is the striking red and white striped lighthouse, built in 1790; there is presently nothing in place to protect either of these historical edifices.

But despite their fierce battle, villagers remain proud and focused, always with a warm smile and hearty welcome for the visitor. Waiting for us back at Hill House was a delicious meal and more of that beautifully kept ale – something for which the venue has quite a reputation, especially at Clive’s summer beer festival every June.

“We started the event in quite a small way,” he told me, “but each year it gets more popular – we’ll be running out of space soon!”

But with the boundless hospitality of these wonderful hosts, you just get the feeling that they’d always squeeze you in somewhere.

What a breath of fresh air.

Pied a terre in the heart of Bohemian Prague

Comfort, cleanliness and subtle style characterise Prague’s Cloister Inn. Offering an efficient, friendly and thoroughly customer-focused experience, it’s the perfect base for a trip to the ancient Bohemian capital.

Don’t be fooled by the hotel’s unassuming frontage. Once through the gleaming glass security doors, which are locked every evening – a simple point, but one which adds immeasurably to your peace of mind – you’ll discover a light, airy reception and lounge area. The Czech instinct for hospitality is evident in the warmth of the staff, whose excellent language skills put the average British monoglot to shame. Every member of the team was helpful and keen to make our stay as comfortable as possible.

Clean contemporary lines are the order of the day when it comes to the decor. Rooms are spacious and well equipped, with air conditioning and blackout curtains ensuring a good night’s sleep all year round. In the morning, breakfast is served in the fourth-floor dining room, where a wide choice of cereals, cooked dishes and breads will set you up for the day with aplomb.

Prague is best explored on foot, and the Cloister Inn’s superb location makes it the perfect base for a break in this beguiling city. The winding alleyways and historical intrigue of the Old Town are just a few minutes’ walk away, but the hotel’s location on quiet Konviktska keeps traffic and other noise pollution to the barest minimum.

After a hard day’s exploring it’s nice to be able to enjoy a nightcap close to base camp, and the Cloister Inn scores highly in this area too. Initial disappointment that the bar isn’t a separate area (it’s actually an extension of the lobby area adjacent to reception) is swiftly banished by the competitive prices, free wired and wireless internet access and relaxing atmosphere. There are a couple of side rooms too, if you’re looking for a little more privacy. And because it’s next to the round-the-clock reception desk, you don’t ever have to worry about closing time.

As a backdrop to a stay in Prague, the Cloister Inn ticks all the right boxes. You might only be dropping into the Czech capital for a couple of days, but this little gem combines the convenience of a city centre hotel with the tranquility of somewhere altogether more exclusive. It’s as modestly priced as its name suggests, too – allowing you to enjoy Prague’s many charms even if funds are tight.

Cloister Inn Hotel
14 Konviktska street
110 00 Prague 1
Czech Republic

Visit www.cloister-inn.com

Tel.: +420 224 211 020
Fax: +420 224 210 800

Email cloister@cloister-inn.com

St Petersburg in style without completely breaking the bank

The Petro Palace, situated on Malaya Morskaya, was an amazing hotel, far exceeding our expectations. It was spotlessly clean, well appointed, roomy and furnished to a standard approaching sheer luxury. And every single member of staff went out of his or her way to make our stay perfect and – dare I say it – always with a huge, beaming smile.

The hotel’s Baron Restaurant, too, was something else. We had heard that Moscow was the most expensive city in the world to live or stay in, so we figured St Petersburg wouldn’t be so far behind. We were absolutely right (a meal for two with a bottle of red coming in at around £90 to £100) but the menu, and the way it was cooked and presented, was absolutely exceptional. When I’m abroad, I very much like to partake of local food and drink, and the Baron serves up Russian cuisine at its very best; dinner rapidly became something we really looked forward too. Expensive it was, but then what’s Amex for?

It was as we ascended to our seventh floor luxury apartment (I hesitate to call it just a room) that we discovered what turned out to be one of the real highlights of the Petro Palace: adjacent to the lift was the incredible Sky bar. This ultra trendy yet oh so relaxing bar was open each evening (until the wee small hours) and was literally a stunning window on the bustling world below, affording superb views of St Isaac’s Cathedral, The Hermitage and beyond. Small bar stools in the main window allowed us to relax over a Russian Standard and dreamily pass a very pleasant hour or two watching the world go by, while more comfortable sofas adorned the main floor area, and were perfect for intimate little gatherings.

Petro Palace Hotel Saint-Petersburg
Malaya Morskaya Ulitsa 14
Saint-Petersburg
190000, Russia

Visit www.petropalacehotel.com

Front Desk: +7 812 571 28 80
Reservations: +7 812 571 3006
Fax: +7 812 571 2704
Email info@petropalacehotel.com

Could this possibly be London’s best hotel?

A busy weekend in London, reviewing shows and interviewing celebrities, can sound like a very glamorous way to spend your time. It’s true that it’s a great privilege swanning round the capital, chatting to the rich and famous, occupying the best seats in the house for the cream of West End productions and then dining out in style at some of the city’s finest and most diverse restaurants. But, you know – sometimes it doesn’t quite work out the way you planned it; the scheduling of shows and events can be so tight it would make a duck look like a cullender, the interviewee is an arrogant fool who’s doing you the biggest favour of your life and, by way of compensation, you just have to mix with the commoners at the end of a gruelling day and indulge yourself in one of those wonderful gourmet burgers at Garfunkels.

But what can really make the difference is where you ultimately lay your head and, in my opinion, there’s nowhere better than the stunningly stylish but oh so accessible Metropolitan London. Standing tall and proud in its very understated way, the Design Hotels London flagship is the pride of Old Park Lane, and manages to strip back all the clutter associated with your traditional English hotel, without so much as a shred of compromise. This makes for a calming, uncomplicated stay in rooms and suites appointed to perfection without being either flamboyant or fussy. But I think the most impressive aspect of my stay here has to be the management style; the entire team, from reception to concierge, porters to waiters, duty managers to housekeepers, somehow pull off a minor miracle: they are incredibly attentive, polite and knowledgeable without once making you feel uncomfortable or out of place. This fervid approach runs through the whole ethos of the Metropolitan, creating that reassurance that you’re in the best possible hands, and your every need is going to be taken care of.

Ideally situated on the borders of Mayfair and Knightsbridge, the hotel caters admirably for the most discerning diner, with a range of options including the prized Nobu restaurant with its distinctive Park Lane views. Founded by Nobuyuki Matsuhisa and presided over by Executive Chef Mark Edwards, this essential eatery affords guests a relaxed lunch or dinner of Michelin-starred, Japanese-Peruvian cuisine, with specialities including black cod with miso, sashimi salad with Matsuhisa soy sauce dressing, Hamachi sashimi with jalapenos, and squid ‘pasta’ with light garlic sauce.

Staying at the Metropolitan doesn’t come particularly cheap, with two bedroom suites costing up to £3,200, but some nifty footwork with an early booking will secure you an exquisite city room from just £179. Expect to pay £50 to £60 on top of that for a breakfast for two, but trust me when I say it’s breakfast like you’ve never had it before, and worth every penny for the experience alone. The food’s pretty amazing too, and the presentation unbelievably inventive.

For me, the Metropolitan is quite simply one of the most enjoyable stays I’ve ever had in a hotel, and I don’t say that lightly. Its cool sophistication is edged with a simplicity which makes it a real pleasure to be a guest here, without even a hint of anything being remotely hard work. If you’re looking for that rare place which is actually run exclusively for the benefit of its guests, look no further; the Metropolitan London has it all.

Metropolitan London
Old Park Lane
London W1K 1LB
United Kingdom

Visit www.designhotels.com

A MEMBER OF DESIGN HOTELS™
Reservations www.designhotels.com/contact
Email res@designhotels.com