Hotel Café Royal
Staying or dining here they say is one topic London's famous poets and politicians always agree on - a nod to Sir Winston Churchill who came for their famed steaks and champagne and Oscar Wilde who famously drank Absinthe in the hotels gilded salon rather too regularly - (now open for delightful Café Royal afternoon Tea @ £45 a head).
Our room - a Grand Deluxe overlooking Regent Street was spacious and tranquil - not a sound from the street below. Decorated in soft greys and dusky pink furnishings, the walls are Portland Stone blockwork echoing the stonework on the grand facades up and down Regent Street. Separate granite bath and walk-in shower are a delight.
Most room types give comp. access to the Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre with full use of the stunning lap pool in the basement, well equipped gym, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi. Likewise, access to the The Club, The Studio, The Gallery, Library Bar and Domino restaurant is all complimentary.
My only gripe was the rooms are so full of Hi-Tech equipment, I needed an hour's tuition to turn on the Bang & Olufsen music and lighting, let alone get to grips with opening the drapes! Oh and no mirror in the bedroom area! Something we mentioned so maybe for future stays will be rectified.
I did think for such a prestigious hotel the reception area was awfully small and dull, however they will be moving reception to what is presently the breakfast dining area which is presently located in a huge atrium area.
Check out is a healthy 12 o'clock so plenty of time for a sumptuous breakfast (blackcurrant croissants were divine), shopping just steps away and a coffee before leaving the big smoke.
Top Tips - take your swimwear - the pool is gorgeous - definitely stay for breakfast - book afternoon tea as a treat in the gilded and mirrored salon - ask the porter to show you how to operate the gadgets in the room!