Hotel Café Royal

Following its closure in 2008, the present owner of the Café Royal has thrown bucket loads of cash at the London institution and re-invented it as a luxury hotel. The fabric of the building was completely stripped back, unveiling many hidden period gems which have been given renewed pride of place including ornate painted ceilings and a beautiful gallery, original mosaic flooring, staircases.....the list goes on! Portland rooms have been created using the Portland stone of Regent Street as a starting point, and whilst the mock stone walls feel a little industrial, the overall impression is good - big comfortable beds, Bang & Olufsen telly and hi-tech gadgetry to operate lights and curtains. The Mansard rooms are similarly spacious (and have all the techy stuff), but have mansard style ceilings and the walls are oak clad. The bathrooms are exquisite - all formed from beautiful Italian Carrera marble (including the enormous bath tubs) and accessorized with delightful Floris smellies. If you've really deep pockets, book one of the signature suites which offer vast spaces with plenty of period features. Or for the ultimate party pad, the Dome Suite is a round room (in the dome of course!) with mood lighting and two terraces with spectacular views over Picadilly, Regent Street and beyond. Wining and dining are not to be sniffed at either. Dining options include the recently unveiled Laurent at the Cafe Royal, a new grill and sushi bar overseen by chef Laurent Tourondel. There are various bars and the Oscar Wilde Lounge - a statement of pure OTT opulence - is where to go for fabulous afternoon tea. As if all this weren't enough the basement houses the sumptuous Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre where the piece de resistance is a huge lap pool for a relaxing swim after a day in town (plus nine treatment rooms and a fully equipped gym). Staff couldn't be more helpful and this iconic spot has surely been recast to capture the glories of a bygone era. Come here for a sumptuous stay in the heart of London's West End.