The Wellesley, London

At the top end of Knightsbridge, the rooms at The Wellesley have impressive views overlooking Hyde Park. Across the road is the one-time home of the Duke of Wellington, Apsley House - a lovely Georgian building filled with fine art and various treasures.

With the Tube station just steps away, the hotel is a great base to explore the city.

By car: around 4 hours from Manchester, 2 hours 30 minutes from Birmingham and 7 hours from Glasgow. Parking on-site costs £100 per day.

By train: Hyde Park Corner tube is a minute's walk. London Victoria station is 5 minutes by taxi and Paddington is 10 minutes. Book trains to London.

As soon as you walk into the lobby, The Wellesley makes an impression - with its Italian marble floor, huge crystal chandeliers and top-hatted doorman. There's an Art Deco style and a nod to various film and music stars of the era, through the room names and photos displayed on the walls.

Service is naturally highly efficient, as you'd expect from a five-star hotel. Staff are there to cater to your every need, from helping you choose the right cigar to the butler service. There is no gym or spa - and the nearest is in Mayfair.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Terrace
• Bike rental
• On-site parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms, suites and the penthouse are lavish and stunningly appointed. The Art Deco theme continues here, with the colour scheme featuring cream, dark reds and gold colouring with black lacquer. Bathrooms are fittingly immaculate.

Room types: Deluxe, Executive, Junior Suite, Suite, Penthouse

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with Hermès Eau d'Orange Verte toiletries, TV, desk, mini-bar, free Wi-Fi

Enjoy exquisite Italian cuisine in the gold and light pink Oval Restaurant. The plush Jazz Lounge hosts jazz evenings on Fridays and Saturdays and daily afternoon teas. Sip cocktails in the small but perfectly formed Crystal Bar, while the refurbished clear-glass cigar terraces are eye-catching.

Oval Restaurant: formal, fine dining, Italian cuisine. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Cigar Lounge & Terrace: Europe's largest collection of cigars, heated terrace, small plates.