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A Luxury Stay at Shangri-La Bosphorus Istanbul

March 24, 2014 by cheriecity

Shangri-La Bosphorus Istanbul is one of the city’s newest five star hotels, bringing a touch of Asian luxury to the European bank.

The elegant hotel occupies a prestigious location next door to Dolmabahce Palace in the converted 1930s Besiktas Tobacco Warehouse.

Location

Within walking distance is the chic Nisantasi shopping district while the Besiktas ferry terminal is just in front of the hotel and the Kabatas funicular and modern tram station is a 10-15 minutes walk. Staying along this peaceful stretch of the Bosphorus is much quieter than busy Taksim and touristic Sultanahmet, yet both are easily accessed by metro or taxi.

The stunning marble lobby is truly dazzling with stately furniture, Chinese vases, shimmering chandeliers, artistic flower arrangements and a grand staircase under a dome-shaped atrium. The also hotel features over 1000 pieces of European and Asian art.

The cosy Lobby Lounge offers afternoon tea and light snacks and Le Bar next door is a hotspot for expertly-mixed cocktails, tapas and mezze.

Arrival

The hotel features 186 guestrooms and suites, including the opulent Shangri-La Suite with three private terraces. Even the glass lift that took us to our suite following a welcoming check-in is feminine and pretty with a Chinese pastel birdcage print on the wall.

The Suite

Our Deluxe Bosphorus Suite was simply breathtaking and ever so elegant, subtly blending Turkish, Asian and French design influences. The reception area leads on to an enormous living room on the corner of the hotel with fantastic floor to ceiling views of the Bosphorus Strait, looking out to the Asian side of Istanbul.

The living room features a dark wood dining table for four, executive writing desk, a comfortable sofa area and a 42-inch LCD satellite TV with in-house movie channels and DVD player. The marble-topped bar area includes a minibar filled with premium spirits, complimentary mineral water, a Nespresso machine and a separate kettle with five mini caddies of Ronnefeldt loose leaf tea.

It was a delight to choose between fine teas such as Princess Grey, jasmine pearl and Morning Dew mango and citrus green tea for different times of the day to truly feel at home. We were also welcomed with welcomed with a pot of Chinese green tea served in a lovely basket with china cups.

The living room was also filled with stunning flowers that perfumed and brightened the room – a thoughtful touch that can sometimes be overlooked in luxury hotels. Another home comfort is complimentary high-speed wifi, which made it easy to plan our days exploring Istanbul.

Following on from the living room is an impressive walk-in wardrobe with two expansive rails, plenty of drawers and storage space (ideal for long-stay guests).

The Bedroom

Our spacious bedroom was serene and bright, designed in a soft palette of cream and beige with teal and grey-blue highlights. It has an enviable view of the Bosphorus, giving the illusion that you could dive right in. Waking up to such an inspiring landscape with the light streaming in each morning was a real treat and made leaving our heavenly king-size bed that little bit easier.

I loved the ornate fabrics in the bedroom, mixing light chinoiserie with metallic and embroidered textures. We found the sumptuous pillows 300-thread count linen absolutely perfect, but there is a pillow menu with hypoallergenic options, if guests have a particular preference.

Turndown

At evening turndown, cotton mats and complimentary bottles of mineral water are placed by the bed with a Shangri-La bookmark next to a copy of James Hilton’s Lost Horizon.

The Bathroom

The seductive black marble bathroom with heated floors boasts a deep soaking tub, rainfall shower, double sink, a mist-free mirror with flat-screen TV and a drawer filled with bathroom essentials. There are plenty of luxurious towels, face cloths and plush embroidered bathrobes and slippers. I loved the brilliant white sliding doors with carved Asian patterns that separate all of the rooms.

The bathroom is generously filled with Bvlgari White Tea bathroom products plus bath salts and a reed diffuser with the Shangri-La signature scent – a warm blend of vanilla, sandal, musk, bergamot and tea spiced with ginger.

Breakfast

Each morning, we headed down for an indulgent breakfast at IST TOO, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant that serves both Asian and Mediterranean cuisine and features a Japanese sushi bar and noodle puller.

Starting the day in IST TOO is a fabulous affair, particularly if you can score a table overlooking The Bosphorus, although the sofa seats are comfortable and luxurious. A number of breakfast stations offer tempting hot dishes, eggs cooked to order, delicious pastries, gourmet cereal, fresh juices, yoghurts, fruit compotes and everything needed for a traditional Turkish breakfast.

I particularly liked the pancakes served with maple syrup and chocolate spread and the blueberry custard pastries.

The hotel also offers Cantonese fine dining with its signature restaurant Shang Palace on the lower ground floor. I dined at Shang Palace at Shangri-La Paris and was wowed by its excellent dim sum, barbecued meats and tasty claypot dishes.

The Swimming Pool and Spa

Spending a few hours enjoying the hotel’s impressive health and leisure facilities is an absolute must when staying at the hotel. Guests can work out at the state-of-the-art gym and swim under hand-painted clouds in the stunning heated indoor pool with tiny mosaics or relax with a herbal tea on the poolside loungers.

The friendly, attentive staff offered us fresh fruit and bottled water and guided us up to CHI Spa to try the spa facilities (separate for men and women). The expansive CHI Spa has a distinctly Asian feel and includes facilities such as a hammam, sauna, Turkish bath, tropical experience shower and relaxation room with plush spa beds.

Treatments inspired by traditional Asian healing philosophies are available and guests can enjoy a complimentary 15 minute reflexology appointment (be sure to book a slot right away, as they fill up quickly).

What really adds character to Shangri-La Bosphorus Istanbul is the warmth and helpfulness of the staff. Concierge really impressed us when we decided at last minute to have dinner at the very popular Karaköy Lokantasi. Within a few moments, we had a table secured and were on our way there in a taxi.

Shangri-La Bosphorus Istanbul is a fantastic new addition to design-conscious Istanbul and ideal if you’re looking for a luxurious retreat away from the crowds. With such spectacular views, opulent interiors and fine attention to detail, it’s easy to fall for Shangri-La Bosphorus Istanbul.

For more information and booking, visit: www.shangri-la.com

Chérie City was a guest of Shangri-La Bosphorus Istanbul

Photos by Chérie City and Shangri-La Bosphorus Istanbul

Beijing, Hotels, Hotels - Luxury

Kerry Hotel Beijing by Shangri-La

August 27, 2013 by cheriecity

Kerry Hotel Beijing is a fabulous luxury hotel based in the expansive China World Complex in the heart of the city’s financial district. The second property in a new five star hotel brand by Shangri-La Hotels, Kerry Hotel Beijing combines the group’s signature touches with a lifestyle-orientated approach and contemporary design.

Sights such as Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City are a 15-minute taxi ride away and the interconnecting China World Mall offers designer shopping opportunities at stores such as Hermès, Jimmy Choo and Fendi. Silk Street Market is also nearby for bargain hunting local products.

We stayed for two nights at the nearby China World Summit Wing by Shangri-La, located in the city’s tallest tower, and went on to Kerry Hotel Beijing for another two nights before leaving for Shanghai.

When we arrived after a tour of Beijing’s 798 Art District, we were checked in at hotel’s exclusive Club Lounge. It was one of the easiest check-ins I’ve ever experienced, as we relaxed briefly over chilled juices and Chinese canapés before being shown to our rooms.

My Club Room on the 20th floor was spacious and homely, designed in cool neutral and grey tones with light wood and shimmering metallic highlights. A pot of calming jasmine tea (a Shangri-La signature), red bean rice rolls and fresh fruits awaited as a thoughtful welcome treat. I sipped tea and grazed on the rice rolls while lazing on the comfy chaise-longue, flicking through the free movies on the 40-inch flatscreen Samsung LCD TV before getting ready for dinner.

A real highlight of staying at a Kerry hotel is that all guest room minibars are complimentary on arrival (soft drinks only). Also offered is a Nespresso machine and kettle with a selection of teas, plus countless bottles of mineral water.

Working is made easy with an executive writing desk with multi-socket electronic panel, plenty of electrical plugs and free wifi throughout the hotel. There is also plenty of storage space, with fitted wardrobes in the bedroom and drawers in the reception room.

The marble bathroom is perfectly-equipped with a separate bath and rainfall shower, bathroom mirror television with digital clock, a full set of L’Occitane bathroom amenities and a TOTO toilet with built-in washing and drying facilities. Another Shangri-La signature is a handy embroidered female amenities bag filled with L’Occitane lip balm, facial cleansing wipe, shea butter hand cream, sheer stockings and a hair band.

My king-size bed was extremely comfortable and was turned down each evening with chocolates and extra bottles of mineral water. In the morning, we enjoyed a spectacular buffet breakfast in Kerry’s Kitchen, offering everything from eggs to order to waffles, Dim Sum and congee.

One of the perks of staying on the Club Level is access to the Club Lounge. The bright and airy lounge is a great place to relax and enjoy complimentary drinks, evening cocktails, Chinese canapés, afternoon tea and breakfast. Macs and iPad are available for use and the Club Concierge is on hand to make reservations or travel arrangements. Club Level guests can also benefit from a complimentary suit pressing and shoeshine service.

The hotel’s expansive Kerry Sports is perfectly-equipped for a morning work-out or unwinding after a long day of sightseeing. The fitness club includes an indoor pool, children’s wading pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, gymnasium, fitness studio, basketball and badminton courts and treatment rooms.

Eating at Kerry Hotel Beijing is a delight, with excellent dining options such as contemporary Chinese restaurant The Horizon, Kerry’s Kitchen with its open kitchen stations and the informal cafe Kerry’s Pantry. Centro Bar is the hotel”s slick cocktail bar, offering expertly-mixed drinks and live music in the evening.

Kerry Hotel Beijing is a cool, comfortable base to discover the delights of Beijing. While the service felt more personalised at China World Summit Wing, Kerry Hotel Beijing has a more relaxed atmosphere and the luxury of the Club Lounge. I would find it difficult to pick a favourite between the hotels, however as they are so close together, you could easily experience the best of both.

A double room at Kerry Hotel Beijing starts from 2,185 RMB (approx £231) per room per night. Price includes tax and service. (B&B basis). To book, visit: www.shangri-la.com or call 0800 028 3337.

Cherie City was a guest of Kerry Hotel Beijing

Photos by Cherie City and Kerry Hotel Beijing

Hotels, Hotels - Luxury, London

A Weekend Stay at Threadneedles Hotel – The City, London

July 21, 2013 by cheriecity

While the City of London seems to be increasingly all about vertiginous glass towers, Threadneedles Hotel is a luxury five star hotel that charms with its contemporary take on a historic building.

An Autograph Collection hotel, Threadneedles is a 74 bedroom boutique hotel set in a converted Victorian bank hall. Many original features are still present, including the walnut walls, cool marble floors and the lobby’s spectacular stained glass cupola, which dates back to 1856.

The City location of Threadneedles, in the heart of the bustling Square Mile, is ideal for business during the week, however on weekends it’s peaceful and less crowded than central London. For a cultural weekend stay, it’s conveniently close to St Paul’s, Tate Modern, Spitalfields, Borough Market and not far from shopping in Covent Garden.

On arrival, we were greeted by the warm, friendly staff and invited to sit at the desk to check in. We were also offered a complimentary welcome drink of Prosecco, orange juice or chilled water, which we could take to our room.

Our Studio was spacious with a separate comfy seating area and a plush king-size bed. It is designed in a palette of chartreuse, light grey and cream, with dark wood highlights and bold blue artwork. Room features include a large Samsung LCD HDTV, a large work desk with electrical hub, three fitted wardrobes, iPod docking station, Nespresso machine, a kettle with a selection of black and herbal teas, plus hot chocolate and speculoos biscuits.

The sumptuous king-size bed was incredibly comfortable, covered with the most exquisite monogrammed linen and plump goose down pillows. I loved the black and white photograph mural featuring London’s picturesque embankment.

Thoughtful extras really give Threadneedles the five star edge – branded umbrellas, a luxurious Italian bathrobe and embroidered slippers, complimentary shoe shine, free wifi, a choice of newspaper delivered in the morning and two complimentary large glass bottles of mineral water at turndown. We also enjoyed a plate of the most delicious hand-made chocolates filled with fresh strawberry mousse as a welcome gift.

The windows overlook the top of the lobby dome, so natural light is limited and the room can feel a little dark in the evening. However, the clever lighting gives it a romantic, relaxed feel.

The large limestone bathroom boasts both a separate bath and a rainfall shower. There is a full set of bathroom amenities by The White Company, large fluffy towels and a trolley filled with glossy magazines, which can also be used to store bath and beauty products.

Bonds Restaurant & Bar is unfortunately closed on the weekend, however breakfast can still be taken there in the morning. For a pre-dinner aperitif or a night cap, the stylish lobby offers an honesty bar stocked with premium spirits and soft drinks.

As I’ve already visited and loved Bonds and its outstanding Modern British food, we couldn’t resist a lazy Sunday morning with breakfast served in the room.

Breakfast at Threadneedles is a big affair with very generous portion sizes and top quality ingredients. I went for the full works with the English breakfast (£22.50). My breakfast included the most delicious freshly-squeezed orange juice, a pot of English breakfast tea and a cooked breakfast of two perfectly poached eggs, an abundance of smoked streaky bacon, a well-seasoned ‘rare breed pork’ Lincolnshire sausage, black pudding, flavoursome bubble and squeak, a large grilled flat mushroom and grilled tomato.

The breakfasts come with a choice of a basket of morning pastries or toast with butter and preserves. They are certainly not small, offering three full size pastries and six slices of toast, so it’s best to order one of each and share.

Steven ordered The City breakfast (£22.50), which includes the most delicious freshly-made warm waffles, bacon, berries, creme fraiche and maple syrup and all of the same extras.

Best of all, check-out time on Sundays is at 1pm, so you can enjoy a proper lazy Sunday while reading The Independent in the heavenly bed.

Threadneedles Hotel is an ideal place to stay for a weekend break in London, with museums and shopping just a short walk away. The historic building is full of character with a relaxed lobby scene, while rooms feel comfortable and private. It really is a tranquil haven in the middle of London’s buzzing City.

For more information and booking, visit: www.autographhotels.com

Chérie City was a guest of Threadneedles Hotel

Photos by Chérie City and Threadneedles Hotel

Beijing, Hotels, Hotels - Luxury

A Stay at China World Summit Wing Beijing

May 30, 2013 by cheriecity

China World Summit Wing by Shangri-La is Beijing’s tallest and most stylish new luxury hotel. The beautifully-designed hotel is located on the top floors of the striking China World Trade Centre, within the China World complex in Beijing’s flourishing business district.

Location

Sights such as Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City are a 15-minute taxi ride away and there is a wealth of shopping opportunities on the hotel’s doorstep with the interconnected China World Mall, featuring the likes of Hermès, Jimmy Choo and Fendi, and the nearby Silk Street Market for a bit of bartering and bargain hunting.

China World Summit Wing features 278 guest rooms and begins on the 64th floor with the impressive Resident’s Lounge, offering guests complimentary tea and bites throughout the day.

Arrival

On arrival from the airport, we were welcomed by a large, friendly group of Shangri-La staff and were swiftly escorted to our rooms where we were checked in from the comfort of our own desk. The lovely, attentive Effie made sure I had everything I needed and was present throughout our stay, asking about our day and plans.

The Room

My Premier Room on the 68th floor was extremely spacious and designed in a chic contemporary style with Asian touches and a colour palette of midnight blue, gold, red and dark wood. Being a corner room, it features floor to ceilings windows boasting incredible views of the Beijing skyline.

Premier Room features include a large writing desk with integrated tech hub and drawers filled with office supplies, an iPod docking station and sound system, free wifi and a 40-inch Samsung LCD TV with movie channels included and a DVD player. The TV conveniently swivels so you can watch it comfortably from any point in the room.

The sumptuous king-size bed covered in crisp 300-thread-count linen is well-suited to imaginative dreams with a mural of the mystical Shangri-La mountains above the head board. Being so far removed from the traffic and bustle of the city made the room completely free from noise.

In a corner of the room is a dark wood cabinet with a Nespresso machine and kettle with a full China tea service, a selection of teas and coffee, minibar and complimentary bottled water.

A Welcome Treat

A delightful Shangri-La signature is a pot of jasmine tea waiting in your room on arrival. I enjoyed a few cups curled up in an armchair and couldn’t resist grazing on a few of the pretty mini financier cakes. A gold and black lacquered box filled with fresh fruits, a granola bar and cookies is replenished daily.

The bedroom leads on to a fabulous walk-in wardrobe with two large fitted wardrobes, drawers and a nook for storing luggage.

The Bathroom

The Marble bathroom has real ‘wow factor’, featuring a deep soaking tub set against a spectacular view of the city. The amazing statement bath is complemented by luxurious features such as a double sink, a large mirror with a concealed 15-inch flat screen LCD TV, separate glass stalls with a rainfall shower and separate toilet. A quirky touch across all Shangri-La hotels is a notepad and pen and a ledge for holding your mobile phone.

I was delighted to find a full set of L’Occitane bathroom amenities in both the shower and by the soaking tub, as well as sachets of bath salts and a drawer full of the usual bathroom extras such as cotton wool, nail files and combs. As if that wasn’t enough to be well-groomed, there was also an embroidered female amenities bag filled with L’Occitane lip balm, facial cleansing wipe, shea butter hand cream, sheer stockings and a hair band.

Turndown

At evening turndown, the room is thoughtful prepared with extra bottles of complimentary Evian and glasses by the bedside, slippers laid out on a cotton mat and a sweet treat presented in a little box on the bed. One night it was a decadent mint milk chocolate and the next was a duo of red bean rice rolls.

Breakfast

Breakfast with spectacular views over the Forbidden City in Grill 79 is the perfect way to begin the day, with everything you could possibly want for breakfast. The breakfast buffet features a generous selection of mini pastries and muffins, granola, fruit and yoghurt parfaits, Chinese rice and noodle dishes, pork congee, dim sum, eggs and bacon.

Alongside the buffet, guests can order freshly-cooked dishes including pancakes, French Toast, Eggs Benedict and scrambled eggs with bacon. Glasses of freshly-squeezed orange juice and pots of English Breakfast Tea completed my morning meal.

The Swimming Pool

The health and leisure facilities at China World Summit Wing are truly impressive. The expansive state-of-the-art gym is sleek and modern while the 25-metre indoor infinity swimming pool gives the unbeatable feeling of swimming in the clouds above Beijing. The herbal steam room, laconium and vitality pool have a cool urban spa design and are perfect for relaxing the muscles, particularly after a long day of sightseeing.

CHI Spa

On our first day in Beijing, we had the pleasure of visiting CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La. We were welcomed with warming green tea and were offered a choice of oils for our one hour Aroma Wellness Massage – I chose rose. The massage focused on my back, neck and shoulders and really helped me unwind after the long flight. In fact, it was so relaxing that I almost drifted off to sleep a few times.

Dining at China World Summit Wing

China World Summit Wing has five restaurants including the fine dining Cantonese restaurant Fook Lam Moon, the stylish and international Grill 79, high end Japanese chain restaurant Nadaman and the more casual Noodle Bar and The Red Chamber. Private dining is also offered in the intimate Chairman Rooms.

Atmosphere, on the 80th floor, is the highest bar in the city and there is always a queue to sip Champagne and cocktails while marveling at the unrivaled views. Chief Bartender Henning Neufeld asked which kind of ingredients I like and made me a bespoke Old Fashioned using Talisker whisky. As the name suggests, the bar has a great ambiance, with guests dancing to the live band into the early hours. Like many bars in Beijing, it can get quite smoky, but it’s worth it for one glam evening.

China World Summit Wing is an exquisite hotel at the pinnacle of luxury with warm, unbeatable Asian hospitality. Service is exemplary – well choreographed yet sincere – and the small touches are what makes the hotel so special. Staying at China World Summit Wing is an experience in itself and the perfect way to discover the finer delights of Beijing.

A double room at China World Summit Wing starts from 2,530 RMB (approx £268) per room per night. Price includes tax and service. (B&B basis).

Chérie City was a guest of China World Summit Wing

For more Beijing travel ideas, read my reviews of

Hotels, Hotels - Design, Paris

A Great Stay at Seven Hotel Paris

June 17, 2012 by cheriecity

When Seven Hotel opened its doors in 2010 (following the success of its sister The Five Hotel), it was one of the leaders of a new style of design hotel in Paris, bringing a touch of fun, whimsy and imagination to the hotel scene.

Paris may have a reputation for being slightly conservative and erring on the side of ‘good taste’, however, the city has a crazier side. Let’s not forget that Paris was once at the centre of the Surrealist and Dada movement!

The Seven Hotel is an experience like no other, and only dreamers will appreciate its charm. Located on the rue Berthollet, the Seven is on the edge of the Latin Quarter, just a few steps from the lively, foodie hotspot, rue Mouffetard. Who would have known that such a fantasy world would be hidden behind this typical Parisian Haussmann facade on a quiet residential street?

Location

The Seven Hotel may seem a little far from the city’s main attractions, but it’s close to two metro stops and The Pont-Royal RER is a 10-15 minute walk from the hotel, making handy for the Eurostar.

The hotel is best known for its 28 ‘Levitation’ rooms, with floating beds, however there are also seven themed suites, including the James Bond, the decadent Black Diamond, the urban ski lodge Lovez-vous, the all-white Sublime and the zany Alice in Wonderland-inspired Alice suite.

The Suite

I stayed in the Marie Antoinette suite, presumably where one should elegantly graze on Ladurée macarons and yell out to the Parisians below, ‘let them eat cake’! In fact, there were some typically ‘Marie Antoinette’ features, such as the ‘voluptuous lounge’ with an enormous chaise-longue, a rather regal canopy bed and a fabulous claw foot bath tub for unwinding.

The spacious suite was the most girly of boudoirs, with a large round bed, a diamond-studded velvet bed spread, dozens of cushions, attractive hand-painted fantasy world scenes and lashings of pink. Like a true ‘honorary Parisienne’ I found the crazy cushions a little de trop, as they detracted from some of the prettier features (less is more, in this case).

It was certainly a room of discoveries, with plenty of ‘push me’ buttons to activate different features. Billowing drapes covered the extensive shelving and wardrobe and there was a cute vanity dresser tucked neatly behind the bed. Strangely there were two pristine blazers hanging in both of the wardrobes. While they were meant to be decorative, they could come in handy if your date forgets his dinner jacket!

I also loved the twinkly star lights that filled the entire room and bathroom, extending to the hallways and separate toilet, which offered hot pink toilet paper, no less.

Of course, a modern day Marie Antoinette needs to be connected to the outside world (ironically my stay coincided with the French elections), so the room includes a very large flat screen TV, complimentary wifi, an iPod base and electrical sockets on each side of the bed.

Other room comforts include a complimentary Nespresso machine (although no tea), 24-hour room service, in-room massages on request and laptops available for loan.

The Bathroom

The stunning open-plan bathroom features a separate shower and claw foot bath tub and has the most adorable gold star sink. There was a generous supply of L’Occitane bathroom amenities, including shea butter hand cream, and fluffy bathrobe and slippers.

Breakfast

After a heavenly sleep, the next morning I went down to the breakfast room on the lower ground floor. The buffet breakfast was varied and excellent – definitely leaning towards the sweet side, of which Marie Antoinette would surely approve.

There was a savoury selection of really good scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages and charcuterie and then a sweet array of pastries, crêpes, pancakes, waffles, muffins, brioche and macarons. I particularly liked the big bowls of speculoos spread and Nutella to smother on the pancakes and a selection of fine teas, especially my favourite, caramel tea. Also on offer are jelly snakes and gummy bears, should you wish to pimp your pancakes and start the day on a sugar high.

Breakfast can also be taken in the room or an express breakfast at the ground floor bar with velvet chairs and interesting artwork.

The Marie Antoinette suite is feminine and frothy – perfect for a girly weekend break with friends or a mother-daughter trip to Paris. Those who prefer a sleeker stay might prefer the darker, sexier ‘Levitation’ room with stark white acrylic interiors and a veil of blue and purple LED lighting. Whichever room appeals, it will certainly be an adventure!

Rooms at Seven Hotel start from €197 per night and the Marie Antoinette suite is priced at €367 per night. For more information and booking, visit: www.sevenhotelparis.com

Chérie City was a guest of Seven Hotel

Photos by Chérie City and Seven Hotel Paris

Hotels, Hotels - Design, London

Townhouse Luxe at The Arch London

August 15, 2011 by cheriecity

Marble Arch is a part of Central London where you’d expect a cluster of uninspiring tourist-orientated chain hotels, rather than a chic luxury boutique townhouse hotel.

Opened just last year, The Arch London is part of London’s growing trend of stylish townhouse hotels – in good company with Soho’s Dean Street Townhouse, The Zetter Townhouse in Clerkenwell and the more established Flemings Mayfair.

Townhouse hotels have become a popular accommodation choice in London due to their charm, personal approach to service and their cool juxtaposition of contemporary style with period features.

Tucked away on a quiet residential street, just a few minutes walk from Marble Arch, The Arch London is an elegant 82-bedroom Georgian townhouse hotel. On entering, the stresses of the city float away are you surrounded by eye-catching artworks by emerging British artists.

The Arch London has a buzzing atmosphere that centres around HUNter 486, an open-plan kitchen and dining room with leather banquettes and rustic refectory tables, which takes its name from the 1950s district dialling code for Marylebone.

HUNter 486 also comprises an adjoining cocktail bar with Philippe Starck bar stools and a Salon de Champagne featuring a Champagne Graffiti ceiling by award-winning illustrator Sara Fanelli, emblazoned with quirky anecdotes.

My favourite spot at The Arch London is the Martini Library – a cosy literary den where you can curl up with a Taschen coffee table book in front of the fireplace and get lost for a few hours – and perhaps order one of their signature Earl Grey MarTEAnis.

The Arch London has nine suites, three of which have outdoor terraces. I stayed with Maman Chérie in a Four Poster Junior Suite on the ground floor, overlooking the front street yet camouflaged by some well-maintained topiary.

It was beautifully designed with a stunning blend of traditional and contemporary, high ceilings and original period features.

The colour scheme of grey-blue, mink and chartreuse with dark wood was kind on the eye and centred around the striking feature wall. A rebellious pink striped velvet armchair, which I adopted for the stay, raffishly broke up the colour unity, in a kind of ‘don’t try this at home’ way.

Every piece of furniture and artwork in our room had been carefully chosen and the attention to detail was unbelievable.

High-speed wifi is complimentary and guests can help themselves to full-size soft drinks from the minibar (free of charge). Add to that full Sky HD, an iPod docking station, CD/DVD player and an in-house film library ‘Best Oscar’ movies from the last 50 years, and you’ll never want to leave your gadget-filled room!

Far from the average tea and coffee making facilities, The Arch London provides a Nespresso machine with a choice of coffee capsules and a selection of Jing teas, all served on monochrome lacquered trays with a Burleigh china tea pot and sleek espresso cups.

The bathroom was breathtakingly huge and a haven of indulgence. Designed in black marble and white tiles, the bathroom boasted a wall-to-wall mirror, double sinks, walk-in shower and the ultimate luxury – a TV over the bath.

We were given plenty of big fluffy towels, bathrobes and a full set of bathroom products by MALIN+GOETZ and extra bottles in the shower. You know a hotel has got it right when the bathroom is just as exciting as the room.

In the afternoon, we had a wander around Selfridges and Bond Street and finished the evening with a long dinner at HUNter 486, but more about that later. I shut myself away in the bathroom for an hour or so watching The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air in the bath with a free Diet Coke from the minibar – absolute bliss!

The bed was insanely comfortable and so high that I had to hop right up to get in. Even though our room was overlooking the main street, there was no noise at all, so a good night sleep was had by all.

In the morning, we ordered the Full English tray to be delivered to our room. The mini pastries were excellent, but the coffee arrived lukewarm and the meat section was missed off our trays.

We could have phoned down and I imagine the staff would come running with the missing items, but in fact we were quite pleased to have a slightly more modest breakfast after huge dinner the night before. The quality of the breakfast was excellent and a few tweaks with the serving accuracy would make it spot on.

Every tiny corner of The Arch London has been meticulously considered and you can tell that the owners delight in creating the most memorable stay for guests. Rather than an ostentatious show of luxury, The Arch is all about personal service, generous offerings and cultural touches that make you feel at home, rather than in a stark museum.

Located just ten minutes from Hyde Park, Selfridges and Bond Street, it’s the perfect place for an ever-so-stylish city break, however, you just might not want to leave!

Cherie City was a guest at The Arch London

All photos by Cherie City