Millibank Bar

As Valentine’s Day approaches, if you’re lucky enough to have someone to share it with, why not take a break for the weekend and head to London for a bit of sightseeing, fine-dining and luxury accommodation?

If this sounds up your, or your partners’, street you can find a whole host of deals over the Valentine’s Day weekend that aren’t super expensive and we‘ve spotted a fair few over on the Hilton Hotels website. What’s even better is that Hilton have got 8 Mint Hotels on board and is now in the process of rebranding the properties under the DoubleTree and Garden Inn groups of hotels – meaning that you can now stay in the heart of Westminster (a stone’s throw away from Buckingham Palace, the Thames and the London Eye) in the safe knowledge you’ll be getting the same high standards we all expect from the Hilton group by now.

SkyBar

We love the Milibank Lounge at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London in Westminster (perfect for a pre-Valentine’s Day dinner cocktail) and they’ve got a great panoramic view of London from their award-winning CityCafe or more exclusive SkyBar for afters if you fancied staying in for food. After you’ve eaten, why not wander over the river and head down the embankment for romantic trip up in a London Eye pod, or head up Whitehall, past Charing Cross and Trafalgar Square to Leicester Square and catch one of the amazing West End shows on at the moment.

After you’ve hit the town and are all romanced out, you can then head back to the hotel and relax – might we recommend the King City Suite for Valentine’s… the colour scheme even matches!

King City Suite

This hotel might not be boutique but it’s amazingly positioned for a weekend break, making it super easy to navigate around town so as not to waste your romantic break away. The nearest station is Victoria as well, so it’s really accessible whether you’re based in London or outside.

For prices and more information about the hotel, visit www.doubletree1.hilton.com

NB: This is a Sponsored Post

Rome

If the cold weather is getting you down and the thought of booking summer holidays onsets depression when you think of the long wait, why not book yourself on some short city breaks to make that stretch to summer less grim?

City Breaks are the best way to really make you feel like you’ve had a weekend. Opting for a European destination this time of year means there are some great deals around if you book in advance. One of my favourite places is to go is Rome, with fantastic food, shopping and culture all just few hours away.  Rome breaks may have you reaching for your credit card but you can always stay somewhere reasonably priced and just hang out in the 5 star hotels for brunch, lunch dinner and cocktails.

One of my favourite hotels in Rome is The Hotel Russie – a super-luxe hotel just minutes away from the Spanish Steps. It’s a bit of a haunt for celebs and other famous faces, plus it has gorgeous gardens with a great view of the Villa Borguese, the perfect place to spend the day having a long lazy lunch. If you want to dress up and pose, after all you are in Rome head for a cocktail at the Stravinsky Bar, the cocktail recipes are divine and you’ll probably spot a celeb or two without even having to book a room.

Hotel De Russie

I was last in Rome for the launch of the new Valentino fragrance, Valentina, and got to visit the Atelier of Valentino’s fashion house, where they make the collections and all the bespoke couture pieces for the very rich and famous. The house of Valentino is situated so centrally, just a walk along from the Spanish Steps, inside this historical building I saw the wedding dress that Jackie Onassis wore when she married Aristotle Onassis in 1968 as well as the dress that Julia Roberts wore to collect her first Oscar in 2000. When you walk passed this famous building with the ‘V’ proudly displayed outside, take a moment to think about what is locked away inside.

Valentino Valentina Fragrance

Romans take their fashion seriously, so this is an amazing place to just stroll and window shop, lose yourself in the designer stores of Gucci, Prada and Hogan, but make sure you check out the more urban areas with the cool cafes and new boutiques. Head to the Trastevere for some great artisan workshops and stores or Testaccio for more trendy boutiques and don’t miss the vintage stalls on Via Sannio.

Wherever you stay, you will be enchanted by this beautiful city, whether you head straight for a tour around the Colosseum,  a wander around the Pantheon or St Peter’s Basilica, or treat yourself to a pamper at the Grand Spa at the Rome Cavalieri hotel, you won’t be disappointed. All this and we didn’t even mention pasta!

The Pizza Oven at Lunsford Farm

For those of you (us) who only consider leaving your comfy home to go on holiday somewhere more luxurious and relaxing than your own home you probably think camping trips are for fools, but I urge you to think again. But my first bit of advice is buy a fleece and a torch.

How does a full size wooden bed, off the ground on a raised hard wood floor with plump, fluffy duvets and white bedding sound? Add to that running water, your own loo and a stove inside your tent and you’ve got the idea of what Glamping is all about. This is what the clever people at Feather Down Farms have rightly discovered will drag us out of hotels and into the great outdoors and camp in a field.

Imagine camping the last week of October, well I spent my Halloween weekend with my sister, niece and nephew at one of the many Feather Down Farms, in Lunsford Farm. We were very lucky to have dry weather and no blustering winds, in fact we took so many clothes to sleep in we were all roasting in our beds, which was a big surprise.

We chose a farm that was near a beach, so not only did we have the peace and tranquillity of the farm and surrounding forest we also had a sea view. Winchelsea beach was just a 10 minute walk from our tent and just across the field were Sophie, Pat and Julie our neighbours, they were cows. (No really they were cows, not a noisy group of girls we bitched about.)

Featherdown Farm - The tent, our neighbours and a very happy customer!

Checking in around 4pm, it’s always best to arrive with some daylight so you can light your candles and make your beds before it gets too dark. If you are brave and doing a trip after the summer then lighting your stove and getting some heat in the tent is a priority. The stove takes firewood, which is neatly stacked and dry in a box outside your tent . There is also a BBQ, wood pizza oven and picnic bench each outside your spot.

Andrew owns Lunsford Farm, it has been in his family for three generations , he gave us a tour of the farm and talked us townies through his farm duties and all year round rituals. What a different life, one of the young boys staying there who was 11 has decided he wants to own a farm but also a band, I asked him if he wanted to be Alex James. He said yes, I hope we have underestimated the youth of today, they don’t all want to be in reality show after all, although a rockstar farmer is still pretty much a MTV generation career.

Cooking can be slow in your tent until you fathom out making fire last, it’s a challenge that a man can only resist for seconds, so as long as you have a man with you there will be heat in your tent everlasting.

There is a well stocked Honesty Shop with free range meats, BREAD, local ice cream and you have your own chickens for eggs in the morning, the kids loved going to collect them.

We only stayed for the weekend, but there were families on either side that had been for the week, and none of them were first timers. You get the feeling that once you’ve sampled the Featherdown Farm life you will be back. I can absolutely see the appeal, especially if you have kids, they absolutely loved it.

You can search the site for a place that appeals to you, we loved our site but there are many to chose from and I know my sister wants to go back again for a family holiday, she’s converted.

www.featherdown.co.uk

You can request a brochure at www.featherdown.co.uk/brochure

View across the beach at Bedruthan Steps

by Emma Skipper

On a recent jaunt to Cornwall we had a night to spare, and after a long weekend of walks and tours, we needed a rest. Cue a quick stop at Bedruthan Steps Spa and Hotel in Trenance.

The situation of Bedruthan Steps couldn’t have been more idyllic – if not a little windy – as it sits on a steep hill that looks over a beautiful Cornish bay and village. From the website, I got the impression that the hotel was modern and slick, something that was not entirely true to form as we arrived. The building itself seemed a bit dated and the interiors definitely needed an update. However, decor aside, the staff at reception were welcoming and informative and showed us to our rooms quickly and efficiently.

The rooms themselves could do with a little character, however if you do get a sea view room (recommended)  then this makes up for it – especially if you get one with double sliding doors that open to the elements completely (not recommended in a storm!). One great unexpected and novel feature were the speakers in the bathroom, meaning you feel involved in the room’s activities despite having the door closed. The beds were comfortable and the double room that we stayed in has an extra two single beds so would be perfect for a family on a budget.

The rooms at Bedruthan Steps

After we’d settled in, we had a browse around the hotel and were very impressed with the amount of amenities on offer. There was an outdoor ocean pool, tennis court, playground for children, indoor swimming pool, cinema, lounge, fully kitted out spa and treatment rooms to boot. The Spa and treatment rooms were great and looked very modern, clean and luxurious with a steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi pool, Hammam treatment room and the most amazing rainfall showers. We spent about 2hrs in this room and were completely relaxed afterwards – which was definitely aided by the panoramic view of the bay from the deck chairs by the window.

One negative thing I would say was that the prices for the treatments were pretty hefty so do book with that in mind.

The Spa at Bedruthan Steps

You can eat at the hotel (they do a fantastic breakfast with the most amazing local Jam – which you can buy from the gift shop), however we opted to head out to see if there were any nice local restaurants and stumbled across the lovely ‘Fire’ restaurant right on the sea front down by the bay. They served us quickly, the atmosphere was really relaxed and the food was lovely (we had the most amazing black forest cheesecake with Cornish clotted cream – delicious) so we were very, very happy (and full!).

The hotel also has a great ethical and ecological ethos whereby they try and make their services as sustainable and supportive for the local area as possible. This was really great to see so strictly implemented and would be a great to teach your little ones about during your stay if you came with your family. For more information on their efforts visit www.bedruthan.com/hotel/responsible-travel

Overall we were very impressed with the Spa facilities at the hotel, however it clearly caters to families and children more than it does guests that want a top, luxury break, so watch out if that’s what you’re going for.

For more information, please visit www.bedruthan.com

Check out my other hotel review from my trip to Cornwall – The Llawnroc…

Escaping the city... literally!

By Emma Skipper

It’s not often I get a chance to escape the busy city life in London and head for the countryside, however I was recently given the chance to try the new 7-seater Chevrolet Orlando for the weekend so I used it as the perfect excuse to hit the road with a few friends.

With so many options for final destinations we thought we would keep it simple and opt for an adventure around the New Forest and got far more than we bargained for! We took off in our super spacious and easy-to-drive Chevrolet Orlando (it easily fit 4 people plus luggage and a big set of golf clubs in the boot – which can also seat another two passengers in fold down seats) and began our 1.40hr journey down to Lyndhurst in the centre of the New Forest National Park. The car made the journey an absolute pleasure with a great sound-system, functional sat-nav (although it did centre on North meaning it was a bit confusing with the directions on the map!) and comfortable interior.

The Chevrolet Orlando

After over an hour of some dubious singing skills we made a stop at Lyndhurst and spent the entire day biking around the New Forest on hire bikes from a slightly crazed old man from AA Bike Hire (quote “you’re not in London anymore dear”… how could he tell?). At £10 per day they were pretty good value, although the gears had A LOT to be desired up hills. We took one of the suggested tour routes and ended up at The Rhinefield Hotel (which , although looks lovely, had the most offensive barman I’ve ever been served by so watch out). After leaving before ordering post-barman incident, we continued on through the picturesque deer park and on home. The New Forest was truly breathe-taking I’d 100% recommend it to anyone wanting a break from the city. There are wild ponies EVERYWHERE and deer aren’t too uncommon either. We were really lucky with the weather, but even on a bad day it’s still a fab way to get outdoors.

After a night in the lovely South Lawn Hotel in Milford-on-Sea (which, although dated was incredibly hospitable with fab staff) and a HUGE meal at the lovely local country pub, The Smugglers Inn, we made a spur of the moment decision to head over to the Isle of Wight on the regular ferry from Lymington (it’s roughly £20 per car and only a 20 minute ferry ride each way) and spent the day driving around the coastal roads. We head across to the Needles tourist spot and had the most divine Cream Tea’s at the National Trust cafe in the Old Battalion and then drove all the way around the island and back up to Cowes for an early dinner before heading back across on the ferry and back to London.

The amazing view on the approach to the Needles on the Isle Of Wight

It was a flighting visit but it’s what we all needed to realise that skyscrapers and black cabs weren’t the norm! A big thanks to Chevrolet for giving us the means to go cross country. The Orlando was the perfect thing to take a group of people (and their ridiculous amount of luggage) away for the weekend without us all getting neck ache or restrained knees due to lack of room. Plus, it handled amazingly on the small country roads on the Isle Of Wight which I wasn’t expecting for such a big car and we only used half a tank of diesel after covering over 250 miles (!) – my only niggle was the slightly stiff gear box!

If you want to have a cheap weekend out of London I can wholeheartedly recommend taking a trip similar to ours… you don’t even need a car as trains go to both destinations!

For more information on the Orlando visit www.chevrolet.co.uk

For more information on trips around the New Forest visit www.thenewforest.co.uk

For more information on the Isle of Wight visit www.iwight.com

Cocktails and panning for gold at the Amex event

Travel Dreams with the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Card.

We had a golden night at Saint Martin’s Lane Hotel for the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Card Blogger Event.

To set the scene, we ate delicious canapés including sesame crusted salmon fish cakes and mini cheeseburgers washed down with Grey Goose Lychee Martini’s sprinkled with Jewel Dark Gold Dust and a Bourbon Gold Rush with Maker’s Mark, honey and lemon juice. We went prospecting for nuggets in a panning tank with gold prospectors Jamie and Charlie from The Ministry of Fun, digging for hidden treasures, in the shape of gold leaf champagne truffles from Charbonnel & Walker. Did you know that American Express actually dates back to great The American Gold Rush in 1850 when they were responsible for moving freight and mail around the country? So they’ve definitely had plenty of travel experience over the decades.

Some of my favourite bloggers were also in attendance at the event and I met some brilliant new ones too. Faced with such a passionate group of people who love to travel we took the opportunity to ask them about their favourite places.

Our first friendly face was the lovely @Laura_Scott editor of Brandish, who has her own blog www.everythingpopulariswrong.com. She told us she would love to go to ‘surreal’ Iceland to see the Northern Lights. She loves the mix of city and country and would definitely be paying a visit to Reykjavik’s fashion boutiques to get the quirky local style twist.

Maria from @ThatFashionBlog, with her BarryM neon nails, would love to be in New York for Christmas checking out the bags in Hermes or choosing something special from the Return to Tiffany’s collection. She loves Gossip Girl’s Blair Waldorf’ style and enviable wardrobe but sees herself more with a Dan than a Chuck. I think I’d have to agree with you there Maria!

The American Express Event clockwise from top left Neily and Choralie, Richard Harris from American Express, the amazing canapes and Mario fishing for gold

Yvette from @simplyluxtravel has had the pleasure of staying at Longitude 131° a  luxury wilderness camp at Uluru in Australia’s Red Centre but she is most keen to take a trip to Barcelona for its architecture and people. After shopping for her fantasy Fifi shoes from Christian Louboutin she’d step out from a penthouse at the W Hotel and cable car up to Tibidabo for the sunset with her husband. Now that is a travel fantasy!

Leemei from @mycookinghut blogs about fresh, simple, healthy and quick Asian & French cooking and loves sunshine, relaxing and loves the thought of heading off to Mauritius to sample fabulous fish.

The American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Card

Amanda and Jane from www.thewomensroomblog.com are both championing the ‘North’ and the ‘Cold’ as trends, and they should know as they met while working for the global fashion trend forecasting website, WGSN. Amanda’s travel dreams involve travelling to Alaska in a beaten up cruise ship. She’s obviously forsaking safety for style, and whilst we admire her for it, we’ll be taking the plane!

Neily of Cherie City has been to Toronto and Paris this year for her blog and her ideal next getaway would be to Hawaii.  She just loves the idea of the beaches and the island hoping. Her top tip for travelers to Beirut, which she also loves, is shopping at the souks and a trip to the 26^th Floor of The Four Seasons Hotel for the spectacular view.

Everyone we spoke to was in agreement that wherever your next trip takes you, it’s important that you tailor it your way. That’s why the Preferred Rewards Gold Card is perfect for people who love travelling as you can redeem the points you earn by spending on the Card on flights, hotels and lots more. And to build up points quickly, you can earn double points on virtually all travel related spend and practically all purchases while you’re abroad.

The Card also gives you the flexibility to transfer your points to 10 of the world’s major frequent flyer programmes. And there is no limit on the points you can earn and your points never expire, so this is one Card that’s worth its weight in gold.

Other bonuses which I really like are that you are covered by the Travel Inconvenience Insurance, Travel Accident Insurance and Global Assist^® Services and you also get two complimentary visits to more than 350 airport lounges worldwide to really start your trip off in style.

Right now, American Express is giving away a welcome bonus of 20,000 points just by spending and charging £1,000 in the first three months of Cardmembership. That’s enough for a pair of return flights to some of Europe’s most exciting cities*.

For more information on a more rewarding travel experience, visit amex.co.uk/goldrush.

* Subject to availability – taxes, fees and surcharges apply.

NB: This is a Sponsored Post

If you’d prefer a Card without any rewards, other features or a Cardmembership fee, an alternative option is available – the Basic Card. Terms and conditions apply. The Preferred Rewards Gold Card is offered by American Express Services Europe Limited. Registered Office: Belgrave House, 76 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9AX.  American Express Services Europe Limited is authorised in the United Kingdom by the Financial Services Authority under the Payment Services Regulations 2009 (reference number 415532) for the provision of payment services.

Sparkle 90210

From now until 8th January, Beverly Hills, the famed swanky suburb of Los Angeles, will be doing a holiday season promotion called, “And To All A Free Night.”

When guests stay two or three nights at one of the city’s ten participating hotels, they’ll get an additional night free along with a hotel package that includes a seasonal complimentary cocktail, special offers on in-house food and beverages, spa treatments, personal shopper experience, complimentary transportation in and around Beverly Hills, and an exclusive holiday shopping card from fine restaurants and retailers at Two Rodeo Drive.

Beverly Hills at Christmas

The ten hotels participating in this fab and festive event include The Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows, the Beverly Wilshire A Four Seasons Hotel, the Thompson Beverly Hills, Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel, The Peninsula Beverly Hills, the Montage Beverly Hills, the Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills, L’Ermitage Beverly Hills, The Beverly Hilton, and The Mosaic Hotel. The first 200 guests to book the package and complete their stay will receive The Helix Pendant – a beautiful SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS necklace inspired by the crystal display that will be illuminating Rodeo Drive.

The crystal display, which will stretch three blocks along Rodeo Drive, is part of the street’s first ever collaboration with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS in an event called Sparkle 90210. The event launched 21 November and the public will be able to tweet holiday messages and see them appear on the sparkly helix-shaped structure. There’ll be snow and sparkle at Two Rodeo Drive and Beverly Canon Gardens, and within Beverly Hill’s Golden Triangle there will be numerous holiday activities including horse and carriage rides, carollers and performers, and shimmering snow. 50 stores along the Triangle will also stay open later into the evening for this event. Catch all the holiday fun from 5-8pm on the 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, and 16th of December.

Room rates for the participating hotels start at $219 a night. For full details, go to www.lovebeverlyhills.com/andtoallafreenight.

The Gladstone Hotel

Back again in that hotspot, in West Queen West Street, downtown Toronto stands The Gladstone Hotel, built in 1889. It is the oldest, continuously operating hotel in Toronto, and is famous for being the place that artists and performers stop off after their shows because of its location on the edge of Toronto’s city limits.

Since then, art and this hotel have become synonymous with one another, and every month, The Gladstone plays host to over 100 arts-related events. You can check these out in either the hotel’s second floor reception gallery, which offers ample space for receptions, exhibitions, and conferences; or The Art Bar, which is the hotel’s intimate exhibition and event venue. It showcases artwork done by local Toronto artists in the form of film screenings, spoken word, and singer songwriter performances. See the chair exhibition that was in situ during my visit, really who knew chairs could be so interesting?

Some of the things exhibited in the hotel - check out the dress made from coffee filters bottom right!

Local artwork is also featured in all 37 guest rooms, which are individually designed and create a unique and stylish experience for The Gladstone guests.

Although the guest rooms at The Gladstone Hotel are a bit smaller than other hotel rooms, they boast high ceilings and great amenities including a flat screen TV, cable, internet access, telephone, safety deposit box and private bathrooms. However, if you really want a room that’s a bit more spacious, you can request one of the hotel’s Gimme More rooms. These are larger and include four piece baths and a kitchenette. If you want to go all out, book one of the two suites in The Gladstone Hotel. The hotel’s Tower Suite is two-stories and is nicknamed the ‘Rock Star’ suite, we couldn’t see it when we looked around, because we think there was one in there…

One of the rooms at The Gladstone Hotel

The Gladstone Hotel was designed by George Miller in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, and besides being a huge promoter of all things art-related, it also prides itself on sustainable hotel practices. For example, all the hotel’s beauty products are made by local farmers and contained in biodegradable containers. The hotel has two green roofs, along with a living wall that has been installed inside the hotel to produce more oxygen, and every ingredient used in the hotel’s cuisine is locally grown. The hotel is so famous for its cuisine and excellent service, that it’s quite common for guests to prolong their stay, I can see why. All this delicious food can be enjoyed at the hotel’s Ballroom Café, which opens bright and early everyday at 7am for breakfast and stays open all day until dinner. The Melody Bar is the hotel’s hotspot for drinks and nightly entertainment, with live music, and open mic nights take place regularly, and you can even indulge in a bit of best karaoke here.

There’s no cover charge for non-guests, so head to this bar and enjoy the cool, artsy vibe. The Gladstone Hotel is without a doubt the perfect destination to experience Toronto’s truly authentic culture.

www.gladstonehotel.com

Watch a tour of the hotel below:

The Fairmont Royal York Hotel

In 1929, construction of The Fairmont Hotel Royal York made this hotel the tallest building in the British Empire. The grand hotel began with 28 floors, 1,048 rooms, a 12,000-book library, and 10-elevators, but within a year, 152 rooms were added due to guest demand. To this day  The Fairmont Hotel Royal York boasts the largest hotel kitchen in Canada with 110 chefs, and with over 1,200 employees able to speak a combined 53 languages, The Fairmont Royal Park remains one of the most sophisticated and luxurious hotels in Canada.

They are the only hotel I’ve ever come across that offer you a gym kit and bespoke play list in your room on arrival, this has to be one of the best ideas ever. Tell them your shoe and gym kit size and a fresh set of Addidas kit will be in your room every day, well that’s if you ever use it and get it dirty!

The Spa

I loved that for a newcomer to Toronto I could see my hotel from anywhere, it was my Art Deco beacon I could follow to guide me back to my luxury base. Entering the lobby of the Fairmont you feel like you are in a bustling terminal in a movie, this is the place to people watch, so many interesting people passing through those revolving doors. The staff throughout, from the doorman to concierge and the waiting staff couldn’t have been more helpful and friendly, I felt very settled and at home here instantly.

Countless celebrities have stayed at this magnificent hotel along with three generations of the Royal Family and the Queen, but there are also some unexpected (but equally important) guests that frequent The Fairmont Hotel Royal York. Taking their residence on the roof of the hotel are six Queen bees and their thousands of fellow bees. These busy buzzers produce over 480 lbs of honey that the hotel uses each season, and because they are so important to The Fairmont Hotel Royal York, the hotel has allowed them stay in “The Honey Moon Suite,” “The V.I.Bee Suite,” the “Bee+Bee Suite,” and the “Stayin-a-Hive” suite. Some other unexpected guests that hotel-goers keep an eye out for are the residential ghosts that have been spotted roaming the hotel’s corridors and rooms.

But don’t let these ghosts keep you away! The Fairmont Hotel Royal York has earned the Four Green Key rating by the Hotel Association of Canada, which is the second-highest honor a hotel can receive. The hotel is also the official host of the International Indian Film Academy Awards, and several Hollywood movies such as “R.E.D” (starring Helen Mirren), “Chloe” (starring Julianne Moore and Amanda Seyfried), and “Cinderella Man” (starring Russell Crowe and Renee Zellweger), have chosen The Fairmont Hotel Royal York as one of their filming destinations. They make a substantial amount of revenue from the film industry, as does the rest of the city, so be on the look out for places you recognise, like the lift scene in” Serendipity“, the movie with John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale. I got a kick out of calling my lift every time, know John Cusack had been there too.

One of the rooms at The Fairmont Royal York

With its imposing and prime location on Front Street, overlooking Lake Ontario, The Fairmont Hotel Royal York is the ultimate destination for elegance and luxury, and a maybe a chance walk-on part in a movie (but don’t tell them I told you so!).

Kuoni (01306 747008/www.kuoni.co.uk) offers 3 nights at The Fairmont Hotel Royal York, Toronto in a Fairmont room on a room only basis, including flights with Air Canada from Heathrow. Prices for 2012 from £910 per person based on two sharing. For more information on Toronto visit: www.seetorontonow.com

The Waldorf Hilton

Read on to find out what our guest writer, Huma Qureshi, thought of her stay at the Waldorf Hilton in London.

By Huma Qureshi

Five years ago, as an impoverished student making my first foray into London, I used to ride the bus up Aldwych, my forehead resting against the grimey window making my daily commute for lectures. I’d always be late, partly because of my own novice punctuality, partly because of the God-awful traffic right outside the Waldorf Hilton, the grand five-star hotel. But I never minded too much.

On those bleak mornings, I’d gaze at the Waldorf, with its name lit up in those fairy-light bulbs, the fancy doormen, the lavish sofas just visible through the windows. Oh to stay in the Waldorf instead of a lecture on European political history, I used to think.

Fast forward to today and my chance to stay in the hotel materialises. In the week of the London riots, I sought a little peace and quiet, and so the Waldorf it was. Thrilled to spend a night in central London, rather than in the distant zone four environs of my apartment, I land in front of the Waldorf double doors and beam at the fancy doorman. But he doesn’t open the door and is distracted by some American guest faffing around with her handbag. Never mind. So I open the door by myself, and in I go.

The Waldorf Hilton rooms

There’s a wedding going on, and while that adds somewhat to the glossy vibe, it also holds things up significantly at reception. But no matter, I tell myself. When I get my key card, I’m told my room has one of the best views. Ha, if only my student-self could see me now.

Unfortunately though, when I get up to my room, I can’t really see much of my view. The windows are double glazed (all that noisy traffic) and, well, a little smudgy and dirty. As for the view, mostly I see traffic lights. But I’m not really here for the views; I see London everyday after all. So instead I kick back on the big double bed and reach for the complimentary juices the receptionist said would be waiting for me. Only there’s nothing there. My optimism never ending, I tell myself it doesn’t matter and phone down for them. “They’re on their way,” I’m told.

Meanwhile, I take the time to freshen up in the bathroom, which is not so much a bath ‘room’ as a bath ‘hall’. Oddly, there’s no door to the bathroom, making it pretty much open plan. Let’s just say it’s a little awkward.

While killing time before dinner and a movie with the fiancé, I perch on the chaise longue gratefully flipping through the latest issue of Marie Claire left thoughtfully on the side table (it would have been even more thoughtful had my complimentary juices arrived – unfortunately they finally came as I was on my way out). But every now and then I’m slightly disconcerted by the weird, random man-size metal structure overlooking me in the corner of the room. I have no idea what it’s for or why it’s there, although it does make me wonder what on earth the Waldorf’s interior designers were thinking.

Homage Grand Salon

Dinner downstairs in the elegant, white-pillared Homage Grand Salon makes up in part for the lack of atmosphere or style in the room. The mocktails are delicious, my scallops for starters tender and tasty. But the mains – salmon and a dry baked potato? – seemed less than outstanding and the service, while attentive, was exceptionally slow which meant skipping dessert to make it to the movie on time.

Later, I realise I’ve forgotten my toothpaste. Two phone calls to reception later, and I end up going downstairs to pick it up myself. For a five-star experience in London, I’m not particularly smitten and my student illusions seem shattered.

From the outside, with its name up in lights, the Waldorf gives off this charming, London, city feel; but inside it’s corporate, bland, lack lustre and entirely impersonal. There’s no luxury here.

My advice? Stick to boutique than a big branded hotels; these five-stars won’t make you feel like a star.

For more information on the Waldorf Hilton visit www.hilton.co.uk/waldorf