Martin Oates enjoys a busy weekend in London, with a luxurious base and trips to the Lion King and Tate Modern.

"Hakuna Matata! What a wonderful phrase, It means no worries for the rest of your days."

THESE lyrics from the Lion King song perfectly sum up a recent trip to London.

The hassle-free visit to the capital proved to be memorable, with no problems at all during our weekend stay.

A chance to see The Lion King in the West End was the main reason for our journey south, and the show lived up to all superlatives we had read and heard.

The fantastic opening act transported us from our seats in the Lyceum Theatre to the vibrant sounds and colours of the East African savanna, as the stage and auditorium filled with an array of 'animals' singing about the circle of life.

But even the amazing lighting effects of the sunrise over Pride Rock were totally eclipsed by the amazing representations of the sun and sky in the Weather Project. Olafur Eliasson's fantastic installation dominates the expanse of the Turbine Hall at the Tate Modern Gallery. These two wonderful visual experiences were certainly worth the trip alone.

Base camp for our safari was the Royal Park Hotel, which opened last December. Situated in Westbourne Terrace, the hotel is made up of three grade 11 listed townhouses which have been restored to their 1840s splendor to form a pleasant townhouse hotel.

The dcor is of a high standard and the hotel's 48 rooms and suites provide a welcoming retreat after a long day exploring the sights of London. The main feature of each room is either a four-poster or half-tester bed, all adorned with inviting monogrammed white linen sheets and pillows.

Every room features antique furniture which happily stands alongside the latest in modern technology, including flat screen LCD TVs and broadband internet access.

On checking in, guests are welcomed with a free drink, and they can also enjoy complimentary afternoon tea and a glass of champagne and canaps in the evening, which can be taken in two welcoming drawing rooms.

The Royal Park Hotel is in an ideal situation. Paddington and Lancaster Gate underground stations are close and eating establishments to suit all tastes are a few minutes walk away. Hyde Park is on the doorstep, with the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Palace and gardens and Harrods (a must visit for my wife and daughter) are to be found across the park, a perfect way to walk off some calories after enjoying a pleasant continental breakfast.

Our weekend away was over far too soon and as the song almost goes...

Hakuna Matata! What a wonderful phrase. For me it means fantastic memories for the rest of my days.

Fact file:

The Royal Park Hotel, 3 Westbourne Terrace, Lancaster Gate, Hyde Park, London W23UL

Tel 02074796600 Email info@theroyalpark.com www.theroyalpark.com

Weekend rates range from single room £100, double room £125, four poster room £165 to a deluxe four poster suite £220. Prices are subject to VAT at 17.5 per cent. Rates are per room per night subject to a minimum two-night stay on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Continental breakfast is included in the above rates. All rooms are en-suite and air conditioned.

Martin Oates travelled to London from York with GNER. Visit www.gner.co.uk for details on prices, times and special offers.

Updated: 10:55 Saturday, March 13, 2004