London calling

Ever fancied a night rubbing shoulders with the stars in London's members-only Met Bar? Well, I know how you can. Stay at the Metropolitan hotel, playground to the rich and famous, and more importantly home of the Met Bar.

Only the week before we stayed there, J-Lo and her bottom had been guests.

On checking in we realised this hotel was different to anywhere we had ever stayed. The Armani-clad staff were young and extremely fashionable, the music was funky and the decor contemporary: muted colours and natural fabrics and materials. Every room is equipped with TV, stereo with a CD library, ISDN and personal fax. There was even a pair of yoga mats in the wardrobe should we have felt the urge!

This is a hotel that comes to life at night. Part of that life is in the Met Bar and as a hotel guest you are entitled to entry. Not wanting to be too keen to start rubbing shoulders with the stars we popped on the Tube and headed a couple of stops to Leicester Square to catch a film and have a meal. Arriving back at about 9pm I was intrigued by the group of men huddled outside Nobu, the hotel's neighbouring restaurant (think Boris Becker and broom cupboards). They were paparazzi.

After chilling in our room for a couple of hours we headed down to the bar, which is open until 3am. Unfortunately, we didn't spot any celebs, but this didn't matter. We had a fantastic night sipping champagne and raspberry Martinis - like everyone else in the bar. But at £18 for two drinks we weren't going to be getting legless.

The following day we checked into another hotel - The Halkin, in the heart of Belgravia, a few minutes walk from fashionable Sloane Street and its designer boutiques.

From the outside, The Halkin's Georgian-style facade gives the appearance of a traditional hotel, but step inside and you suddenly find yourself in a contemporary, high-tech place. The bright and airy lobby with its marble floor leads you to the reception on one side, and through a floaty voile curtain to a small bar on the other. The best way to describe the interior design is contemporary with an Italian twist.

As rooms go, we had some room. We always judge a room on what we class as our 'best ever' hotel room - a suite in Sydney, Australia. It was massive and had a postcard view of Sydney harbour. But The Halkin nudged ahead.

Split in two by the floor to ceiling headboard of the bed, the room had a defined bedroom and lounge area. By each door was a control panel for the lighting and air conditioning, and then by each side of the bed was a touch-screen version of the same thing.

Quality is a word that springs to mind when describing The Halkin. The sumptuous carpet in the hotel's corridors and rooms, Bulgari products in the bathroom, the list goes on. Even the staff - again Armani clad - could not have been more helpful, pointing out everything we needed to know.

The hotel's restaurant, Nahm, is the only Thai restaurant to have been awarded a Michelin star.

Leaving what had now become our favourite hotel was hard, but our next port of call made up for it: the sumptuously-decorated Parkes Hotel, in Knightsbridge, near Harrods.

It is small and exclusive, but very welcoming with its intimate oak-panelled reception and lounge area.

If it wasn't for the view out of the window you could almost kid yourself that you were in a house in the middle of the countryside, not central London.

Each of the hotel's 33 rooms and suites is decorated in rich colours.

We stayed in a suite, with its lounge area complete with comfy chairs and tables, a kitchen, bedroom and two bathrooms.

Returning to the hotel in the evening after a long day out in London, it was like going home. Indeed the owner says in the hotel brochure "let us be your London home". If this was my London home I would be very happy with my lot.

The Metropolitan hotel in Mayfair is offering readers a mini weekend break at £200 a night - a saving of £176 a night. Price includes accommodation for two, full English breakfast, access to the Met Bar and the Shambhala Health Club and Gym. Valid now until December 31 2003, subject to availability, with a minimum two-night stay. For reservations tel: 020 7447 1000.

The Halkin hotel in Belgravia is offering readers a deal for £295, including one night's accommodation for two people (sharing), set dinner for two in Nahm (excluding beverages), plus full English breakfast. Valid Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, now until December 31 2003, subject to availability. For reservations, tel: 020 7333 1000.

Parkes Hotel, 41 Beaufort Gardens, London SW3 1PW. Tel: 020 7581 9944 or visit www.parkeshotel.com

Updated: 12:27 Saturday, March 29, 2003