The Athenaeum is a family-owned luxury hotel in one of London's most affluent districts, Mayfair. It looks out over Green Park (savvy travellers will reserve a room with Juliet balcony for sweeping city views) and is close to Buckingham Palace and St James's Park. The more bohemian areas of Soho and Bloomsbury and a short few stops away on the Tube.

The facilities

Big on sumptuous touches, big on five-star facilities. The hotel boasts a fully kitted-out spa, complete with steam room, sauna and gym. The restaurant is a firm favourite with wealthy locals; expect a sophisticated British menu with prices to match. There's also a lovely, macaroon-smattered afternoon tea and a choice of over 270 whiskies in the bar.

The rooms

Each of the Athenaeum's 157 bedrooms and suites comes luxuriously appointed, with all the techy bits you could wish for, including flat screen televisions and iPod docking stations. There are also apartments on-site, contemporary is style, that are perfect for the more independent traveller. They come with kitchenettes and private street entrances, but of course share all the facilities of the hotel itself.