Review of Chesterfield Mayfair, by Nadia Latif

From the outside, the Chesterfield Mayfair is demure and quite unremarkable. It blends in well with the other Georgian townhouses on this quiet corner of Berkeley Square, near Saville Row. Inside, the white stucco exterior makes way for a sumptuous boutique hotel, made even more notable by its strong, family-run lineage. The style is quintessentially English, but more comfortable homestead than prim-and-proper Victoriana.

The large, open lobby, decked out with gleaming chandeliers, has bowls of apples left out for guests on the run and crystal decanters full of complimentary brandy. Move further in and the Chesterfield Mayfair's inviting bar and lounge area gives clear indication of its animal-loving attitude. The walls are adorned with sketches of thoroughbreds and stocky hunters, and Jack Russell terriers gaze out from the multitude of cushions piled up of the sofas. The fact that all of the Red Carnation hotels are pet friendly comes as no surprise.

This feeling of being in some rather noble country house continues into Butler's restaurant and The Conservatory. Smoked salmon (Scottish and Irish) is laid out every day, alongside fresh vegetables, home baked breads and a traditional roast (this incorporates everything from beef and pork, to guinea-fowl). The family also own a vineyard in South Africa, which comes in handy when stocking up the hotel's wine cellar.

The 107 rooms and suites are individually decorated and owing to its period roots, come in a patchwork of shapes and sizes. All are fresh and airy, with well-placed antiques mixed in amongst commissioned pieces, sumptuous fabrics and high-tech gadgetry. Highlights include 'his'n'hers' bathrooms in the Junior Suites, iPod docking stations (request an iPod with your favourite music downloaded and it will be left softly playing in your room as you arrive) and complimentary high-speed internet.