Review of Connaught Hotel, by Gemma Pitcher

The Connaught has an old English atmosphere with a traditional feel and is one of London's premier Grand Dames. It's the kind of place where everybody knows your name - and what you drink, what time you like to dine, what paper you prefer in the morning and quite probably your inside leg measurement as well.

Newer, younger staff are bringing a more modern touch to the atmosphere, but the Connaught is still the best place to choose when seeking out traditional English luxury.

The facilities

The foyer, with its mahogany staircase, is exquisite and helps to create the traditional atmosphere of this boutique hotel. The exquisite service and Michelin-starred restaurant - Helen Darroze at the Connaught - are fantastic. There's also two bars - the Connaught Bar is lively and fashionable, while Coburg Bar is an intimate nook for a quiet drink.

The rooms

Of the Connaught's 123 rooms, the guests are regulars who probably inherited their room keys from their great-grandfathers because until a few years ago the boutique hotel was a private club.

Decor at the boutique hotel is contemporary-meets-classic: modern furniture sits alongside Edwardian fireplaces and restored oil paintings. In every room there's something special - for example, bathrooms in Deluxe King rooms have solid nickel taps and built-in Deco vanity units. Despite the rooms' references to the past, colour tones are light and fresh: mint green, slate, cream and silver. Flatscreen televisions and free Wifi are available in all.