Review of 41 Hotel, by Isabel Clift

As soon as you step in off Buckingham Palace Road, a lift ride whisks you up to a luxury enclave that's five floors - and a world apart - from the bustle below. Languorously stretched out across one level, 41 Hotel offers a modern take on Gentleman's Club styling, mixing chequered floors with original fireplaces and high-gloss furniture. It's majestic without the stuffiness: families and pets are welcome - and totally spoiled! - while amusing caricatures by Sem grace every stripey wall.

Thanks to the South African owners' touch, the Executive Lounge has the feel of a stately home via a safari lodge, with a leopard print curtain here and an ostrich egg lamp there lightening the chandeliered and mahogany-panelled decor. Smart black couches and dining tables are centred around a huge globe; an upper-level gallery is on hand for more intimate occasions.

You're never left wanting for food - in the lounge, dine on meals from the traditional British menu, or forage from the extensive honesty bar corner. Afternoon teas and evening canapés provide luxurious between-meal top-ups.

30 rooms are monochromatic dens for luxury-lovers. All come kitted out with the requisite sleek gadgetry: Bose sound systems have iPod docks, and mirrored cabinets conceal flatscreen TVs and DVD players. Cordless phones and free Wi-Fi are additional techy treats.

Subtle safari styling gives texture to the crisp black-and-white furnishing - discover zebra print tissue boxes and leopard spotted cushions, plus tooled leather travel chests acting as coffee tables. Heavy relief work around ceilings and fireplaces brings a dash of classic grandeur to the mix.

Art aficionados should nab one of the King Bedrooms with an original Matisse, while those seeking to spread out on two levels will be right at home in the Junior Suite. As well as an office level and spacious upper bedroom, the suite has a bathroom with a whirlpool bath, huge shower cubicle and flat screen TV. 41 Hotel's split level Conservatory Master Suite is best for wow-factor features, though: it has a glass roof above the bed whose covering can be opened remotely, allowing you to sleep under a glittering canopy of stars.