Hotel: The Connaught

Address: Carlos Place, London, W1Y 6AL

Website: www.maybourne.com

TraveLife ranking:

Rooms: 92

Room rates: $500+

Highlights: The Connaught proves that good things do come in small packages. The hotel is often described as ‘a country manor in the heart of London’ and many regulars view it as a true home away from home. Marble fireplaces, oak paneling and wonderfully ornate ceilings highlight the public areas, which are furnished with antiques and rare paintings. The Connaught’s handsome entrance has lots of character and, like the rest of the property, got a major facelift recently.

History: In 1897 The Coburg Hotel duly opened, named after Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg. It was re-named The Connaught in 1917, during the Great War. The name chosen was that of Queen Victoria’s third son, Prince Arthur, the first Duke of Connaught.

Interior highlights: The Connaught is as famous for its winding majestic mahogany staircase as it is for its impeccable service. The array of exquisite antique furniture and artifacts featured in rooms and public areas adds to the quiet and discreet charm of this hotel.

In the next room: The Connaught has long been favored by actors who come to London to perform in the city’s famed theatre district. American business types also like to seal deals in the hotel’s charming bar or the Gordon Ramsey-led restaurant.

The rooms: Bedrooms are luxurious and decorated in appropriate English chintzes; bathrooms are marble, with masses of exquisite toiletries. While tradition is very much to the fore, the needs of the 21st century are not forgotten with Internet connections now standard in all rooms.

Amenities: The hotel offers a fitness studio where personal trainers lead you through a regiment of exercises that help work off the pounds gained in its restaurants. The hotel’s spa features mostly Asian inspired treatments – administered by a well-trained staff.

Restaurants: The signature Grill Room and Connaught Terrace, featuring a retractable roof, are the hotel’s landmark dining rooms. The ambience is second to none but we must admit the dishes did not impress. The Berkeley may wish to rethink the menus in these overrated rooms.

Shopping: Bond Street and Mayfair’s trendy shops are just a short walk away from the chic Connaught.

Close by: The Bond St. tube station is close by and can get you to all of London’s major tourist attractions in just minutes. The Mayfair area is a wonderful place to wander past super rich car show rooms, designer shops and lovely city parks.

Tips: The Connaught does not live up to its hype. Yes, it’s one of London’s grand old hotel ladies but it’s not getting better with age. The owners may want to rethink the entrance and restaurants. It’s not too late to safe this old lady’s good looks – but a major facelift is needed.