Hotel Review: The Wellesley, London

At the top end of Knightsbridge and just near Hyde Park Corner, the hotel rooms have impressive views overlooking the green expanse of Hyde Park. With the Tube station just steps away, it makes a great base to explore the city, whether you want culture or shopping. Across the road is the one-time home of the Duke of Wellington, Apsley House, a lovely Georgian building filled with fine art and various treasures.

By car: the hotel is 4 hours from Manchester, 2 hours 30 mins from Birmingham and 7 hours from Glasgow. There is paid parking nearby.

By train: London Victoria is a 5-minute taxi away. London Paddington is 10 mins from the hotel, Kings Cross and Euston stations are 20 mins away in a taxi. Book trains to London.

The Wellesley makes an impression the moment you walk into the lobby with its Italian marble floor, huge crystal chandeliers and top-hatted doorman. Elsewhere, there's an Art Deco style and a nod to various film and music-stars of the era, via room names and photos.

As a five-star hotel, service is naturally highly efficient, with the staff there to cater for every need, from helping you choose the right cigar to the butler. There is no gym or spa; the nearest is in Mayfair.

• Bar
• Two restaurants
• Cigar lounge
• Terrace
• Butler service
• Free Wi-Fi

Lavish and stunningly appointed, the bedrooms include suites and a penthouse (set over two floors). The Art Deco theme continues here - with, perhaps, a Twenties-style sliding door to the bedroom - while the colour scheme features cream, dark reds and gold colouring with black lacquer. Bathrooms are fittingly immaculate.

Room types: Deluxe Queen Accessible, Deluxe King, Executive, Junior Suite Hyde Park, One Bedroom Suite, Hyde Park View Suite

Key amenities: ensuite with shower, Hermès Eau d'Orange Verte toiletries, TV, desk, mini-bar

The plush Jazz Lounge hosts jazz evenings on Fridays and Saturdays and daily afternoon teas. Have a cocktail in the small but perfectly formed Crystal Bar, while the refurbished clear-glass cigar terraces are eye-catching. The Italian cuisine in the gold and light pink Oval Restaurant isn't cheap but is exquisite.

Oval Restaurant: formal, fine dining, Italian cuisine.

Cigar Lounge & Terrace: Europe's largest collection of cigars, heated terrace, small plates.