Careless talk costs lives. You never know who is sitting next to you, who is listening. For the chilling core of the 20th Century, Second World War to Cold War, St Ermin’s was the cloak-and-dagger hub of international espionage.

It’s an odd feeling coming back to a hotel that was once something quite different to what it is now. Such is the case with St. James’ Court London Taj, a huge Victorian property that was formerly a pretty dodgy Crowne Plaza.

With more triangles than a trigonometry textbook the Radisson Blu Edwardian, Mercer Street, is an architectural miracle. For a boutique hotel, in Central London, it is luxuriously spacious. Narnia style wardrobes store all sorts of goodies: Nespresso machine, dressing gowns, tea trays, ironing board  … and our Junior Suite had a 55-inch TV too.

The May Fair Hotel opened in 1927 with Royal approval – since then it’s played host to many a celebrity and is as known for its discretion as much as its flowing champers. Sounds like the perfect place for a lavish stay – especially as I’m attending a star-studded film awards bash downstairs.

Pearl, the Rosewood London Hotel’s pet dog, seems to have the right idea. Lazily slumped in her comfy basket in the glamorous lobby surrounded by all her toys, she could have been a stand-in for me in my hotel room a couple of hours previously.

A quiet, spacious luxury hotel in a good London location is a rare find – and one that’s reasonably priced is especially unusual.

The splendid Corinthia Hotel on London’s Whitehall may have once been the hallowed domain of the Ministry of Defence, but these days the only high level meetings are likely to be in one of the seven stunning penthouses adorning the rooftop.

Andy Mossack reviews the Athenaeum Hotel

There is something quite special about bypassing the ground floor check in and heading straight for the 3rd floor Langham Club private reception. Such is the benefit of getting Club access for the new Residences at The Langham London.