What is it? The first Metropolitan (far right) owned by Como Hotels and Resorts was the one in London. It has since been joined by the Metropolitan Bangkok. Como is the baby of Singapore-based designer Christina Ong, who designed the Metropolitan London to be a contemporary, five-star bolt-hole with none of the stuffiness of more venerated establishments.

What's so special about it? The impeccable service, for a start, which is of a standard you might expect from a chap in a frock coat and white gloves. The property is on one of London's swankiest streets, Old Park Lane, and Hyde Park and Mayfair provide the scenery from many of the 150 rooms and suites.

What is there to do? When guests have had enough of London shopping, sight-seeing, fashion shows and cocktail parties, there are the hotel's personalised packages. Claiming always to have had 'a rock-star clientele', the Metropolitan extends the hedonistic spirit to guests with its Party Like a Rock Star - Sleep Like a Baby package, which guarantees access to the hottest bars, clubs and restaurants. The Seduce Me package for lovers starts with a range of perks 'too naughty to mention' and finishes with a champagne breakfast for two; the Met Mum-to-Be deal pampers prospective mothers and the Boy About Town package is built around two bottles of beer on arrival, a big night out and recovery spa session the following day.