London hotel The Arch offers a charming 'Georgian townhouse' experience

The Arch inhabits seven Georgian townhouses and two mews homes in Great Cumberland Place, in the heart of London. Hyde Park, Oxford Street and, of course, Marble Arch are a mere hop, skip and a jump away, as is Selfridges, the "best department store in the world" (according to the Global Department Store Summit). Close to some of the Smoke's best-known hotels, this family-run boutique property holds its own against the bigger boys. Living up to its "consider it done" philosophy, the hotel offers a concierge service upon confirmation of a booking; before you arrive staff will have organised your theatre tickets or dinner reservations, arranged a limousine service and dealt with any other queries/requests that will make your stay go smoothly. Doormen offer guests lemon water as they arrive - and have an umbrella on hand when you head out for the day; this is London, after all …

Original works (most of which are worth a second look) from contemporary British artists are on display throughout the hotel and the Martini Library (above), with its stone fireplaces, offers a varied collection of books with which to sink into its elegant armchairs. The staff will pander to your pooch, too, with a menu especially for pets and someone on hand to take them for walkies should you have become too engrossed in one of those books.

The 82 rooms and suites vary in style and decor - although all boast striking hand-painted Italian wallpaper - while managing to look totally in keeping with what you might expect to find in a well-kept Georgian townhouse. All mod cons are present and correct, and the free water and soft drinks are a nice touch, as is the free Wi-fi. "A night in with the telly" takes on a whole new meaning in the bathroom, where a state-of-the-art flat-screen set is hung at the foot of a tub that comes complete with a bathpillow.