Live like a local at this discreet home away from home. Conceived with the ‘independent traveller’ in mind, Caroline Main’s quirky guest house in villagey Notting Hill makes an elegant base for city exploration. Each of the spacious, high-ceilinged suites (white walls, wood floors, Edwardian prints, a vintage commode or wardrobe) occupies an entire floor of the Victorian town house; all are well supplied with books, guides and maps, purified water, a fridge and motley other travellers’ essentials (umbrellas, adaptor plugs, etc). Morning tea or coffee, with the day’s newspaper, may be taken in the room or on the balcony overlooking the quiet street. Breakfast at one of the many delis or artisan bakeries nearby (guests receive discounts); keep up a gym routine at the local BodyWorksWest health club, where special day rates are available. (Underground: Notting Hill Gate)