The Zetter Townhouse Marylebone

‘A warm, inclusive atmosphere’ reigns over the Chinese ceramics, architectural plaster mouldings and assorted ornaments in this deliciously designed town house, a ten-minute walk from Hyde Park. ‘An interesting hotel with character, it’s as dotty as the Clerkenwell version [see entry], but with a decidedly masculine feel,’ say Guide inspectors this year. Past the ‘discreet, club-like’ entrance, find the seductive cocktail bar: ‘lots of comfortable leather seating’, ‘low lighting, as is the fashion’. Antique and reclaimed furniture and other curios give the well-equipped bedrooms much spirit. ‘Our mews-facing superior room was wonderfully quiet for London. Every detail had been carefully thought out, from the brocade curtains to the pieced-together map on the bathroom wall.’ A ‘simple’ menu, taken in the room or in the bar, has ‘reasonably priced’ nibbles and light meals. ‘We enjoyed proper shepherd’s pie – perfect comfort food after an evening out.’ Breakfast in the cocktail bar (charged extra) includes a continental buffet with ‘interesting cereals; excellent, fresh loaves; freshly squeezed juices’.