The Lanesborough

Minutes from Buckingham Palace, this lavish hotel treats its guests like royalty. Formerly Viscount Lanesborough's country home, the hotel is now a St Regis Hotel but remains true to its Regency building, with ornate furnishings and decor.

Guests can expect 24-hour butler service, personalised business cards and stationery on arrival.

Each of the 95 guest rooms and suites is filled with period furniture and 21st-century technology, including a mobile phone, CD/DVD player, computer with Internet access and the latest software packages and digital television.

There are six private dining rooms for entertaining and meetings, as well as a small business centre.

Michael Jackson, Madonna and Sylvester Stallone have all stayed here.