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• Confidence is returning to the business travel sector, but companies are not expecting a lightning improvement
• Playing golf is often used in building contacts and professional relationships
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1. The Lanesborough
In Londons most luxurious hotel, the Regency decoration reaches a peak in the Oriental Conservatory restaurant, while all the rooms, with deep pile carpets and gleaming mahogany, are fitted with the latest entertainment and communications technology. There is also a fitness centre.
- 1 Lanesborough Place SW1
- 020 7259 5599
- £££££ (over £200)*
- www.lanesborough.com
2. London Marriott County Hall
A fantastic setting, with unrivalled views over the river to Westminster, is the best part – but the wood-panelled rooms, original library and dining room are magnificent too. Plus a gym, sauna and indoor pool.
- County Hall SE1
- 020 7928 5200
- £££££ (over £200)*
- www.marriott.com/marriott/lonch
3. Savoy
Fortunate in its riverside setting, the Savoy is Londons top traditional hotel – a dignified, clubby place with few airs and graces. Leisure facilities include a small rooftop pool.
- 1 Savoy Hill, Strand WC2
- 020 7836 4343
- £££££ (over £200)*
- www.savoy-group.co.uk
4. Ritz
One of Londons most glamorous hotels, the Ritz is decorated in cream and pink, with gold and silk trimmings, chandeliers and Louis XVI furniture. Afternoon tea in the Palm Court is popular and the restaurant has a garden terrace.
- 150 Piccadilly W1
- 020 7493 8181
- £££££ (over £200)*
- www.theritzhotel.co.uk
5. Covent Garden Hotel
Londons most innovative new hotel group is distinguished here by modern style and traditional elegance. Rooms are individually designed with luxurious marble bathrooms. A basement screening room is a nod to its showbiz guests.
- 10 Monmouth Street WC2
- 020 7806 1000
- £££££ (over £200)*
- www.firmdale.com
6. Le Méridien Waldorf
This is one of Londons great Edwardian hotels. A band plays on a balcony overlooking the Palm Court lounge for the hotels famous weekend tea dances. The leisure facilities, however, are right up-to-date.
- Aldwych WC2
- 0870 400 8484
- £££££ (over £200)*
- www.lemeridien.com
7. Dorchester
Part of the fabric of London, the Dorchester opened in 1931 and was the centre of glamorous London life for several decades. It can still out-swank most places. Book a "superior executive" for a view over Hyde Park.
- 53 Park Lane, W1
- 020 7629 8888
- £££££ (over £200)*
- www.dorchesterhotel.com
8. Brown’s
Since 1837, when this Mayfair hotel was founded by James Brown, valet to Lord Byron, to accommodate country society staying in London for the Season, it has mellowed with grace and style. It is clubby without being exclusive, old with modern conveniences.
- Albemarle Street W1
- 020 7493 6020
- £££££ (over £200)*
- www.brownshotel.com
9. The Berners Hotel
Dating from the 19th century, this hotel has a marble-clad lobby with ornate ceilings. The grandeur of this room, and the dazzling Reflections restaurant, are enough to make you want to stay. It has a fully-equipped business centre.
- Berners Street W1
- 020 7666 2000
- £££££ (over £200)*
- www.thebernershotel.co.uk
10. Grosvenor House Hotel
The first hotel in London to have a swimming pool also once had a skating rink, in what became the Great Room, the largest banqueting room in Europe.
- 86–90 Park Lane W1
- 020 7499 6363
- £££££ (over £200)*
- www.lemeridien.com
