The Berkeley
London

Known as a London's fashion-world retreat, The Berkeley is the go-to hotel for those looking to indulge in some retail therapy while in the capital. Perfectly positioned minutes from Knightsbridge's Sloane Street, Pont Street and Brompton Road, The Berkeley has top shops and legendary restaurants on its doorstep and Hyde Park literally across the road. It's legendary David Collins designed Blue Bar is a favourite haunt of fashion and media types and the afternoon tea, or Pret-a-Portea, is modelled on the work of Marc Jacobs, Yves Saint Laurent and Manolo Blahnik and served on dainty Paul Smith china. It doesn't get much better than the rooftop health club and spa enjoy bird's eye views of Hyde Park as your run miles on the gym's state of the art machines or swim under blue skies at London's only open rooftop pool. Dining is pretty awe-inspiring French legend Pierre Koffmann holds the fort at the bistro-style Koffmann's while Marcus Wareing's two Michelin-starred jaunt attracts attention for all the right reasons.

When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.
Susan Heller