The Ritz
London

Opened in 1906 by renowned hotelier Cesar Ritz, The Ritz is a classic London icon and one of the world's most famous hotels. Inspired by Paris's Rue de Rivoli, Cesar Ritz was the first to bring French palatial style to turn-of-the-century London. Rooms have been perfectly maintained to reflect their original neo-classic Louis XVI design but modern touches such as sleek marble bathrooms and flat-screen televisions keep the hotel very much in the present. The Ritz is also London's only hotel that borders Green Park meaning that a stroll to Buckingham Palace takes a matter of minutes. Children are always welcome and treated like royalty expect presents on arrival and thoughtful touches from free ice-cream to their own VIP scheme. Recently refurbished, the art-deco Rivoli Bar is an institution and the perfect place for a coupe-de-champagne at any time of day. Meanwhile The Ritz Restaurant is an opulent frescoed and gold extravaganza which, alongside serving three meals a day, hosts 'Live at the Ritz', an evening of dinner and dancing. Afternoon Tea is, of course, a must served in the Belle-Epoque style Palm Court and with over 17 teas to choose from this really is one of London's most impressive tea experiences.

To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson