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London’s most stylish hotel is cool, minimalist and thrillingly expensive. Behind a 1950s office-block exterior, plain walls are punctuated by Dali-lips and Louis XV sofas, while wafting curtains and oil paintings decorate the ceilings of the sparse bedrooms. Facilities include a sauna, gym and spa. Check for special break deals.

This is the largest of three hostels on this street run by St Christopher’s Inns. Other branches are in Camden, Greenwich and Shepherd’s Bush. Double rooms or cheaper dormitories are available. There is a bar, roof terrace, hot tub and sauna.

This is one of London’s great Edwardian hotels. Recently refurbished, it now presents a 21stcentury interpretation of this classic hotel. The leisure facilities are excellent.

Close to Regent’s Park, this classic hotel was built as a block of model apartments in 1936. Now refurbished as a comfortable 82-room hotel, it has spacious rooms, a restaurant and bar. Prices can vary by 100 per cent, the most expensive times being mid-summer and Christmas.

The Thistle Group has 23 hotels in London, many in prime sites. This one is next door to the National Gallery, so staying here will save on transport costs.

With lace and chintz, hunting prints and horse brasses, this quaint hotel has the feel of a country cottage – though it’s just down the road from the Queen’s London home, Buckingham Palace. It has a bar and has recently undergone major refurbishment.

London’s best inexpensive hotel has a memorable location in County Hall near the river and the British Airways London Eye. Though basic, facilities are more than adequate, with fold-out beds for children in each of the 313 rooms. It is essential to book well in advance.