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As much a literary event as a hotel, Hazlitt’s is located in the former townhouse of essayist William Hazlitt (1778–1830). The hotel’s literary feel is enhanced by its library of books signed by the many authors that have stayed here.

This Georgian hotel, close to Marylebone High Street and Oxford Street, has been in business since 1790. It has a comfortable, old-fashioned style, with oak-panelled rooms, paintings on the walls and comfy leather seats.

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.

Creaking slowly into the 21st century, this Edwardian institution has a lost-world charm to its individual rooms. The Parrot Club provides a retreat for women guests.

Decorated throughout in delightful Edwardiana, this gracious, family-run, country-house-style hotel combines comfort with delightful nostalgia.

A Victorian delight, with sumptuous cushions and drapes, bamboo and bird cages, each room is individually styled with exotica from all over the world. The Chinese Room bar and restaurant in the basement continues the theme with low seating and cushions.

Originally opened in 1892, this hotel retains a relaxed,fin-de-siàcle feel. Persian rugs, potted palms and paintings are in keeping with the elegance of the building, and rooms are furnished with antiques. The restaurant is also recommended.

Full of character, full of junk, with each room individually and tastefully cluttered, this is the kind of hotel you would hope to find near London’s great antiques market. Food in the restaurant is prepared by the nearby Julie’s wine bar.

A warren of rooms has been linked together to create a brilliant hotel that evokes Victorian London, with a Gothic touch. It takes its name from the gang of thieves who once haunted this area near Smithfield market.

Located in an elegant square near Regent’s Park, this stylish, modern small hotel is decorated in English country style. The theme is continued in its basement restaurant, The Potting Shed, which has live jazz Tuesday to Saturday. Rooms are decorated with antiques (two have four-posters) and there is a pleasant small garden.