Intercontinental Westminster, London Review

There's a new hotel on the block and it comes in the shape of the Intercontinental Westminster. The location is idyllic; in the heart of St James and a stone's throw from Westminster and the River Thames, this property is worth checking in and checking out. Regardless of whether you are visiting London for business or pleasure this hotel puts you right in the heart of the action and provides simple luxury with minimum fuss and maximum pleasure.

Providing instantaneous freshness and exuberant service we find ourselves in a lovely, straight-to-the-point suite with ample amenities and comfort in mind. The decor is so clean it's almost Japanese in style, with pine and timber sprouting from every crevice. Don't get me wrong, it's inviting, in fact it's even a tempting proposition as a second London home. We weren't swamped with space but there's enough room to swing a cat, even enough room to swing a cat with a rather large top hat.

"It's a building that tells many a story for those willing to listen, and for those not willing to listen it provides a pretty good sleep."

Regardless of its 21st century make over, the hotel lies in a 19th century building which was once Queen Anne's Chamber. It's a building that tells many a story for those willing to listen, and for those not willing to listen it provides a pretty good sleep. History aside, there's no beige paintings here; art is modern, fruitful, unsuppressed and most importantly easy on the eye.

When staying in a suite one is granted access to the club lounge which provides an as yet unspoiled place for a drink, giving more sanctuary than the busy bar. Drinks aren't complementary throughout the day but breakfast and early evenings are more than covered with a fine selection of food, drinks and canapés. The canapés in fact deserve a special mention as they aren't served in bulk but direct to the table on a slate tile and mum didn't go to Iceland for these. They are quite special and definitely worth going club class for.

After all this lovely hospitality we were longing for our daily health kick in the gym, the Intercontinental promises a fully equipped techno gym which sadly on our visit wasn't open. Instead we were diverted down the road and round the corner to an alternative option. It wasn't the end of the world but in sub zeros walking across London in gym attire isn't the most convenient of solutions, least of all because the alternative gym didn't feel as inviting as its promised counterpart. We can't wait to experience the full force of the Intercontinental's facilities; if the hotel is anything to go by they promise to be rather spot on! All in all, this hotel is a fine addition to London's hotel industry.