It is entirely appropriate that the refurbishment of Flemings in Mayfair feels as if it was done by some giddy socialite dabbling in interiors rather than a dedicated designer.For there is nothing remotely corporate about this conversion of six Georgian townhouses on Half Moon Street, as you can tell from the moment you walk into the lift disguised as a faux library. Flemings celebrates its 250th birthday as a hotel next year, and with its slogan "chic and discreet", it was surely the scene of some dangerous liaisions. The rooms retain an air of sexy glamour: mine had mirrored furniture, metallic wallpaper, aubergine suede armchairs, a plethora of silk cushions and a divinely comfortable bed.

A marble bathroom had a large tub and walk-in shower, but shampoo and shower gel were basic and there was no vanity kit. This lack of attention to detail carried into a tea-tray, which held a pot with strainer, but only tea bags, and no pen or pad beside the phone, though the fine desk and wi-fi indicated business guests were expected.   

As so often in Britain, the buffet breakfast was disappointing. Full marks for crusty loaves and pats of butter, but why let it down with a poor selection of packaged cheese instead of a cheese board? And at £16, they could put out some smoked salmon along with rollmops and peppered mackerel. Boiled eggs and soldiers, kippers, smoked haddock or full English were better value at an additional £2, and for an afternoon treat, try the Champagne and cupcakes.

RATES: from £195 r/o
TEL: 020 7499 2964