JC Stays: The Levin hotel, London

But this is intentional. When it was launched in 2007 (taking over from previous brand L’Hotel, which David founded in the early 80s), The Levin was designed with a 1930s theme.

My room, reached up a narrow chandeliered staircase (I later discovered an old-fashioned lift with a metal grille you open yourself, like in a Parisian pension) was decorated in grey and brown, a bowl of ripe bananas and apples waiting on the coffee table next to the empty grate of a traditional fireplace.

The bed seemed maybe a little saggy, and the toilet just a little creaky, but everything was clean, and the bath was delightfully deep with plenty of hot water and perfectly good toiletries.

In the morning, breakfast in the basement dining room (called the Knightsbridge Metro) was served by a thoughtful waitress keen to make sure everything was just right. The dining room is also open for informal lunches with classic British dishes such as fish and chips on the menu.

There is something quaint and charming about The Levin – reminiscent of taking rooms in a discreet townhouse, perhaps in an Hercule Poirot story.

And given its tranquil calm, intimate size of just 12 rooms along with that superb shopping location, it's no wonder it has a loyal clientele.