THE METROPOLITAN LONDON

When the Metropolitan Hotel first opened in 1997, it saw the traditional neighbourhood of Mayfair rock with a new kind of visitor - fast, fashionable aficionados of modern design. Now, eight years down the line, the 150-room contemporary showpiece created by United Designers, is looking as hot as ever, having just undergone a complete refurbishment, introducing Wifi throughout as well as a new look Met Bar. This is among the city's most popular members' clubs, open to hotel residents, where martinis are sipped to cool tunes spun by top-of-the-game DJs. There is also a COMO Shambhala Urban Escape offering a gym, steam room, reflexology, aromatherapy, shiatsu massage and jet-lag therapies. Yoga mats are supplied in room, and teachers available on request. For a Michelin-starred culinary experience, Nobu, the hotel restaurant co-owned by Nobu Matsuhisa and Robert de Niro, offers innovative Japanese cuisine with an upbeat New York-style atmosphere. There are five event spaces accommodating groups from 10 to 80. Service, for which this hotel is known, includes a concierge who knows exactly what's going on in town as well as room butlers.