Soho Hotel

London, United Kingdom [view map]

Style

Modern British wit

Setting

Central secrecy

Soho Hotel is an establishment where the watering hole and eatery have independent allure; local media folk swap editing suites and photo studios for drinks at the bar.

Local restaurants

Stop for tea and cakes down the road, at Yauatcha on Broadwick Street (+44 (0)20 7494 8888), or book a table for their delicious dim sum. Perch on a stool in the tiled former-fishmonger's interior of Randall & Aubin on Brewer Street (+44 (0)20 7287 4447) for seafood or a grill. Dinner at the Ivy on West Street (+44 (0)20 7836 4751) promises showbiz faces among your fellow diners. The real reason to book well in advance, though, is the surprisingly reasonable classic British dishes, among oak panelling and stained glass. J Sheekey on St Martin's Court (+44 (0)20 7240 2565) is another favourite specialising in seafood and modern British dishes. Refined Ligurian dishes come according to the season at Giardinetto (+44 (0)20 7493 7091), the Italian that has recently moved to Mayfair. Chowki(+44 (0)20 7439 1330) on Denmark Street has won awards for its well-priced homestyle regional Indian cuisine. Sketch on Conduit Street (+44 (0)870 777 4488) is celebrated for its extravagant, futuristic design, and offers haute cuisine, brasserie fare or delicate patisseries in its tearoom.

Local bars

CVO Firevault on Great Titchfield Street (+44 (0)20 7580 5333) is a cosy bar beneath a fireplace showroom. Salvador & Amanda (+44 (0)20 7240 1551) is a DJ bar with tapas. Bar Italia (+44 (0)20 7437 4520) serves espressos into the small hours. Lab (+44 (0)20 7437 7820) is a bar with mean mixologists. The Endurance on Berwick Street (+44 (0)20 7437 2944) is perfect for a pint and some posh pub grub.

Nightlife

Chinawhite (+44 (0)20 7343 0040) is louche and decadent. You probably wouldn't guess that the stairs next to the London Palladium in Argyll Street would lead to a sanctuary as sleek as MO*VIDA, the perfect spot for those who like to spend their nights sipping Dom Perignon and swinging their hips to Euro beats. And, if you're in the mood for a little gambling, and money is no object, Fifty (+44 (0)870 415 5050) is London’s first 'grand luxe' private members' club and casino, located in the heart of St James’. Membership will set you back a whopping £750 a year though, so you may find yourself wanting to book lots of nights in this neck of the woods to get your money's worth.

Recommended rooms

The two bedroom apartments have a fully equipped kitchen. All rooms have mini-bars where you can store milk. Children up to three years old can stay for free in their parents' bed; extra beds are £40 a night.

Activities

There are DVD players in every room, and a good selection of child-friendly DVDs to borrow at no extra charge. If you have a lot of kids (or are feeling extravagant), a private screening room is available to hire for £250 an hour. The hotel is filled with striking works of art – children adore the oversized cat sculpture in the lobby created by Fernando Botero.

Meals

Children are welcome in the restaurant for all meals, which will be provided at half price and half the portion size. The Soho hotel can also provide milk and baby food.

Babysitting

This can be arranged for a £10 booking fee; give 24 hours' notice if possible. It costs £9.50 an hour from Monday to Friday, and £11 on Saturdays and Sundays, plus the sitter's transport costs.

Baby-listening

Not available, and monitors don't work well in this hotel because the walls are so thick; you're better off getting a babysitter.

No need to pack

High chairs and cots are provided.

Also

Older children might get a kick out of playing spot-the-celeb: everyone from P Diddy to Friends star David Schwimmer has checked in.