Mr & Mrs Smith

Here in South Kensington, you're close to the Royal Albert Hall, the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the wonderful V&A, as well as Kensington Palace and Hyde Park (where you can also visit the Serpentine Gallery). There's swanky shopping galore, too, with Knightsbridge and Kensington High Street nearby – so you can get Harrods ticked off your shopping-to-do list. It's only a short Tube ride into the centre of London, if you want to catch a show in the West End or explore Covent Garden's boutiques and markets.

Good options near the hotel include the bistros at The Pelham or The Gore; French restaurant Aubaine at 262 Brompton Road (+44 (0)20 7052 0100); and, for excellent Iberian tapas, Casa Brindisa at 7–9 Exhibition Road (+44 (0)20 7590 0008). Sherry and ham take centre stage at Capote y Toros, at 157 Old Brompton Road (+44 (0)20 7373 0567). There’s a well-curated wine list and inventive small plates such as lamb sweetbreads and fresh garlic-infused artichokes mixed with mushrooms. Walls are lined with photos of bullfighters and candid family snaps.

Have a few drinks before dining at Bluebird Restaurant and Bar on the King's Road (+44 (0)20 7559 1000).

It's probably a little bit insulting to call Tom's Kitchen on Cale Street (+44 (0)20 7349 0202) a café, but this bar and brasserie is a mighty fine place for a long, late weekend brunch or lunch. The Hummingbird Bakery and its tempting array of pastel-iced cupcakes and sweet delights is just around the corner on Old Brompton Road. Hang out there while Mr Smith gawps at Lamborghinis in the showroom on the corner.

Kensington’s infamous Boujis nightclub (much loved by Princes William and Harry) is steps away at 43 Thurloe Street.