Radisson Blu Edwardian Hampshire Hotel

While the "Edwardian" in the name of this landmark hotel relates to the upscale category of Radisson Blu hotels to which it belongs, in this case it also aptly describes the property's origins. The gracefully curving brick facade, elegant stone arches, and intricate wrought-iron porticos came together in the early reign of King Edward at the start of the 20th century. Inside the lobby, however, any period features have been replaced with the chain's signature brand of Asian chic. Original artworks and crushed velvet furnishings are dotted throughout the ground floor and provide some welcome splashes of color to create an overall effect that is inviting and approaching lavish. Clientele are predominantly weekending couples splashing out on a treat, though the location also makes the hotel popular with business guests. 

For visitors wanting to stay in the busy and bustling heart of London, locations don't get much better than this. The hotel is set overlooking Leicester Square in the heart of the capital's West End, famous for its cinemas and regular red-carpet movie premiers. The immediate surrounds also includes some of the city's most popular theaters, as well as numerous pubs, bars, and restaurants. Trafalgar Square, with its Nelson's Column monument and the National Gallery, is five minutes' walk away, while iconic Piccadilly Circus is around the same distance (with Tube connections direct to Heathrow Airport in under an hour).

The hotel has 127 rooms and suites, most of which are decorated in with shimmery but subdued wall coverings, beige carpeting, heavy traditional furnishings (like snakeskin-print headboards and black leather wingback chairs). Rooms have smart TVs, tea/coffee facilities, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. Upgraded rooms add bathrobes. Bathrooms are all finished in marble, and have shower/tub combos and designer toiletries. Reports suggest some rooms are tiny (even by London standards), many show signs of wear, and street noise can inevitably be an issue -- especially for rooms overlooking the square.

A large breakfast buffet is served each morning in the hotel's Leicester Square Kitche, where cooked-to-order options are also available and are included in the rate (though some guests have complained about the quality). The restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner, and offers a menu of Mexican and Peruvian small dishes, which can be enjoyed alfresco on a large terrace area. The hotel's Hampshire Lounge Bar serves drinks and small plates throughout the day. There's also a small gym on-site -- though no spa facilities -- as well as meeting rooms with views over the city. Valet parking is available, though at a very expensive daily rate.