Located in the heart of Mayfair, Brown's Hotel looks set to reclaim its position as London's grande-dame hotel when it reopens in early December 2007. Former guests Rudyard Kipling, Haile Selassie and Agatha Christie would hardly recognise their old quarters. Designer Olga Polizzi has spent GBP 20 million sprucing up acres of original oak panelling, wrought-iron banisters and stained-glass windows, and updating rooms with banquettes, limestone bathrooms and prints by British artists such as Bridget Riley. 

Rates: From GBP 235.00pn + tax