London - Portobello Hotel Notting Hill

I love the Nottinghill area of London. Only a few stops from the heart of the city but with its unique cultural

and boho vibe - and the Portobello Markets and restaurant strip a street away.

The Portobello Hotel has become a favourite home away from home for me. It's an old mansion that been converted into an amazing array of rooms from the gentlemen's single bed with basic amenities to the full four poster bed with luxurious linens and brocade curtains.

I try to book a double room with a free-standing claw-footed bath. An hour soak soothes all those long haul flight aches and pains.

A continental breakfast is included in the room rate and is served in the wonderful high-ceilinged conservatory which overlooks the garden.

A little bit of Edith Wharton while you read The Times and have a cup of Twingings English breakfast tea.

Now I'm ready to tackle a day of exploring.