WE’VE made mistakes in the past by trying to cram too much into a visit to the capital.

The Churchill War Rooms were a must on our schedule this time, as was an outing to Queen’s Theatre to see Les Miserables (a Christmas present to my partner who cries pretty much non-stop from the first bars of Look Down to the close of Valjean’s Death).

But while I was happy to gen up on Churchill and the French Revolution, I needed this weekend for some rest and relaxation. A touch of pampering, if you like.

Where better to stay than the luxurious Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel, in the heart of Belgravia, where making guests feel like kings and queens is second nature?

Oxford Mail:

Opened in 1961, this five-star hotel oozes class. Its charming staff couldn’t have been more welcoming and, having been shown to our suite on the 11th floor, I knew I’d found the perfect retreat to refresh and revitalise from the rigours of a tough week at work.

We couldn’t wait to try out the 20-metre stainless steel swimming pool with its skylight views, while the jacuzzi and steam room were perfect after completing the obligatory 20 lengths.

Oxford Mail:

The state-of-the-art gym and fitness studio on the ninth floor looked impressive enough, but our view from two floors above was the closest I wanted to be!

Having been wrung out by the emotional rollercoaster that is Les Miserables, the sight of a heart made from rose petals on our bed when we got back couldn’t have been more perfect.

Oxford Mail:

The hotel’s location could not be better, either. Everywhere you turn, whether towards Sloane Square in one direction or Harrods in the other, you’re surrounded by foreign embassies, designer boutiques and flashy sports cars I can only dream of.

We decided to work off the excesses of the night before – and a mightily-impressive full English breakfast – by walking to Churchill’s War Rooms. Strolling past Buckingham Palace and along Birdcage Walk we were there in no time at all.

And as we ambled back through St James’ Park on our return to the hotel, my partner mused “London’s beautiful, isn’t it? When you get away from all the crowds and really look at the buildings, it’s such a lovely place.”

I was too busy staring at the Lamborghini that had just roared past… l Jumeirah Carlton Tower offers 216 guest rooms and suites, many with stunning views across London. A superior room costs from £450 in high season and £342 in low season. Last month its Rib Room Bar and Restaurant launched a new Sunday roast lunch including a complimentary Red Snapper cocktail and a free ride home in the hotel’s Mini Clubman.

Visit jumeirah.com