First stop, London. Read Farrah’s review of the Grange St Paul’s hotel…

Home of the monarchy, hackney carriages and Hugh Grant, London never ceases to surprise its visitor. The first stop on my journey had to be here; a European melting pot of fashion, architecture, arts and history.

My first hotel, the Grange St Paul’s, is completely synonymous with all of these and sits gracefully – and rightfully so – next to St Paul’s Cathedral. In fact, my bedroom view boasts it – astonishing isn’t the word! When I walked into the hotel this morning, after walking around St Paul’s, I was shocked to find how close by it was – literally a 45 second walk from the cathedral. Not only is it in the centre of the financial district, it is also close to the other side of London – the West End and the cultural centre.

The decor is modern and elegant; marbled floors and dark colours wrapped around elegant whites. A large decorative pillar splashed with flashes of images, colours and lights stands in the middle of the foyer as it towers all the way to the top of this courtyard-style hotel. The 24 hour bar sits at the front of the hotel overlooking St Paul’s, while the reception and concierge are towards the sides. Two luscious glass lifts sit in the middle of all the action as they tower alongside the luminous pillar.

My check-in was smooth and couldn’t have been simpler, and the staff extremely helpful and courteous. The concierge helped bring my suitcase in, although it was a shame nobody helped me take it to my room.

Aside from the stunning views, my room was full of luxury in every sense. Five minutes after my arrival, I was gifted with complimentary fruit and a bottle of chilled still water and – just what I wanted after a long journey – fresh grapes! What a small gesture, but how it left a lasting impression on me – that is good customer service. All rooms are fully equipped with the usual, Wi-Fi, mini bar, iron, hairdryer, and air conditioning.

Food is taken very seriously here at the Grange, and with two restaurants and two bars, you are sure to find something you like. I was astonished to find a whole section for vegetarians on the menu – I like! The Gnocci was fabulous, but the restaurant was quiet, even at 7pm. The bars seemed more alive – perhaps the London crowd eat later on.

Every time I had a query (what can I say, I’m a fuss pot, so that happens often!) whether I needed more sugar, couldn’t get the internet to work or the room was too cold, turnaround time for response was in every instance, less than five minutes.

I get the feeling the Grange really cares about my stay and wants to make it count. It wants me to come back again and again to enjoy the views, service and excellent food – and somehow, as I walk across the foyer at night, with the giant pillar lighting up the ambience, it knows I will be back, again and again!

Right guys, I’m off to Vegas – make sure you follow me and please do let me know what I should be checking out whilst I am over there! Drop me a tweet or indeed leave me a message (and check out more photos) on Facebook.