Daily Star Sunday

HOTEL OF THE WEEK Hyatt Regency London The Churchill

- BY NIGEL WISKAR

WHERE AND WHY

You wouldn’t think there is a cost-of-living crisis when you emerge into the mass of humanity along Oxford Street. If shopping is your thing, then there’s probably no better spot to stay than The Churchill.

It’s close enough to take the plunge, with Selfridges just a five-minute stroll away, yet somehow also an escape from it, lying opposite leafy Portman Square.

Marble Arch Tube is round the corner with Bond Street on the Elizabeth line close too.

Our room looking over the square was spacious and bright, with a huge bed.

It’s a big hotel but staff give it more of an intimate feel.

We popped into the business lounge for a drink before a night on the town and reflected on the more illustriou­s characters who’d shared these same four walls.

Barack Obama stayed in 2008 on his pre-election presidenti­al campaign, and met

Tony Blair here.

ON THE MENU

The ground floor Montagu restaurant has charming and super-friendly waiting staff and we chatted about London’s Korean hotspots and the best place for wine in Portugal.

But enough gossiping… I started with pan-seared scallops (£24) while my wife tucked into Cornish fish cake (£22).

My rib-eye steak (£38) left me too satisfied for dessert (and barely able to walk) while on the other side of the table, the lamb rump (£32) was demolished with gusto.

Breakfast is a traditiona­l buffet featuring everything from cereals to eggs cooked to order.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE

I’d recommend a stroll along the fringe of nearby Hyde Park to Notting Hill.

Portobello Road market is at the top end and if you want to eyeball how the other half live, go south to Holland Park.

The Design Museum is worth an hour poking about some of the quirky designs.

Feeling nosey? Pop round the corner and take a peek at adjoining mansions owned by Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page and some warbler called Robbie Williams.

Then Google their planning rows.

If you’re still hungry after the feast at The Churchill, Edgware Road has some very good Lebanese food.

Then get back to that huge bed and put your feet up.

WAKE-UP CALL

A king room starts at £400 a night. hyatt.com

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