LITTLE LUXURIES

For hotel deals in London, check out the ‘cosy’ yet chic rooms at four- and five-star spots

BY GEORGE HOBICA >>> Here’s my problem: I want to stay in a centrally located London hotel that combines thoughtful design and attentive service with a touch of luxury — you know, those little details, such as a heated towel rack in a bathroom stocked with fluffy white towels, maybe some Penhaligon’s or Molton Brown toiletries and a deep soaking tub — but I don’t want to spend more than 220 pounds per night, including tax. ¶ That may sound like a lot — about $260 a night — but consider this: A late October stay at the Savoy would run about $935 a night. Even the U.S. State Department allows employees traveling to London a per-diem of $299 a night. ¶ I’ve found a solution: Many four- and five-star London townhouse hotels sell their coziest rooms at a relatively affordable price. ¶ These rooms, often on the highest floors, usually offer the same fine bed linens, 24-hour room service and elegant marble-clad bathrooms you would find in the bigger and much more expensive rooms. ¶ Before we continue, two things you need to know: 1. Because some of these rooms sleep only one person, make sure to choose “one guest” when searching on websites to ensure the smaller rooms show up. 2. Prices listed here include tax and ref lect the lowest rates I found for off-peak travel, but rates and rooms are as always subject to availability. Demand often increases prices or, conversely, lowers them.