Hotel of the week

The Resident, Victoria, London

WHERE AND WHY

Sited in Palace Place, near many of London’s most famous landmarks, The Resident is the ideal base for a big sightseeing weekend.

It’s an easy stroll to Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben. It’s also surrounded by greenery, with St James Park, Hyde Park, Green Park and Kensington Gardens minutes away.

The concept of this hotel collection – there are three others in Kensington, Soho and Covent Garden in London, plus one in Liverpool’s Ropewalks district – guests are made to feel like residents and are inspired to experience the best the neighbourhood offers.

Rooms are sleek, comfortable and practical, and range from snug singles to deluxe doubles.

Each comes with a desk, pocket-sprung bed and bathroom with double sinks. Some have additional sofa beds – ideal for families.

All have a discreet mini kitchen with sink, filtered water tap, fridge, coffee machine, microwave and kettle, plus plenty of crockery. There’s free wi-fi and a pillow menu.

ON THE MENU

Having no in-house restaurants, bars and leisure facilities, nights out on the town, long brunches and local spas and salons are very much in order.

We were given some great tips by the hotel staff on nearby bars and eateries to try, from Noura, a Lebanese restaurant in Belgravia, to Greenwood, a sports pub in the Nova shopping and eatery venue, serving pizzas and guest ale.

Staff also offered to make reservations, as well as book tickets to attractions, and taxis.

All guests can access a Victoria Privilege Card for discounts. You can order drinks and snacks via room service (25% off with your Privilege Card) or a takeaway (reception alerts you of your food’s arrival).

You can also ring ahead and ask for your fridge to be pre-stocked with food and drink.

For breakfast in bed, pick from a range of goodies the night before, from decadent pastries to fresh granola and berries with edible flowers and freshly-squeezed juice.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE

Jump aboard a boat from Embankment Pier for a sight-seeing cruise along the Thames. Discover more about Winston Churchill in his underground Second World War Cabinet War Rooms headquarters, just down the road.

Hotel guests get 2-for-1 tickets at the London Transport Museum and kids go free.

WAKE-UP CALL

Rooms from £120 weekdays, £160 weekends, residenthotels.com/the-resident-victoria