London Hotel : The Metropolitan

Having to make a trip across the pond for a countryside wedding, I decided to make the most of some time in London and catching up with friends as well as the city's style scene, of course.

But where would I stay? Thankfully Toronto's Visit Britain office had a few stellar suggestions So here is my review of one hotel that I'll most definitely be booking again!

Metropolitan Hotel

The Location... Park Lane, Mayfair

The Rooms... All 110 rooms and suites are modern, sophisticated and, above all, spacious. I fully enjoyed the massive tub and amenities that included gorgeously-scented bath salts.

The Food... Delicious and filled with a wide variety of options. Michelin-starred Nobu is packed with patrons indulging in Japanese-Peruvian cuisine almost every night.

A must is the Afternoon De-Light Tea! The trendsetting menu features sweet and savoury cupcakes, fruit scones, and no-bread sandwiches' made using healthful alternatives including flour substitutes. Fresh fruit purées replace unrefined sugars, while olive oil replaces butter, and organic and locally sourced produce is used wherever possible. Not into the tea thing? Opt for the staple Met Club sandwich or a healthy salad from the signature COMO Shambhala menu.

Tip: Ask to have your tea served in the bright lobby lounge.

The Day Spa... Very small, but the staff are ready to pamper with any of the unique and luxurious packages offered. Always on the cutting-edge, it is the only spa in the UK that offers the transformative Dr. Perricone facial.

Knowing my entire body would be aching post-redeye flight, I booked a deep tissue massage the day I arrived. A very good idea indeed. There is also a good-sized gym with steam room.

The Area... Green Park tube is nearby. If you prefer to stay local then it's only a quick walk to Knightsbridge for great shopping. As Hyde Park is a music festival hot spot during the Summer, and just across the way, many a rock star books into the Met. No star sightings for me, but The Rolling Stones were to be checking in the week I was there!

Metropolitan Hotel

Old Park Lane, London

W1K 1LB

Sara Graham, Fashion Forward
		About the author:
		When Malcolm Gladwell talks about “connectors,” he’s talking about Sara Graham. This gal-about-town made her mark spending five years in (and out) of publishing as Editor-in-Chief of Canada’s top teen magazines Vervegirl and FUEL. During the out part she created, designed and managed all aspects of Sister Underwear – a collection that was not only embraced by the Canadian fashion network of buyers, media and the public, but enjoyed repeat orders from boutiques located in the U.S. Although no longer deep in the publishing or fashion trenches, Sara remains curious and connected via her insatiable appetite for culture and travel. Sara also continues to produce fashion shoots through Project, her brand management company.