Short stay: The Cavendish Mayfair, London, UK

In the true spirit of The Cavendish London you could order The Duchess from The Petrichor Bar: a cocktail of Galliano, Cointreau, orange juice and double cream. Then toast Rosa Lewis, known as the Duchess of Jermyn Street, who worked her way up from humble origins to purchase The Cavendish London in 1902. Back then Rosa cooked for Lord Northcliffe, General Kitchener and the Duke of Windsor. Her remarkable rise and rumours of an affair with King Edward Vll inspired the 1970s BBC series The Duchess of Duke Street.

Damaged by the blitz in the Second World War, The Cavendish London was demolished and rebuilt in the 1960s. For the ultimate London views book the Royal Suite on the 14th floor.

The welcome

High ceilinged with its marble and gleaming surfaces, reception features evocative black-and-white photographs of London scenes. Nostalgic pictures of royalty recall the Cavendish’s heritage.

Reception is fast and friendly, even allowing for…