Hotel Review: South Place Hotel, London

There is no more historic part of the capital than the City, which stretches out from the hotel in all directions. Moorgate tube is also just a two-minute walk away, so you can be anywhere you want in no time. You are close to the Barbican arts centre in one direction and to the hip and happening bars and restaurants of Shoreditch and Hoxton in the other.

By car: the hotel is 4 hours from Manchester, 2 hours 30 mins from Birmingham and 7 hours from Glasgow.

By train: Liverpool Street station is 5 minutes' walk away and Kings Cross station is a 15-minute taxi ride away. Book trains to London.

From the outside, South Place looks like a perfect venue for the city suits that populate this part of London. But there's more going on behind its contemporary façade than you might think: two excellent restaurants, a buzzy bar, big stylish rooms and a cool, relaxed (and if we're honest) slightly artsy vibe that doesn't just attract corporate folk, and indeed even makes dogs and their owners feel welcome.

Service is efficient and natural throughout, from the reception desk to the restaurant. In addition to the two restaurants and bars, there's a sauna, steam room and gym, a variety of meeting and private dining rooms, plus a quiet guest lounge on the first floor.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Library
• Billiards
• Garden

• Spa

• Gym

• Room service

• Pet-friendly
• Free Wi-Fi

The comfortable rooms range from entry-level Loft rooms to Studios and Suites. All the rooms are bright and spacious with floor-to-ceiling windows; most have baths as well as showers and come with fantastic amenities.

Room types: Long, King, Twin, Eldon, The Pad, Wilson, Wilson Courtyard, Studio, Suite 610, East Wing

Key amenities: ensuite shower or bath, St Clement's by James Heeley toiletries, tea and coffee facilities, Dyson hairdryer, Bang & Olufsen TV, free Wi-Fi

As the only hotel in the D&D restaurant group, there's an excellent, informal brasserie on the ground floor and the Michelin-starred Angler restaurant is at the top of the building, offering spectacular views from its glass dining room and outside terrace.

South Place Chop House: British meat and fish classics. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner and weekends for brunch. Mains from £18.

Angler Restaurant: Michelin-starred, seafood-focused. Open Tues-Sat for lunch and dinner. Mains from £39.50.