Be pampered at Hotel Xenia, London

The Hotel Xenia in London offers bold design, comfy beds and a stylish bar, close to Earl's Court and Kensington Gardens. Rooms are kitted out in cream wallpaper, with touches of green, grey and brown, while photographs of London landmarks, and cushions decorated with pheasants and union flags, provide the decoration. The hotel, which opened in May, is one of many on London’s Cromwell Street, and is convenient for Earl’s Court, the museum district and Kensington Gardens. Bright and bold downstairs: a giant interactive television, glittering green chandeliers, quirky wallpaper and colourful armchairs combine in a slightly haphazard but fun fashion. More eye-catching décor can be found in the underground events room (big sofas, pool table, another colossal television for private screenings) and the private rooftop terrace, while the small, stylish bar is also a highlight – cocktails can be taken outside in the heated herb garden. Rooms are contemporary, but more reserved in design. Proficient in the lobby, and perfectly charming in the restaurant – we discussed Tuscany with our Italian waitress and the travails of Deportivo La Coruña football club with our waiter. Rooms Most of the 99 rooms are ample, but – due to the age of the Victorian building, I was told – some are rather pokey. If space is important, it would be worth checking when you book, or asking for an upgrade. They are a little uninspiring and business-like – all are kitted out in dull but inoffensive cream wallpaper, with touches of green, grey and brown, while photographs of London landmarks, and cushions decorated with pheasants and union flags, provide the only real decoration. Some have small balconies, most have espresso machines, and all have free Wi-Fi access, and tablets with tourist information and for ordering room service. Beds are big and comfy, bathrooms (with combined tubs and showers) are clean and smart, and full marks for the bathrobes – the fluffiest I’ve ever encountered. There’s also one suite (with plans for a second) – it features high ceilings, a wall of windows and a steam bath. Food & drink The menu in Evoluzione , the hotel’s bright, conservatory restaurant, is based on the teachings of Chiara Manzi, a celebrity nutritionist (Italy’s answer to Gillian McKeith?). Her Cucina Evolution movement claims to be “a new food culture in which pleasure and wellbeing, art and science, creativity and technology harmonize to give an elixir of long life”. No three-course meal will contain more than 800 calories, and next to the description of each dish is a note explaining how its ingredients can benefit your health. It’s a novel concept, but wouldn’t you rather treat yourself on a weekend away? In terms of taste, dishes were hit-and-miss. A simple pasta and a zucchini dish was enlivened with the surprisingly welcome addition of cumin, but my starter of salt cod quenelles was uninspiring, despite being strewn with unnecessary flower petals. And with starters ranging from £11-£18, and mains from £18-£26, it all feels a tad pricey for what it is. Breakfast was disappointing – underdone eggs and soggy hash browns (covered in more of those blasted petals). Rates are remarkably reasonable for this part of London – double rooms from £144, including breakfast; £224 for dinner, bed and breakfast. One bedroom is suitable for wheelchair users. There are children’s options on the menu, but little else to keep them occupied. The telegraph