The Hempel

• Jane Hayward

Is a city break just what you need? Then book in to the five-star The Hempel in London for luxury and culture

Anouska Hempel's Zen five-star, The Hempel, is one of the capital's most romantic design hotels. Set close to Hyde Park, it's a perfect base from which to sample London's newest cultural events.

CHECK IN: Minimalism rules. 50 bedrooms and suites are virtually monochrome, with heavily textured fabrics and stone bathtubs. Find the in crowd at the new-look No.31 Lounge Bar.

WHAT TO DO: The London Film Festival runs public screenings between 14 and 29 October (bfi.org.uk). For an insight into Swinging London, drop by The Beatles To Bowie: The 60s Exposed, a new exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery (from 15 October; £11; npg.org.uk).

EAT AND DRINK: The Hempel's Restaurant has a modern European menu, or settle into Soho's den-like eateries. Try regional Italian treats such as Ligurian squid at Bocca di Lupo (boccadilupo.com), around £40pp.

HOW MUCH: From £135 per double room. 

FIND OUT MORE: the-hempel.co.uk; visitlondon.com