Address: Temple Place, London WC2R 2PR
Telephone: 020 7300 1700
Website: www.swissotel.com
First impressions: In a fantastic location on a bend in the Thames. The Howard does not have the grandest of exteriors in London, nestling between a lot of office blocks. But the interior has been beautifully renovated and manages to feel both traditional and chic. This is really a hotel of two halves - if you're facing the front you won't care about anything but the wonderful view. If you're at the back you'll probably want to keep the curtains drawn.
What are the rooms like? Variable sizes but all with consistently appealing design and very good amenities - the whole range of necessities and a few luxuries, including a Lavazza Espresso machine in every room. Lots of deluxe rooms, including some with balconies. The suites are superb. Unless money is absolutely no object, best try for a deluxe room, king, with a balcony and river view. You can sit out and enjoy a balmy summer evening, or just pull back the curtains from your enormous bed and get the best view in London. To spell it out: from St Pauls, Canary Wharf and Tower Bridge on your left, right down to Westminster on your right, with the South Bank and the Eye in front.
The bathroom: Sleek and well fitted out, if not huge in most rooms. The suites have separate jetspray showers as well as a bath that two can comfortably share.
The restaurant: The JAAN creates some unusual dishes with its mix of French and Khmer cuisine. While the a la carte prices seem high at first, the succession of amuse-bouches and palette-cleansers (eg coriander and lobster bisque, pumpkin soup, strawberries and champagne) that came along made it much more of a gastronomic experience than just three excellent courses. A particularly good innovation is the pairings of wine and food on the menu, making a range of selected wines available by the glass. Pre-theatre and special offers are much more affordable - around £25-30 for three courses and wine.
What is there to see within walking distance? Anywhere in central London, the Thames and Covent Garden are on the doorstep.
How much a night? The cheapest room at full corporate rate is £295 plus VAT. However, in practice you can get something for much less by checking their special offers. At time of writing, two people could share a room for £175 with breakfast including VAT. Whatever you pay, though, it's worth adding the extra for an upgrade to a room with a river view.
