When you think of a weekend in London, it usually comprises of a show, shopping in Oxford Street and trying to squeeze in as much sightseeing as possible. Jeff Fuidge tries a more leisurely approach.I enjoy a weekend in London myself, but for me, cramming too much into just a couple of days seems such hard work. Unlike the usual tourists, I don't like the idea of charging round like a maniac.
It's much more enjoyable to take things at a more leisurely pace and just choose just a couple of things to do. Also I have discovered that to make a trip to London even more interesting each time is to try a different area to stay.
Instead of a more central hotel, this time I stayed in the heart of trendy Chelsea just a 10-minute walk from the King's Road and Sloane Square and a five-minute stroll from the Fulham Road.
With all the big fashion retailers on King's Road, as well as the huge Bentall's department store, there's no real need to take on the crowded pavements of Oxford Street, added to that there are some fabulous restaurants and great pubs and a bit of culture too if you need it, in the shape of the impressive Saatchi Gallery near Sloane Square.
Another must see is the Bibendum Restaurant on Fulham Road. The former Michelin Tyre Company's headquarters is an Art-Deco joy to behold with it's stylish decor and now housing an oyster bar, cafe and restaurant.
But if you feel the urge to get into the capital's centre, though, there’s no need to fear, it's just a 10-minute ride on the Underground from nearby Kensington High Street station.
I stayed at the chic and pristine myhotel in Ixworth Place at the heart of trendy Chelsea, which has been sensitively converted and designed by James Soane of Project Orange, from a five-storey police station into a modern boutique hotel. The rooms are elegantly designed using restful colours and textures all based on the principles of feng shui to give a unique hotel experience.
To add to the Eastern flavour there is a dedicated treatment room which combines ancient healing techniques offering a whole range of pampering and massage from your head to your toes.
There is also a well-equipped gym for the more energetic and a luxurious library for those who prefer to relax or unwind in a more comfortable and less exhausting surroundings.
The neat and uncomplicated restaurant provides a first-class a la carte menu and cocktail bar.

SPECIAL OFFER

Throughout the winter the myhotel group has linked up with Somerset House to celebrate the outdoor ice rink’s 10th anniversary.
Tickets for Somerset House Ice Rink are being made available as part of a special myhotels package.
The package includes two tickets to skate over December and January. In addition the package includes accommodation at either myhotel Bloomsbury or myhotel Chelsea, continental buffet breakfast the following morning and a late check out.
Package is available from £155 +vat for a standard double at weekends & £194 +vat for a standard double on weekdays.
To book for this event or for other reservations call 020 76372000 or www.myhotels.com