Judy Garland and I go back a long way.

She's not aware of it, mind, but Frances Ethel Gumm, as was, had
an enormous influence over me and undoubtedly helped shape the
person I was to become.

Like most children, I was mesmerised by The Wizard of Oz. But
probably unlike most, it wasn't just because of Judy's performance
as Dorothy. It was because this young girl with pigtails in a blue
gingham dress was talented, beautiful - and, most importantly of
all - brunette. Just like me.

And that was it. My delusory lifelong fixation
began. All because of the colour of someone's hair. While my three
siblings were all blessed with beautiful blonde locks, I was the
odd one out. I genuinely thought it was something to be ashamed of
- and then I saw Judy. It was the start of a beautiful, if somewhat
one-sided, friendship.

So here I was, some decades later, in the London
hotel where she took up virtual residency.

The Gore Hotel, between Kensington and Knightsbridge, is a gem,
just like Judy.And the similarities don't end there. It oozes
sophistication, warmth and a genuine charm. The Gore is the
antithesis of so many identikit corporate hotels scattered across
London.

You can opt to sleep in Judy's gilt wood bed, in one of 50
enchanting bedrooms.

Every room is bound to impress, from the
signature suite - The Tudor Room - to the luxurious Dame Nellie
Room with bed set into a tented recess lined with pleated silk,
faux leopard-skin armchairs, chaises longues, mirror-lined bathroom
and double bath flanked by bronze statues.

There's no place like home, as Judy once declared, but there's
no place I'd rather be if not.

The Gore Hotel has a winter three-for-two offer. This promotion
includes three nights' stay for the price of two. The offer is
priced at the best available rate and includes continental
breakfast but excludes VAT at 15 per cent. Offer available until
March 30, 2010 (not available New Year's Eve or Valentine's Day).
Double rooms £210 per night; luxury doubles £240 per night;
signature suites £280 per night. All exclude breakfast and VAT.

For full details and rates visit www.gorehotel.com