London's best secret hotels

<p> A hotel that prides itself on a discreet and elegant environment, <a href="http://www.comohotels.com/thehalkin/" target="_blank">The Halkin by COMO</a> nestled in exclusive Belgravia is the ultimate urban sanctuary, oozing understated glamour, poised service and chic interiors. As London's first boutique design hotel, it is considered a home from home for the rich and famous looking for a hideaway in the centre of the capital, while still close to all the action. The Halkin boasts Georgian-style Portland stone, arched windows and stylish rooms in calming shades.</p>

<p> Set close to an elegant garden square, <a href="http://www.ecclestonsquarehotel.com/" target="_blank">Eccleston Square Hotel</a> is in a Grade II-listed dating back to 1835 with an interior that will surprise you - think contemporary spaces inspired by a super yacht cabin! As one of Europe's most hi-tech hotels, the 39-bedroom hotel is hidden behind a striking Georgian facade and offers state-of-the-art bedroom interiors, such as lighting, curtain and temperature controls, iPad2s and electronically-adjustable beds with massage features.</p>

<p> Tucked away in exclusive Chelsea Harbour, <a href="http://www.wyndhamgrandlondon.co.uk/" target="_blank">Wyndham Grand London</a> is London's only all-suite five-star hotel and is ideally placed just moments from the buzz of the King's Road and close to Westfield Shopping Centre. What we love most about the suites is their sense of space, giving you luxury and style with plenty of room in a tranquil city spot. Be sure to go for a stroll along the River Thames without the crowds of the South Bank, and when your legs can't take anymore exploring, head back to the hotel and indulge in afternoon tea at the Chelsea Riverside Brasserie overlooking the picturesque harbour marina.</p>

<p> Set in trendy Clerkenwell, the classic, warm and lavish <a href="http://www.ghotw.com/hotel/home/rookery.htm" target="_blank">Rookery</a> is the hotel gem of the area and is all about period charm. Imagine polished wood panelling, stone-flagged doors, open fires and antique furniture creating a warm and homely atmosphere that is more private members club than hotel. The Rookery's rooms are traditionally furnished and full of character, with four-poster mahogany beds and vintage bath tubs. Don't miss the conservatory, which contains an honesty bar for you to help yourself to drinks, relax and entertain friends.</p>

<p> You want a secret hotel? This hotel knows all about keeping secrets and was once a hangout for spies. Tucked away behind a pretty courtyard garden close to St James's Park, <a href="http://www.sterminshotel.co.uk/" target="_blank">St Ermin's</a> boasts gorgeous white rococo decor, a dramatic two-tiered lobby with a sweeping staircase, curving balconies and roaring log fires. It is full of character with a secret tunnel, which is said to lead directly to the Palace of Westminster, and during the Cold War, the Caxton Bar was where notorious spy Guy Burgess of the Cambridge Five handed over secret files to his Russian counterpart. What's more, the four-star deluxe hotel is family-friendly and offers a Budding Bonds package to turn little guests into secret agents, with its local spy walk, code-breaking puzzles, missions and non-alcoholic cocktails - shaken, not stirred!</p>

<p> The quietly glamorous <a href="http://www.prideofbritainhotels.com/the_arch_london" target="_blank">Arch London</a> is a stylish newcomer to the capital's hotel scene and is located close to busy Oxford Street but seeming a world away. Epitomising London Townhouse living, the elegant and modern hotel features British art on the walls, a cosy library and home cooked, simple and seasonal food. The 82 bedrooms and nine suites have complimentary internet access, Nespresso coffee machines, Jing tea-making facilities, a complimentary soft drinks minibar, plus most have in-bath TVs. It's just the kind of hotel we like being holed up in with our home comforts!</p>

<p> A quintessentially British hotel, the <a href="http://www.theadria.com/" target="_blank">Adria</a> is situated in Queen's Gate and is a gem among London's hotel scene. Each of the 24 bedrooms is different in design and are lettered, not numbered, so you can stay in the Adria (A), Bowler (B), Croquet (C) or the Downing (D). The hotel prides itself on high standards, offering bespoke service to its guests. The Victorian townhouse, built in 1870, has a philosophy of creating a 'home away from home' and was designed as a residence while portraying British traditions.</p>

<p> Not what you'd expect from Ibis, this budget hotel is hidden away in Blackfriars, just 10 minutes from Southwark and opened in October 2012, so it is still off the tourist radar. The super-cool <a href="http://www.ibis.com/gb/hotel-7943-ibis-london-blackfriars/index.shtml" target="_blank">Ibis Blackfriars</a> has staff wearing black uniforms with red converse shoes that they can personalise, a food menu called Fogg inspired by Phileas Fogg who went 'Around the World in 80 days' - so expect dishes from all over the world - and a Monscierge in the reception hall, a virtual concierge system allowing you to discover things to do near the hotel via a touch screen.</p>

<p> Escape the tourist traps of the West End and book a stay at the distinctively different <a href="http://www.southplacehotel.com/" target="_blank">South Place Hotel</a> located between Moorgate and Liverpool Street. Giving a nod to its historic location, the place of a Soviet spy ring in the 1920s, South Place Hotel features peep-holes in the meeting rooms, secret bars and lounges for guests only and private rooms. Don't miss a drink in the hidden 'secret garden' atrium bar on the first floor and book a room in one of its five private rooms, which take their names from fictional spies. There's also a resident's games room, Le Chiffre, which has all the feel of a private members club with a roaring fire, well-stocked library and records.</p>

<p> Nestled between vibrant Camden and refined Regent&rsquo;s Park, <a href="http://www.gordonramsay.com/yorkandalbany/" target="_blank">York &amp; Albany</a> is a bar, dining room and townhouse with 10 rooms. With its building designed by John Nash, Russell Sage interiors and culinary offerings from Gordon Ramsay, this hotel certainly has the right to name-drop! Dating back to the 1820s and originally a coaching inn, the York &amp; Albany captures the elegance of the Regency period but with a contemporary finish. The 10 bedrooms are adorned with period antiques and a few personal touches. It has a relaxed atmosphere and if it's privacy you're after, you don't even need to leave for breakfast or dinner as your in a hotel owned by one of the world's top chefs!</p>