Recently I had the pleasure of staying overnight at the Jumeirah Lowndes, a boutique hotel where city chic meets intimate elegance. After a rather stressful week, I was desperate for a moment to have some me-time and relaxation.

The hotel has a package entitled Weekend Chill Out, which includes overnight accommodation in a Superior room, an unlimited selection of the latest in-room films and a complimentary bottle of wine. It was the perfect combination to help me put the week's hectic schedule behind me. As I stepped into the reception area, I was greeted by a friendly concierge who showed a great deal of patience as I fumbled around irritated looking for my credit card in my oversized bag, annoyed that train delays had made me late for the body wrap appointment I had been looking forward to it for days prior.

Still, he checked me in speedily and called the spa to push my appointment back by 30 minutes so that I could settle in. He was such a sweetheart. Just when I thought it couldn't get better, he told me that I'd been upgraded to a suite. It was a such a thoughtful gesture, and at that point I knew I was finally going to enjoy the weekend ahead.

I've stayed at many hotels, some uber posh, others more understated. What I particularly liked about the Jumeirah was the balance it had between a décor that spoke of high end sophistication and the service that was refreshingly family oriented. There are 87 bedrooms at the Jumeirah Lowndes, all with amenities and finishing touches which made my stay all the more pleasant, from the coffee machine to the bowl of fresh strawberries, grapes and plums that awaited, the rooms were cosy, inviting and above all relaxing. The rooms are decorated in neutral tones, whites, creams, golden browns. Tastefully done and not too overpowering.

After a quick power shower and a short walk to the sister hotel, Jumeirah Carlton Tower, I booked into the Peak Spa and had the Tropical body wrap I was waiting for. To start my skin was exfoliated before bring wrapped in a cocoon of mango and passion fruit cream, gently massaged and moisturised. The Pevonia products used were picked especially to help brighten the skin and infused with Vitamin C for an added boost. 90 minutes later, my skin was super smooth and smelling delicious. It was more about smoothing and rejuvenating the skin, than a inch-loss session.

After retiring to my room for a few hours, I had a meal at the Mimosa Bar and Restaurant within the hotel. It's vibrant Mediterranean menu was impressive and the al fresco dining was great, given it was a mild evening for Autumn. If you're ever at the Mimosa you have to try their scallops, they are divine.


Later I had a stroll along the nearby shops, admired the beautiful shoes in Louboutins and finished with a glass of bubbly in the champagne bar at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower. It's a 6 minute walk between both hotels, and whilst the Carlton has more facilities, the Lowndes is the quieter of the two and much more intimate. My stay at the hotel set me in good stead for the weekend, it was just what the doctor ordered.

For me this hotel is the place to go for essential rnr. It's not a 'rock n' roll' hotel by any means, you'll find more business guests and families / couples than an influx of red carpet celebrities and this has its advantages. So if you're looking for somewhere cosy, wholly unpretentious but still classy, I'd recommend the Jumeirah Lowndes.

The Weekend Chill Out is valid in Friday - Sunday stays until 31st December 09 and starts from £196 + VAT per night. Based on two guests sharing. The Peak Spa facilities are available to use complimentary if you are staying at either hotel and the Tropical Escape Body Wrap costs £85.


Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel
21 Lowndes Street,
Knightsbridge,
London SW1X 9ES
Tel: (0)20 7823 1234
Web: www.jumeirah.com