London Hotels

• Set in London's Historic District, adjacent to the popular Leadenhall Market shopping area. Entry restricted. Complimentary high-speed Internet access. This turn-of-the-century building was originally the headquarters of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank. The hotel is nestled amongst charming pedestrian streets, ancient churches, parks and public houses.
  
  
• Each Guest room comes equipped with free high speed wireless Internet access, cordless phone, data port with private line for Internet access, tea and coffee maker, hair dryer/make-up mirror, well lighted desk and work area, and individually controlled heat/air conditioner.
  
  
• Club Quarters, Gracechurch (London)features a fitness facility, restaurant and bar, safety deposit boxes, controlled access, meeting facilities, automated registration and checkout, luggage storage, club room and parking nearby (additional charge).
  
  

GENERAL INFORMATION:
What to expect: This former bank is in the center of the business district. In 1903, it was built on the remains of a 2000-year-old Roman basilica, and artwork on the walls celebrates the site's history. Within the high-ceiled lobby, with its bold plaster decoration and marble-clad walls, guests sink into leather chairs to sip coffee or choose from a selection of books. Popular with executives, this restricted access hotel is open to members only Monday through Wednesday, but vacationers are welcomed Thursday through Sunday.

Amenity highlights: All guests can enjoy use of the hotel's fitness room, and complimentary high-speed Internet access in the business center. The hotel's adjoining traditional pub and Argentine-style restaurant attract both guests and local business people, and behind the hotel a small public-access courtyard with trees, lawn, and benches offers a quieter haven.

Insider tip: Just a half-block from the hotel, Leadenhall Market, with its cobbled streets and wrought-iron-and-glass roof, dates back 600 years. Established as a 14th-century poultry market, the present structure was erected in Victorian times and has since become an attractive place to relax over a drink or a light meal.

PROPERTY AMENITIES:
At no extra charge, guests may take advantage of Club Quarters' business center. High-speed Internet access is available at two PCs (both linked to a printer); a modem is available for laptops. Complimentary photocopying service is available from reception.

Next door to the business center, an air-conditioned fitness room offers six cardio-vascular machines, free weights, a sit-up bench, complimentary water and towels, and two private changing rooms with showers. Both the business center and fitness room are open from early morning until mid-evening, and at other times by request.

ROOMS:
In contrast to the Edwardian style of the lobby, the 203 guestrooms are more modernly furnished with brushed-brass wall lamps, oversized teak headboards, and carpeted wall coverings. At Club Quarters, London, hardback books sit atop curved teak-veneer desks, and roaming-handset phones rest on bedside chests of drawers. For laptop users, there are easy-access power sockets, and a choice of dial-up (surcharge) or high-speed wireless (complimentary) Internet access.

DINING:
The Gaucho Grill - Popular with local businesspeople, this lively Argentine-styled restaurant can seat up to 100, and is packed to capacity when lunchtime diners flock to sample the Latin American cuisine and extensive wine list. The interior mixes cowhide-covered banquettes with bar-stool seating as well as more formal dining tables and chairs. Dim lighting throughout, including sepia-colored candles in rustic wooden holders at every table. Open breakfast, lunch and dinner during weekdays, and limited hours over the weekend.

Crosse Keyes Public House - Adjoining the hotel, this vast and traditional pub fills space once occupied by the original building's lobby. Beneath leaded glass domes, an oval, polished-wood bar serves draught beers, a full range of spirits, and a selection of international wines, available by the bottle or by the glass. The informal menu features light, international dishes. Open throughout the day until late evening. Hotel guests may use their own private entrance.