London Hotels

• Overlooking the River Thames, this hotel is 6 blocks southeast of Covent Garden and a half-block from the Temple Underground.
  
  
• The nine-story hotel has 189 guestrooms with contemporary furnishings, king beds, and either river or garden views.
  
  
• Renovated in 2002, the Swissôtel The Howard has a fine-dining restaurant, a terraced garden, and climate controls throughout.
  
  

GENERAL INFORMATION:
What to expect: Almost entirely clad in marble, the lobby mixes neo-classical and contemporary decor. Large glass sculptures flank a long, mirrored reception desk, and sitting areas are set off by fluted Doric columns, chrome chandeliers, and vases of orchids. The hotel's riverside location midway between the theater and business districts is ideal for both vacationers and executives.

Amenity highlights: One of the few central London hotels with its own large courtyard garden, the Howard has a stylish restaurant and bar which make the most of this feature. Both open onto a pleasing courtyard with giant yucca plants, a pond, and a trickling fountain. In fine weather, guests may linger over drinks or dinner at tables beneath graceful white parasols.

Insider tip: Inconspicuously tucked away just a half-block from the hotel are the remains of original Londinium Roman baths. Turn right on exiting the hotel and walk up Surrey Street, turning left down Surrey Steps and right into Strand Lane. The 2,000-year-old brickwork can be viewed through a window marked by a City of Westminster sign.

PROPERTY AMENITIES:
The Swissôtel The Howard is one of few central London hotels with its own courtyard garden. It has a fine-dining restaurant and bar, currency exchange, and a business center with high-speed Internet access (surcharge) and two soundproofed suites of conference rooms. Wireless Internet access is available in lobby areas (surcharge).

ROOMS:
Overlooking the Thames, the nine story Swissotel The Howard, London, offers 189 rooms with river, courtyard, or garden views. Decorated in contemporary style, the rooms feature outsized headboards, chrome accents, plush duvets, desks with easy-access electrical sockets, espresso machines, and books of London photographs. Rooms include high-speed Internet access (surcharge), bathrobes, Swiss Spa Tradition toiletries, and mini-bars.

DINING:
12 Temple Place Restaurant - Modern British cuisine using local ingredients. In summer, the seating spills out onto the adjoining courtyard. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Temple Bar - Black-lacquered cabinets house malt whiskies and cigars; both may be sampled in comfortable gray easy chairs. Next to a grand piano, glass doors open onto the quiet courtyard garden. Open from late morning until the early hours.

MUAVE - Provides DJ entertainment over afternoon tea. Specializes in wines, champagnes, and cocktails.