THE HAMPSHIRE Hotel is the first-ever five-star hotel in London’s Leicester Square – heart of theateland and scene of London's film premières. Once the Royal Dental Hospital, listed status has kept its elaborate Edwardian wrought-iron entrance and layout. "Nostalgic dentists even ask for their old surgery", friendly manager Atanas Botev revealed. But there’s nothing agonizing about staying here. Upper floors have spectacular views over London landmarks from the back and Leicester Square from the front. Ideal at film festival time: one room’s balcony is over the edge of the red carpet. Luxurious bedrooms are done in deep colours, with pampering toiletries by Gilchrist and Soames. So that you can rival the Hollywood filmstars visiting the square, beauty treatments are available 'in room'.

Lunch in the sophisticated Art Deco-ish groundfloor restaurant was faultless. I chose poached sole fillets in a hollandaise sauce, unusually with cauliflower, and apple tart with cider cream. Chef prides himself on the finest ingredients so look out, too, for Grimsby cod, Welsh lamb and Irish free-range chicken.

Radisson Edwardian Hampshire Hotel, Leicester Square, London WC2; tel: (020) 7839 9399; www.radissonedwardian.com. Report by PAT MOORE