THE FACTS ABOUT THE TRAFALGAR

England London

The 129-room Trafalgar is a Hilton, although you'd never know it. Policy has dictated that there should be no visible branding to this 'lifestyle hotel' and it has been rigorously applied. So much so that its discreet entrance can be tricky to find, despite its high-profile location on the south-west corner of Trafalgar Square, of which many rooms have fantastic views. Most of the ground floor is taken up by the elongated Rockwell Bar, which is open to the public. The bedrooms are either sky-blue or cream, with American black-walnut furniture, grey chenille throws and mocha-coloured armchairs. There is more walnut veneer and leather banquettes in Jago, the basement restaurant (organic pumpkin risotto, ginger-infused crème brûlée), but The Trafalgar's best feature is the roof terrace: with its views over Nelson's Column, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye. WHEN TO GO Anytime of year bar the deepest winter months, avoid January WHICH ROOM TO BOOK Don't bother with the studio rooms, as they don't have views. The best outlook is from the corner superior rooms (such as Room 203), which are closest to the square, and the split-level superior rooms (such as Room 207), which have floor-to-ceiling windows CONTACT The Trafalgar, 2 Spring Gardens, Trafalgar Square, London SW1 (020 7870 2912; fax: 7870 2911; www.thetrafalgar.hilton.com). Lifestyle rooms £190-£230; deluxe rooms £220-£250; superior rooms £250-280; studio rooms £380