Capital breaks

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5 MAY 2004
The Halkin
The crème de la crème of the capital’s smart watering holes was opened by Christina Ong in 1991 as an exclusive and discreet haven for the sort of guests who could buy Harrods or Harvey Nicks, both on its doorstep. Soaring space, superlative service and sophisticated technology abound. Touch-screen bedside controls adjust heating and lighting, draw the curtains, call the butler and operate “do not disturb” signs in six languages. If you can’t stay, get a taste of the place in its Michelin-starred Thai restaurant, Nahm, presided over by Australian chef David Thompson.

Who stays there: A-listers looking for low visibility.
Star guests: David Bowie, Denzel Washington, Elizabeth Hurley and George Clooney, who was asked in Nahm: "Has anyone told you you look like George Clooney?" His reply: "It’s funny you should say that. A number of people have remarked on it."

The Portobello
Thirty years old and still seriously hip, the Portobello was the hangout for everyone who worked on Notting Hill and Love Actually. State-of-the-art technology jostles with Victorian kitsch when it comes to design. Four bedrooms contain original bathing machines complete with yards of copper piping – perhaps they picked it all up at the Portobello market next door! And the beds you can sink into, snooze or be seduced in range from a Balinese four-poster to a ship’s bunk or a circular affair. Take your pick of bedrooms according to your mood, whether it be Moroccan, colonial or Japanese water garden.

Who stays there: A record number of music publishers (the Portobello is known as Europe’s number one rock and roll hotel), young advertising execs, antiques buyers and romantics.
Star guests: Robbie Williams, Westlife and Busted have all stayed here, as has legendary rocker Alice Cooper, who is said to have kept a boa constrictor in the Victorian bathing machine. And let’s not forget Johnny Depp, who filled his bath with champagne as a prelude to a saucy encounter à deux with Kate Moss – only to have the maid pull the plug when he turned his back. Or so the story goes…

REPORT: JILL CRAWSHAW