Visitors often find themselves wondering exactly how to track down the capital’s mythical vibrancy, creativity and diversity — because they’re certainly not sampling it on a open-top bus tour, in a velvet-wallpapered steakhouse or in a bland bed farm on the Heathrow ring road.

Here, though, are the building blocks of a weekend that will show you the best of London, whatever your budget. Hotels with the right location, the right personality and the right attitude; restaurants to prove why dining out is Lon-doners’ favourite pastime; and treats to brighten your days when the shopping finally pales. With this much capital fun to be had, you’ll end up wondering why the locals spend all their time talking about moving to your home town.

THE HOTELS

Baglioni: overlooking Kensington Gardens, this Italian-owned hotel is the Prada of the hospitality industry — so the gold leaf is discreetly offset by concrete walls and black chandeliers. Bedrooms are suitably lavish (with fabulous fabric “wallpaper”), service is supreme and the art isn’t missing, dearie: it’s all about how the shadows fall on the bare canvas.

Hyde Park Gate, SW7; 020 7368 5700, www.baglionihotellondon.com; from £300

The Bentley: for stately grandeur with a hint of tugged forelocks, ensconce yourself among the Bentley’s silk swags, thrice-shined woods, glinting chandeliers and acres of marble. Just off Gloucester Road, this address has enough gold accessories to rival Sean Combs’s jewel box. Its smoky bar (reds, greens and animal prints) divides opinion sharply, but the bedrooms have altogether daintier decor.

Harrington Gardens, SW7; 020 7244 5555, www.thebentley-hotel.com; doubles from £250

Durley House: this all-suite property is tasteful and discreet (the dumb waiters mean you don’t even have to smile at room-service staff). Guests have membership to the decadent health club at the nearby Carlton Tower (sister property to the Burj Al Arab in Dubai). Or, on fine days, order a picnic to enjoy in its romantic, tree-filled private garden.

Times recommends

• 'New York has lost its edge'
• The UK and Ireland's 25 best Christmas events
• Chalet Chef 2010: the winners