But the real star is that heat. I prefer steam rooms to dry heat, and this is where you will find the regulars administering rattan-brush rubs to each other. Lee Balch, a Porchester fixture, lurks here, too, and offers excellent massages – called shmeisse – for £25 (book on 07973 218211).

The Remedie Rooms Streatham, SW16 1BS (0208 677 5771)

A little slice of Paris in a homely beauty salon on the insalubrious Streatham High Road. The Remedie Rooms has been open for three years and is staffed by three French women who offer West End quality treatments at a fraction of the price.

Even though prices have recently seen a small hike they still offer some of the best value for money in the capital. Prices this lean usually involve some sort of compromise, in the etiquette or fittings - but not here. A range of 75-minute facials cost £56.50 each and a therapeutic Swedish massage is £40 for an hour.

Top five spas for under £100

There's no reason why a recession should stop your pampering. Our expert picks five wellbeing breaks for less than £100 a night

BACKGROUND

• Acu-Channel, South Kensington, London

• Ark Spa, Wimbledon, London

• Natura Day Spa Mayfair, London

• The Spa at 51, Victoria, London

• Whole Body Centre, Kensington, London

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• Five affordable detox retreats

Siam Beauty, Clapham 119 Lavender Hill, London, SW11 5QL (0207 585 1222)

Cheap urban spa treatments are hard to come by. On a busy road in south London, this little place is the antithesis of a five-star spa, although use of the tiny sauna and steam room is included in the price of a superb Thai massage (£30 for a one-hour). Check out the new second branch at 12 Lavender Hill.

South Thames College Beauty Therapy Centre Wandsworth High Street SW18 2PP (020 8918 7777)

OK, so it's not five-star and the therapists are trainees but for sheer inflation-busting pampering at one-tenth of the going rate this place is unbeatable. A 75-minute massage is £6 - no, the price tag is not missing a zero - and a 90-minute aromatherpapy massage hikes to £8. A hand and foot mask is a quid (£1), a body cleanse is £3 and a facial £6 - the whole works would come in at under £20. Treatments take place in a large salon with curtain dividers but at this price who cares.

Spa London York Hall Leisure Centre, Old Ford Road E2 9JP (020 8709 5845)

Luxury-lite. The UK's first public sector day spa is the result of a £1.4 million restoration of the 860 square metre Turkish Baths at York Hall, Bethnal Green.

A visit to the Spa, without treatments, is £20 for non-Tower Hamlets residents, this drops to £17 for each visit if you buy a Spa London card for £3. Residents with cards gain admission for £15 a session, and senior citizens, those on benefits and full-time students get access for £7, or £6 for residents, but can only use the spa on Mondays -Thursdays until 4.30pm, and on Friday - Sundays until 2.30pm. Treatment prices remain firmly in the West End stratosphere.

Do you know a good quality cut-price spa? Tell us about it in the comment box below.

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