It’s not my discretion that stops me naming the celebrity who was standing next to me when I checked into the Met – it’s my inability to put names to faces. Anyway, he was definitely Hollywood - not DiCaprio or Pitt status but right up there - and he lent a celebrity air to the lobby from which countless pickled celebrities once spilled in the late 1990s.

Between his slick designer attire and the impeccably dressed staff, I felt a little dowdy in my office smart casuals, and even more so when one of the waitresses from the bar sashayed through the lobby. Super model figure wrapped in a dress that I believe is called a “body-con” number.

When I dropped by the bar later on it turned out she also knew a thing about cocktails. Seeing me stumbling over the encyclopaedic list she asked what sort of thing I liked and prescribed a perfect tonic: champagne with fresh raspberry juice, which came with a bowl of mixed nuts. My boyfriend’s ginger infused vodka, lychee liquor, sake, fresh lychee and lime juice combo, a Metropolitan signature, also went down very well.

It was early evening and mid week, so I can’t say for sure that the Met Bar has lots its mojo, but we were one of only three tables and the baying paparazzi were notable by their absence. That said, the service was swift and efficient, the cocktails tasty, the prices not above the London average at around £11 each. The bar food offered isn’t bad – trendy raw salads and the more substantial chicken burrito wrap were among the options.

So – back to check-in. I was shown up to my room on the eighth floor, which had wonderful views of Hyde Park and past the glittering dome of Harrods to west London.

Décor is simple – minimal without the coldness of minimalism. No art, no gimmicks, just soft pale wood and neutral tones. A low sofa invited you to sit and enjoy the view out of the window, and two freestanding chairs clinched the deal – I would break the habit of a lifetime and have room service.

A table on wheels arrived after 20 minutes with silver covers over the plates and an ice bucket for the bottle – add the splendid view and the background music playing from the free entertainment system and this was looking like a strong rival to the hotel’s more famous eating establishment, Nobu.

Add to that the fact you can order a Nobu bento box in your room (£38.50) and there really is no contest. I had the beautifully presented bento box, which includes the legendary Nobu black cod, miso soup, nigiri, a salad and chicken skewers. My boyfriend had a huge sirloin steak, which was perfectly cooked but a little pricey at £42.

The room had all the required gadgets – DVD and CD player, Bose sound system, free internet including access through the television, iron and ironing board and a comprehensive entertainment system that was easy to work.

In fact everything seemed to work as it should without being too fiddly – an on-time alarm call, quiet and simple air conditioning and an invigorating shower.

Breakfast costs from £20 depending on which package you choose or less if you go for individual items from the a la carte menu. I liked the healthy breakfast (£26), which included porridge with manuka honey and goji berries, a smoothie and egg white omelette, or there was the more indulgent champagne breakfast (£47) including eggs royale or pancakes with marscapone, nutella and berries – an inspired combination.

It’s served 6.30am-11am in the White Room off Nobu, but I chose to watch the sunrise over Hyde Park from my room. Sadly the balcony door was locked but I was told this could be unlocked on request.

The hotel has a gym and treatment rooms offering facials from £80 for 75 minutes and massages from £75 for 60 minutes.

Tripadvisor.co.uk users give the hotel an average 3.5/5 rating. Service almost resoundingly got the thumbs up from recent reviewers, and many commented on the good cocktails and the location. Where the hotel lost points among the site's users was for its decor - "tired" said some users, "lacking in atmosphere" was another comment, while one or two users complained that their rooms were small.

Bottom line: rooms start from £375 a night not including breakfast or VAT.

Best thing: the view

Worst thing: the bill

Access all areas: the hotel has full wheelchair access and one bedroom suitable for wheelchair users.

Need to know: Metropolitan London, Old Park Lane, London, W1K 1LB; tel. 020 7447 1000, info.lon@metropolitan.como.bz, www.metropolitan.como.bz

Food: 9 out of 10

Service: 9 out of 10

Room: 8 out of 10

Value: 6 out of 10

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