Romantic break you'll love actually

It's drizzling outside, lending the London streetscene a slightly Dickensian air.

Black taxis glide along a surprisingly quiet West End street and over the rooftops there's a tantalising glimpse of the British Museum.

People bustle by under umbrellas and the red phone box opposite is probably there for no more than photographic purposes these days.

It's a scene straight out of a Richard Curtis film. I half expected Hugh Grant to burst through the doors, stammering the f-bomb and frantically looking for an old school pal's wedding to crash.

This is the London that Hollywood loves and it's easy to see why.

For a start, we're in the right place.

The Radisson Blu Edwardian in Bloomsbury Street couldn't be better situated.

Nestled between Fitzrovia and Covent Garden, it is just an easy stroll down Shaftesbury Avenue to the West End, Leicester Square and the world's best-known theatre district. It looks – and feels – the part. Everywhere you look the hotel oozes style, sophistication and London glamour.

The chic entrance and foyer give way to an ultra-hip cocktail bar, with a renowned steak and lobster restaurant in tow. A stunning feature is the huge original wrought iron staircase that winds its way through the heart of the 174-bed hotel.

Then there are the beautiful pages from Woolf's Mrs Dalloway on display; it's a dazzling mix of classicism and contemporary style.

Without wishing to sound flash (because I'm truly, truly not, dear reader) I've been lucky enough to stay in some nice hotels in some very nice places.

And there have been times when all the chic decor in the world is let down by stuffiness and pretentious staff.

Too many prestigious hotel chains, especially in the capital, live off reputation.

Happily, that is never a problem at a Radisson Blu, where the mood is always relaxed from the minute you step through the door. From the minute we arrived, the staff were friendly and informative and couldn't have been more helpful.

Having booked a double room we arrived to find we'd been upgraded to a business class suite 'if that's OK?'.

Overlooking a courtyard at the rear of the hotel, the room was more than OK; it was perfect.

Spacious, stylish (that word again) and luxurious, the suite had everything you could wish for; flat screen TV, free wi-fi, high-quality furniture and fittings and a bathroom to die for.

Best of all, it was quiet and the whole hotel seemed like an oasis of calm amid London's busy backdrop.

Stepping out into the evening, Shaftesbury Avenue is just a couple of minutes' stroll away, offering boutique shops, glamorous names and hidden gems galore off its side streets and courtyards.

The shoppers' paradise eases into the West End via Leicester Square where thousands of visitors cram into the bars, restaurants and theatres.

For the record, our evening's entertainment was at Her Majesty's Theatre, a couple of minutes walk from the main throng, where Lloyd-Webber's Phantom of the Opera continues to thrill sell-out crowds.

It is, quite simply, a brilliant show in London's second-oldest theatre and highly recommended if you're making a weekend of it.

A night-time stroll back to the hotel led through more warm and busy bars amid a friendly atmosphere leaving London to rival New York as a city that never sleeps.

Unlike ourselves, who slept like logs on the huge and comfy bed in luxurious surroundings. Suite dreams indeed.

The morning brought another treat, with the hotel's complimentary breakfast offer (running until February 28). Served in the light and airy restaurant, the selection was high range and high quality, as you would expect.

My ravenous girlfriend opted for the eggs Benedict while I gorged on a full English (I'm from the north), toast, cakes and coffee.

Again, the service and attentiveness of staff was first class and the food was simply gorgeous, setting us up for a stroll over the road to take in the British Museum.

Entrance to the museum is free and you should really allow an entire day to take everything in; from Egyptian mummies to Roman treasures and stunning Cartier jewels from the last century, it is a stunning collection with something for everyone.

Heading back into town, we dropped into Scoff & Banter just a few minutes back down Shaftesbury for a long lunch. Don't be put off by the slightly hipster name, the staff were great and the food fantastic (make sure you try a pie).

There was just time for us to squeeze in some last minute shopping (essentials only, she assured me) before popping back to the hotel to collect our bags and enjoy a quick refresher before the concierge hailed a taxi for us back to Euston, just five minutes away. All in all, a perfect trip to London and the perfect hotel to enjoy it in.

Highly recommended.

Travel facts

Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast at all Radisson Blu Edwardian, London hotels in London, Manchester and Guildford until February 28, 2016.

Rates are from £116 per room per night. Terms and conditions apply. For more information on offers visit www.radissonblu-edwardian.com/winter-offers or call 020 7629 7474, quoting 'BAR'.

For further info visit the link to www.radissonblu-edwardian.com