London Calling

Like all cliches, it’s only a cliche because it’s true. And going down to London to see the Christmas lights certainly fits this bill.

Yet, bizarrely, it works.

I went last Saturday, hopping on the coach, getting there around Saturday lunchtime, Visa card at the ready, ready to do battle with every shop on Oxford Street as well as taking in some sightseeing and a little romance too.

Of course, not even Carrie from Sex and The City could pull off every one of these little must-dos in just one day, so with great foresight I’d booked us in for a sleepover to give us Sunday too… And what a result this proved to be, because in-between all the spending and arguing over what to give her family, my family, and each other, we actually managed to grab some quality sightseeing. And if I’m brutally honest, it was this part of the weekend I was least looking forward to – you know, I just thought it’d be the London Eye and Tower of London all over again.

But on this occasion we found ourselves gravitating like every other foreign tourist to those parts of the city always featured in guide books but never visited by Brits because, hey, we live here...

Consequently, we found ourselves outside Downing Street, craning our necks to get a glimpse of Oxford’s boy-made-good (and feeling rather proud to boot though God knows why), as well as staring up at Big Ben and wandering round Horse Guards Parade.

Truth be told, I actually felt a bit humbled – I mean London really is a great city, it’s just I’ve always taken it for granted.

And as for the shopping, which we selflessly wallowed in on both days, just do the ‘Golden Triangle’ – John Lewis and Selfridges on Oxford Street, and Harrods in Knightsbridge.

Sure it’s the triple whammy, but you only live once and God they’re so chic.

Plus, if you’ve got the time and want to swagger a bit, wander (no, make that promenade) along Bond Street (just off Oxford Street) and look knowingly at the diamonds in the windows of Cartier, Van Cleef and Tiffany & Co.

What does it matter that you can’t afford a diamond waistcoated napkin ring (£4,000)? No-one else peering in the windows can either.

And remember, shopping late here, even with children in tow, has its perks. Right now, Oxford Street and Regent Street look magical as, come 4pm and the setting of the sun, the West End becomes enveloped in a feel-good blaze of shimmering radiance.

Really, need I say more?

* Jeremy and co. stayed at The Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel, Belgravia (about two minutes walk from Harrods). 21 Lowndes St, Westminster, London SW1X 8 Tel. 020 7823 1234 www.jumeirah.com They call it ‘London’s best kept secret’ but that still hides its light under a bushel.

Hand on heart, I have no problem calling this ‘London’s friendliest hotel’ because....well it is. It’s no secret I’m a stickler for manners and everyday courtesies, and I can tell you, I’ve NEVER stayed anywhere as immediately welcoming.

Absolutely superb staff, from the doormen through to the waiters and reception. Other fancier hotels would do well to send their own people here to see how it should be done.

It’s a boutique hotel, which means it isn’t huge, but as the saying goes: ‘the best things come in small packages’.

Our room was gorgeous; the food in its Mimosa restaurant, superbly priced and better than some Michelin-star places I’ve visited, and its location about as good as it gets. But none of that compares to the genuine warmth of its welcome.

With prices starting from just £265 + VAT per room per night based on two sharing, guests can enjoy: * Overnight accommodation in a Superior Room at the Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel * Delicious Full English breakfast for two * A bottle of champagne * Seasonal Chocolate Treat * Temple Spa Gift * Use of the Peak Health Club & Spa * Newspaper (The Celebrate in Style package is subject to availability).

* Marc Evans and family stayed at the Wyndham Grand Chelsea Harbour, London SW10 0XG wyndhamgrandlondon.co.uk or telephone 020 7823 3000 If you want the five-star treatment, but want to keep the hustle and bustle of the capital at arm’s length, then the Wyndham Grand is perfect.

Overlooking the picturesque Chelsea Harbour, this is an oasis of calm, a perfect base from which to mount your assault on the shops, the museums, or whatever other tourist attractions take your fancy.

You’re a brisk walk away from the action or, if you’re feeling less energetic, get a doorman to hail you a cab to the West End.

The staff are extremely helpful and friendly (which you’ll appreciate, especially if you let two under-fours loose on the buffet breakfast, like we did).

Treat yourself to one of their spa treatments and make use of the excellent TwentyTen restaurant – my wife is still in raptures about her fillet steak.

The rooms are beautifully furnished, with the price per suite and per night (based on two sharing) starting from: * Chelsea suite – £163.80 excl. VAT * Marina suite – £199.80 excl. VAT * River suite – £235.80 excl. VAT The After Lights Out package (£235) includes: A night in a luxurious Chelsea Suite Freshly prepared early supper for children Babysitter for the evening Two cocktails for parents after lights out