Our room with a view at Lancaster London

That’s the wonderful thing about London. However well you know think you know it, it can still surprise you, and seeing the Serpentine unfolding in front of us, from the lofty heights of our hotel room, was an unexpected sight.

I’d watched the swimmers struggle along it during the London Olympics and marvelled that having lived in central London, I’d never been to the well-known haven.

And now here I am, staring down at its snaking water, just minutes away from our hotel.

On paper, The Lancaster had not looked any different to the myriad of anonymous London hotels decorated with international flags, but as soon as you step inside, you know you’re in for a treat.

Its cool, calm, spacious marble interior was the perfect foil for the dusty, hot streets outside, an oasis of quiet, sleek luxury into whose welcoming arms we dived on this sultry early summer day.

Our suite defied belief; its glass walls – rather than just windows – boast views that The Shard would find hard to compete with. The separate bedroom was framed on three sides by London’s landmarks, the sitting room tasteful and elegant.

Having nearly fallen over ourselves at the sheer opulence of our room, we dropped our bags and ran outside to enjoy Hyde Park before it got dark, with the enthusiasm of small children.

The Lancaster backs right on to the park, The Diana Memorial Garden and Fountain right there in front of us, again a first for me. The design aims to reflect Diana’s life, water flowing from the highest point in two directions as it cascades, swirls and bubbles before meeting in a calm pool at the bottom.

Its tranquillity, the calming effect of the water and the beautiful sculptural quality of the channels are a fitting tribute; a place for reflection, somewhere to stop and think, a real escape in this 24 hour city as it was presumably intended.

We walked all the way around the Serpentine, enjoying the people watching: joggers, waterfowl, cafes, and the space – such a luxury for such a busy city – stopping for a drink en route.

There was a swimming area but it was empty, its bathers waiting for the water and sun to heat up, no doubt.

It also gave us ample opportunity to work up an appetite for the wonderfully authentic Thai restaurant which The Lancaster boasts, and we returned late as the evening drew in and lights began to pop on all over London, which we viewed from our eagle’s nest of a room as we dressed suitably for an evening of fine dining.

It seemed fitting to eat in the Nipa Thai restaurant, as the hotel’s owners are Thai, which goes a long way to explaining why The Lancaster’s standards are so high.

Proper Thai hospitality meant that the staff couldn’t have been more friendly, courteous or helpful, and it made a real difference to our stay. A delicious and refined meal entranced us even further so that when we returned to our glass walled suite in the eves, we were utterly won over to The Lancaster’s way of life.

After a wonderful night’s sleep, and a delicious breakfast the next day, we reluctantly tore ourselves away for a spot of shopping.

The bedroom’s dramatic prospect

Situated slap bang in the middle of London’s retail centre, a mere tube stop away from Oxford Circus and Regent Street, we filled our boots everywhere from Selfridges to Liberty and Top Shop.

Collapsing under the weight of our bags, we made our way to Polpo in Soho where we ate again in splendour, this time gorging ourselves on tapas.

Our bags were stashed back at the hotel and we picked them up en route to Paddington to begin the short and easy train trip home.

On our way back to Oxfordshire, happy, relaxed and replete, we decided we had finally discovered our ideal retreat. The Lancaster really is the perfect getaway.

*Take the family on a city break For a taste of London living, take the children away for a city break - and take in the landmarks and museums of our capital city.

Lancaster London is offering a child-friendly package for £279 per night. Available during the school holidays, the price includes two Superior City View bedrooms (interconnecting on request), a feast packed full of treats, a Paddington Bear toy for each child, buffet breakfast for the whole family, unlimited movies, and bathrobes and slippers to fit all. Just let the hotel know what sizes you need and you will find them in your room waiting for you.

And just for its V.I.Ks (very important kids) the Lancaster has a registration card with a special restaurant entitlement card, a postcard that can be sent to a friend, a frisbee to enjoy in the park opposite and an activity book with pencils.

Essentials

* Lancaster London has magnificent views over Hyde Park and is above Lancaster Gate Underground Station
* Weekday rates start from £159 per room per night. lancasterlondon.com 
* Lancaster London, Lancaster Terrace, London. 020 7551 6000.