InterContinental London - The O2 review: High-end luxury hotel

THE LOCATION

This slick new Thames-side affair hugs the northern tip of the Greenwich peninsula, right by the O2 (a portal links the hotel's marble-floored lobby with this giant south-east London entertainment mecca). Quaint Greenwich village – a UNESCO World Heritage site – is a 15-minute bus or cab ride away, and the financial skyscrapers of Canary Wharf are just across the water. While central London seems a hike, Jubilee line tube trains will spirit you to London Bridge in eight minutes – and the Thames Clipper river boat connects North Greenwich jetty with several central piers, including London Eye and Embankment (for the West End). On a sunny day, it's the way to travel.

THE SPACE

With its high-end gloss and attentive multinational staff, this can feel like your typical large chain hotel. So the locally inspired decor is a welcome touch. Across the 18 storeys, antique seafaring maps, models of tall-mast ships, vintage clocks and brass tilted globes pay homage to Greenwich's maritime history and position on the Prime Meridian line. There are over 20 events spaces and meeting rooms (the highlight being the Arora, one of Europe's largest, pillar-free ballrooms). A stylish fitness centre has cardio machines, weights, medicine balls, a sauna, beauty spa and an alluring pool.

THE ROOM

There are 453 rooms and suites (some incredibly lavish, like the two-bedroom penthouse with a grand piano). Mine – 1213, a deluxe riverside choice – is less flashy, but has lots to like. At about 30 square metres , it's reasonably spacious by London standards with arresting Thames vistas through the floor-to-ceiling windows, a touch-screen lighting system, USB docking pods and a bathroom with an exceedingly large mirror (plus separate built-in bathtub and walk-in shower). Other pluses: complimentary espresso, bottled Willow Lake District water and aromatic Anne Semonin (Paris) toiletries. More importantly, the king-size bed, soundproof windows and black-out curtains make for a good night's kip (not always easy in the buzzing, sleep-deprived British capital).

THE FOOD