Hotel of the Year 2006 Announced

The AA's Hotel of the Year 2006 Award, the AA's ultimate accolade for an English hotel, has been given to the 5-star Baglioni Hotel, which has only been open for 18 month

The Automobile Association (AA), Britain's equivalent of the USA's AAA, has been handing out its Hotel of the Year Award since 1992. AA awards are always highly prized, whether for hotels or restaurants, coming as they do from a trusted organisation which is also the biggest travel guidebook publisher in the world. I have to declare my interest, as I write some of those guidebooks! But it's still true that their awards are highly regarded, both by the public and within the trade.

The Baglioni Hotel London has a royal view, overlooking Kensington Palace and just a short walk from the Royal Albert Hall. If you're thinking of visiting London there really couldn't be a better address, close to Hyde Park and the chic shopping of Knightsbridge stores like Harrods and Harvey Nichols. All the hotel's 68 rooms have free movies and music, an Italian coffee-making machine and free internet access. This last is a particular bugbear of mine right now, as it's vital if you're a regular traveler, and yet many hotels charge exorbitant amounts.

The Baglioni in London also looks terrific, with black glass chandeliers and a water feature in the foyer. There's a spa and an Italian Bar and Restaurant, and some of the deluxe rooms have their own courtyard. Oh yes, there's also butler service on every floor. Well, this is absolutely fabulous Kensington, darlings.