Sometimes, the best thing about being in London is not feeling like you’re in London.

The hustle and the bustle are never too far away, of course, but the beauty of the Lancaster London is its location.

Situated just a five-minute walk from one of the city’s quietest Underground stations in the shape of Lancaster Gate, the hotel offers 416 rooms with either a city or park view, plus 12 Royal suites and five Embassy suites. The 18th floor, on which we stayed during our visit, is a mammoth task even in a lift, but once you arrive, the panorama of London is breathtaking.

A glance across Hyde Park shows off the London Eye in all its glory, while the Houses of Parliament and the Gherkin stand proudly on a clear day, and Canary Wharf pokes through the wispy clouds that greet our arrival.

The views are the selling point of this place, alongside some fine Thai dining – but more on that later.

Although the Tube is close by, the hotel’s spot on the skyline offers guests the chance to take in some of the capital’s finest offerings.

Walk left towards Marble Arch and the meltdown of credit cards along Oxford Street looms into view – a shopper’s paradise if ever there was one. Those seeking a more cultural and refined experience should turn right, as we did, towards trendy Notting Hill which is the pop of a champagne cork away.

In search of liquid refreshment prior to dinner at the aforementioned Nipa Thai back at the hotel, we seek out the roaring fire and stone-flagged floor of The Kensington Wine Rooms just a five-minute stroll from Notting Hill Gate tube station.

The venue is one of Notting Hill’s hidden gems – there is far more to this place than blue doors, bookshops and Hugh Grant.

With an array of fine red and white wine, we opt for the 2011 Ronan from Clinet, Bordeaux – a warming, 100 per cent merlot red with a violet nose and a soft, spicy palate. As the sun dips during late afternoon, it really is the perfect setting for relaxation and good conversation.

But back to that Thai dining.

The jewel in the Lancaster London’s crown is, without question, its restaurant Nipa Thai. The smells that greet us as we arrive for pre-dinner cocktails are an attack on the senses. The other noticeable bonus of Nipa Thai is that it boasts just 55 covers per night – allowing those senses to continue to soak in the atmosphere in a perfectly lit and peaceful ambiance. Nipa undoubtedly lets its food do the talking.

We choose a crisp rosé to accompany our meal and, while my friend plumps for Tod Mun Kao Pod, a sweetcorn fritter with chilli dipping sauce, I opt for the Tod Mun Pla crab cakes with cucumber relish and toasted peanuts. The cucumber takes just enough edge off the chilli-infused relish and the cakes are perfectly cooked and seasoned. It really is a treat and it quickly becomes clear just why Nipa Thai is so popular.

For our mains, we opt for a Lamb Massaman curry and the Kaeng Kiew Warn Pak Tao Hoo, a bean curd green curry with jasmine rice. My lamb comes as four beautifully cooked chops in a rich, yet mild massaman gravy. It is the perfect portion and, while my friend’s green curry adds some much-needed spice to the occasion, everything about Nipa is focused on Thai tradition and presentation perfection. Authenticity is very much the order of the day, right down to the sole-female kitchen crew led by Head Chef Sanguan Parr.

With a desire to finish our evening in style, we extravagantly opt for the Ice Cream Tod, a baked Alaska-style dessert with the ice cream deep fried inside a solid doughnut. It’s the perfect end to an evening of pure indulgence.

Although our stay was for one night, guests visiting for longer should try the Lancaster’s candy-inspired afternoon tea. White chocolate truffle and raspberry lollipops and mini passion fruit and raspberry macaroons are among other treats on the menu and, priced at £30, it’s well worth indulging.

For an extra £10, guests can add some celebration with a Laurent-Perrier Champagne tea.

Getaway

Weekday room rates at the Lancaster London start from £179 per night, while weekend rates begin at £159.

For more information, visit lancasterlondon.com.