Recently given a multi-million Pound refurbishment, Dukes now really lives up to its five star reputation. A favourite with week-day business travellers, more and more tourists are discovering this boutique hotel, tucked away behind St James' Palace.

As you walk through the concealed front entrance, the first thing that hits you is an overwhelming scent from the huge bouquet of flowers on the reception desk. Fresh flowers are an integral part of the interior design of the hotel, with bouquets even being placed in every guest room twice a week, making it feel like a luxurious home from home.

And with a number of private dining rooms on the ground floor, this feeling can be extended even further by hosting an intimate gathering for friends and family. Indeed the hotel was inundated over the Christmas period with people enjoying the luxury of Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, without an ounce of washing up to do at the end. Roasts are their speciality and with the host able to ceremoniously carve the meat at the table, guests are able to dine in private in every sense of the word, while having every whim catered for at the same time.

The Dukes Bar, world renown for it famous array of martinis, is the perfect place for an after-dinner drink. As one of London's best kept secrets, this trendy hang out, popular with the metropolitan crowd, boasts delicious martinis that people travel from far and wide to experience. The refurbishment has seen it fitted with sumptuous blue velvet chairs and numerous portrait paintings from the exclusive Dukes collection, making it the coolest spot to decide if you want yours ‘shaken or stirred'.

For daytime relaxation, the airy and relaxed drawing room overlooking the pretty courtyard, offers a delightful traditional afternoon tea, and is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city while relaxing with the Sunday papers.

And for the more energetic, the St James' park area is wonderful for a stroll or jog around some of London's most famous sites.

Dukes celebrates its centenary in 2008 and has lost none of its original charm. But get in quick, before everyone else discovers it too...