Despite efforts to get a better rate by booking direct this hotel stubbornly stuck out at £12 more than the best rate I could get on "laterooms.com", so of course that’s how I was planning to book. Until, that is, I discovered that you could book direct onto the hotel’s website Arorahotels.com, and as this promised the "best available rate" I decided this would be my preferred route to securing a room. Some cautionary voice warned me to check out the alternatives and I was pleased I did as the hotel’s web site’s "guaranteed best available price" was a full £10 more than late rooms.

The "grumpy old man" quickly emerged and I was soon onto the hotel complaining about this injustice. The young man (well his voice sounded young) was clearly disinterested and after discussing the semantics he suggested that the problem was more mine than his and when asked what he would do to "right the wrong" he emphatically replied "nothing!" I sarcastically thanked him for his honesty and settled to pen an email to the website (I guess this semi-retiree has too much time on his hands).

I really didn’t, based on the attitude of the desk clerk, expect a response but was gratified to have a prompt reply from the "revenue co-ordinator" who happily offered me a rate at that offered by laterooms.com and when I later spoke with her she was most apologetic for the attitude of the receptionist. So I was now contented having saved my company a few pounds and made a significant point to the hotel group! Just confirms that it’s always worth pursuing the point. "Grumpy Old Men" rule!

Putting the booking experience behind me I was happy to give this understated quality hotel a test drive at a competitive rate. The hotel is nice and close to St Peter’s Square and China Town and only a stride or two away from Piccadilly Train station (well about a 10-minute walk). This old building has been tastefully updated and the lofty reception area has a fresh feel to it with modern down-lighters, bright red planters and a "space-age" lit reception bar. The greeting I received was professional and friendly and already I was pleased that I’d put my previous prejudices behind me.

My bed room was on the ground floor and the receptionist advised me that I had been up-graded. Certainly the room was extremely pleasant and so quiet that I could hardly believe that I was in the centre of the city. Two comfortable double beds held "centre stage" and a spacious sitting area with a stylish leather settee and matching chair offered a comfortable area to relax in.

As you’d expect there was a TV with the main terrestrial and a few cable channels and for a fee you could rent movies. A reasonable selection of tea and coffee were "hidden" from view in a cupboard and there was a fridge available for use by guests. The hotel did offer the service to stock it to your specifications but a note was more suggestive that it had been installed as a service for guests. There was an iron, hairdryer and free use of a digital safe.

I shouldn’t get excited about bathrooms but the one in my room was impressive with sleek modern lines, lavish "Grohe" fitments and soaps and gels that had the look of designer products about them.

I was able to get some office work done at a comfortable work- station and broadband was available if I’d have wanted it.

I was really pleased to have booked in to the Arora International and slept soundly in this room that was extremely well insulated for sound and enjoyed the comfort of the heating / air conditioning that could be set to my personal requirements. The modern and stylish bedroom instantly felt "familiar" and I was soon thinking that this is a hotel that I’d happily return to.

I’d booked breakfast as an extra and the restaurant, on the lower level, offered a pleasant and relaxed environment for the "first meal of the day". The lighting was colourful but calming and the restaurant well laid out with an extensive selection of foods on the "running buffet". Tea and coffee was served at the table but everything else was self-service. I asked for a couple of poached eggs and these were served quickly and were perfectly cooked and I selected bacon, sausage, hash browning, tomato and beans to accompany it.

There was no shortage of foods and the variety meant that together with my "English Breakfast" I enjoyed fruit juice cereal with some fresh fruit, bread with ham and cheese, toast and marmalade. But I failed to try the yoghurt, croissants and some of the many other preserves.

What a superb meal, in a great setting in a thoroughly relaxing and comfortable hotel. I’m sure that I’ll return