REMEMBER the days when we were encouraged to let the train take the strain?

It's not quite like that these days. Overcrowding and delays are just some of the problems which take the shine off the journey.

And the last thing you want after trundling all the way to London is a further haul across the capital to a decent hotel.

That is why we were delighted when we discovered the Ambassadors Bloomsbury.

This stylish bolthole is perfectly sited for people from this part of the country.

Just a few minutes' walk from St Pancras, the hotel is surrounded by tube stations which mean that once you have settled in and are set to hit the town, the Underground network is at your command.

And there are plenty of attractions literally on your doorstep, ranging from the British Museum (three-quarters of a mile away) to Madame Tussauds (1.3 miles, Covent Garden (1.7 miles to Regent's Park (1.2 miles). You really couldn't find a better located hotel!

In the heart of historic Bloomsbury, it is also surrounded by beautiful city gardens.

But there is a problem.

You see, the hotel is so comfortable and friendly you may be tempted to want to spend the whole of your visit to London indoors.

Not least among the reasons for this is the fact that it recently underwent a £7 million refurbishment which has given the 100 bedrooms a sleek and contemporary feel, which come as a tremendous surprise once you walk through the elegant 1929 Edwardian facade.

Bright and stylish, the modern decor makes the most of the original features.

While the hotel management have gone to great lengths to give their building the most up to date feel imaginable, they haven't lost sight of the need for good, old fashioned customer care.

This can be best enjoyed in the bedrooms which feature hypnos mattresses and hypo-allergenic bedding to make sure you get the best possible night's sleep before stepping out to sample London't delights.

Guest services range from 24-hour room and concierge services to laundry, dry-cleaning and pressing service. There is also daily maid service and turn-down service.

If all of that was not enough, the hotel has one of the finest restaurants in the district, Number Twelve.

This only opened a few months before our arrival, but it is already a well established address which spells fine dining for the Bloomsbury brigade.

Sample dishes include grilled Donald Russell fillet with celeriac, braised red onion and Scottish girolles, smoked Gressingham duck breast with citrus salad and seared Orkney island diver scallop with cucumber, pineapple, sweet red chilli and micro cress leaves.

My mouth waters just reading the menu again!

The prices are not going to break the bank either, with main courses ranging from £12.50 to £19.95.

But there was an extra treat for hotel residents during our stay ...