And revel in the fact that Hotel Russell, in the heart of Bloomsbury, lies within easy walking distance of many of the capital's most sought-after attractions.

A pleasant stroll across Russell Square, up past The British Museum and via Shaftsbury Avenue and you are amid the commercial bustle of Covent Garden's shops and cafes. And, in turn, Regent Street, Piccadilly and Oxford Street are near neighbours waiting to lighten your wallet. As are some tidy little London pubs that really aren't there just for tourists.

You could get the Tube, of course, but given the right weather and a decent map it's easy to unlock London's tourism geography on foot.

Find the statue of Eros and you're not far from Leicester Square and therefore Trafalgar Square. From there Downing Street, the Houses Of Parliament and the Embankment are all within easy reach. And from there you might as well head to the South Bank and soak up the sights of a dozen street entertainers from human statues to daring break dancers all vying for loose change and impromptu applause.

As big as the city may seem to outsiders, some of its most famous and worthwhile spots reveal themselves with little effort.

The London Eye remains one of the best of the post-millennium additions – and one of the most popular, so be sure to book in advance to dodge the long lines.

It is worth a short wait though for this modern but majestic construction's slow motion sweep of the skyline tenders an alternative key to locating famous football stadiums – on a clear day the new Wembley arch catches the sun like a Colgate smile – to the distinctive new glass and steel structures of the modern metropolis around the financial hub left along the Thames.

Back on terra firma, wander down to Gabriel's Wharf to soak up smart art and crafts and good value eating with a view of the river, or pick a bridge and take in more from the other side, such as the almost village-like atmosphere of Clerkenwell, once known as Little Italy for its population influx.

Of course, all this wandering about requires a start and finishing point and the four-star Russell with its newly redesigned and refurbished 373 en-suite rooms offers much opportunity for procrastination come morning.

The interior designers opted for subtlety in modern styling in the understated but warm tones of the rooms, contrasting with the Victorian splendour in the lobby – that original mosaic floor has been restored after being covered due to war damage – and dining room below.

Combined with the clean, sophistication of the bathroom there's strong temptation to evade the crowds and the traffic and dine at the hotel's Fitzroy Doll eaterie or nightcap in the Tempus or Benjamin bars.

Or simply order room service and hole up in this classy private little corner of the capital until it's time to check out.

Well, they didn't spend £20 million refurbishing this wonderful hotel for the fun of it, did they?