Slightly disappointed that the room service breakfast box didn't come in a box, but on an ordinary tray, but it did arrive on time and the newspaper was on my doorstep even earlier. One £14.95 breakfast is plenty for two – with yogurt, pastries, fruit and a bowl of cornflakes.

A special thumbs up for the midnight munchies room service menu of comfort food such as cheese on toast.

In the know

A few doors down is a Smithfield landmark – the Fox and Anchor – an old pub with plenty of style and jazz playing in the bar. For those with a penchant for a good pub you are spoiled for choice in this district, if you fancy a walk down to the river the Blackfriars on the corner of Blackfriars Bridge is a landmark.

And if a hotel breakfast doesn't appeal then two minutes' walk towards the market, Smith's of Smithfield does an excellent fry up for around £5.

Business class

Bargain brasserie set menu, and bathrooms you want to spend time in

Business farce

Hotel breakfast prices really should come down.

The bottom line

Rates at the Malmaison London start from £195 and rise to £215 for standard rooms. Laundry: shirt, £8; trousers, £9.55. Dry cleaning: two piece suit £21. Eight hours' internet access £7.50.

Need to know

Malmaison,18-21 Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6AH. Tel:020 70123700. Check-in 2pm weekdays, 3pm Fridays and Saturdays. Checkout: Noon.