DURING the 2012 Olympics we found a bed and breakfast near King's Cross that was as cheap as chips and had a room that wasn't much bigger than a deep fat fryer.

That was fine for a couple of nights when it was just the two of us, but when planning a whistle-stop London break with three children we knew we had to think bigger and better.

The Novotel London Blackfriars appeared to be the ideal solution - child-friendly, close to the action and not stupid expensive. Perhaps it was a mistake to attempt to drive through central London on a Friday afternoon, but we made it without much fuss as most other road users were going in the opposite direction. There is no long-stay parking at the hotel, but you can park on the street to unload bags and then ditch your vehicle in an underground car park not too far away. It's not cheap but little is inside the M25.

The hotel is contemporary in design and outlook, with Europe's tallest building, the magnificent Shard skyscraper visible from some rooms. In the lobby there is an Xbox console which made the boys feel right at home. There were even more impressed by the iPads on one of the dining tables in the restaurant. Although they were no aid to family meal time conversations, they were just the think to keep the tired baby quiet with a few episodes of Peppa Pig while we wound down after the long journey.

Up in the rooms, there were lots of nice touches. We found that there were many jokes you can play with the wall of en-suite bathroom that becomes transparent at the touch of a button. The large flat-screen television and docking station was also appreciated, as was the huge and very comfy double bed.

But it was the hotel's fantastic swimming pool, spa and gym in the basement that really set the hotel apart from others we had stayed at in the capital. After a long day sight-seeing and riding the tube, it was fantastic to go for a dip before tea and make sure every last ounce of energy had been used up by the kids before bed.

Although the hotel is on Blackfriars Road, it is situated across the Thames in Southwark rather than Blackfriars, but is none the worse for that. The Tate Modern and London Eye are no more than 20 minutes - even pushing a pushchair - if you set a brisk pace. And Southwark tube station is a two-minute walk away, meaning you are only half a dozen stops and the odd change of line from all that central London has to offer.

All in all, the Novotel London Blackfriars proved a great base for the weekend, contemporary, convenient and a little bit of luxury. We will be back.

Fact-file

Joe Willis and family stayed at the Novotel London Blackfriars. The best unrestricted rate for a double room with a queen sized-bed, based on two people sharing, is £175 - breakfast not included. With breakfast included, the best rate is £195. You can book online at www.novotel.com