If you asked any professional speaker for a top ten of venues in Britain, it's likely that the Great Room at Le Meridien Grosvenor House in London would top many lists.

Like the rest of this unique hotel, the Great Room is steeped in history. Hanging in reception is a glorious painting of the remarkable evening when the huge space was turned into a skating rink and hosted a Hallowe'en Ice Carnival, with guests including the then Prince of Wales and the famous Mrs Simpson. The picture is gloriously evocative and, even though the Great Room has had a major refurbishment recently, it's possible to imagine some famous spirits still lingering. More often these days, it's the venue for huge banquets and awards ceremonies with its huge capacity. If you're staying in the hotel, try to pop in to see it if possible on one of its rare quiet moments.

Grosvenor House has always been a commanding presence on Park Lane and its position in Mayfair puts it in a fabulous spot. Using the original site of Old Grosvenor House, the hotel was opened in a blaze of publicity on May 14th, 1929. Your maths skills will tell you that it's about a year away from its 75th anniversary, and what an event that will be!

The hotel is now owned by Le Meridien and, as a birthday present, the group is just embarking on a £90 million investment programme which will take two years. It's a tough job to stay in touch with the expectations of the modern business and leisure traveller, and the upgrades in bedrooms will give even more high-tec facilities alongside some real style. They're also planning a makeover for the restaurants, bars and ballroom, as well as the already outstanding Royal Club Lounge.

As well as its sheer style, it really is the location of this hotel which makes it so desirable. Returning from a meeting in nearby beautiful Grosvenor Square the other evening, I was back just in time for the closing half-hour of a premiership match on TV. Within seconds, I was away from the bustle of Park Lane into the womb-like Red Room and being served with a splendid Old Fashioned by an attentive waiter. Comfortable in a deep leather chair, glass in hand, I felt more like the Prince of Wales than a travel writer.

To find out more, and a brilliant photo tour to make you want to book your room at once, go to www.lemeridien-grosvenorhouse.com.

Published: 30/04/2003