Away from the frenetic pace of Oxford Street and the louche hipness of Brick Lane, the wide leafy avenues and super-cool streets of West London have long been the destination of choice for the city’s trendsetters – attracting an eclectic mix of artists, celebs, trustafarians and musicians.

The likes of Simon Cowell, Sienna Miller, Robbie Williams, Jarvis Cocker and Damon Albarn have all, at some point, made West London their home and it’s here that you’ll find the supermodel likes of Elle Macpherson and Claudia Schiffer on the morning school run and football club-owning Russian oligarchs dashing past Hyde Park in bullet-proof Rolls Royces, whilst fashion icons Kate Moss, Lily Allen and Alexa Chung rummage among the stalls on Portobello Road.

Home to numerous gorgeous parks and village greens, whether you’re after a night out at the theatre, that ultimate vintage fashion find or want to turn around and discover you’re boogying next to an Arctic Monkey at some vibey little club, then make West London your base.

Sprawling out from the legendary Covent Garden and heart of Theatreland that is Aldwych, start your West London adventure by taking in a famous show, whether you fancy an international crowd pleaser like The Lion King, a perennial fave in The Mousetrap or an uninhibited sing-along at the Prince Charles’ cinema’s super-fun Sing-Along-A-Sound Of Music, there’s sure to be a show to suit all tastes.

Heading out into Notting Hill, a stroll through Hyde Park to feed the ducks is de rigueur – and you’re in historic company as the duck pond was famously the destination for many secret 007-style meetings between spies during The Cold War! – as is a walk down London’s most exclusive street, Kensington Palace Gardens. Connecting Notting Hill Gate to High Street Kensington, it’s home to a jaw-dropping parade of castle-like embassies and homes (one rumoured to have gone for a whopping Dhs720 million!).

On High Street Ken (as it’s known to the locals), you’ll find fave stores like H&M, Gap and Urban Outfitters, whilst Notting Hill is home to boutiques, vintage and antique stores, and, of course, the world famous Portobello Road Market.

And while you’re down that way, don’t forget to take in the villagey delights of Westbourne Grove, which leads – if you’re really homesick – to the unofficial Arabic and Lebanese heart of London – Edgware Road – where you’ll find juices and shish tawouk to rival Al Hallabs’!

Head down leafy Holland Park Avenue, which runs from Hyde Park Corner to Shepherd’s Bush – taking in historic Holland Park on the way – and at the end you’ll find Europe’s largest shopping mall, The Westfield, with its chic champagne bars, fab restaurants and too-many-to-mention shops.

From there, take in the bustling and super-authentic Shepherd’s Bush Market – where you’ll find Del Boys aplenty! – before heading further out West into the family-friendly streets of Chiswick where you can take your pick from a myriad of restaurants and bars, or if you’re after a crazy night out, the buzzing pubs and (eek!) ‘school discos’ of Hammersmith beckon.

One Aldwych
Luxe and cool collide in this perfectly placed hotel, just moments from buzzing Covent Garden – a total urban retreat, which boasts an 18-metre pool with underwater music and a tinkling waterfall at one end, no less!

From the super-hip lobby bar, just perfect for pulling up a chair and celeb-spotting and the much feted Indigo restaurant, to the am-I-in-an-art-installation? mirrored elevators, which change colour from pink to lemon, One Aldwych is all cosy minimalist chic for grown-ups, although ‘Brunch and a movie Sundays’ are total family fun!
www.onealdwych.com

Sofitel St James
It’s the hotel French President Nicolas Sarkozy opted to stay in during a recent trip to London, so if it’s good enough for the Pres… The Sofitel – housed in a gorgeous listed building – is a lesson in understated chic, from the uber-discreet sign on the door, to the pianist who tickles the ivories in the lobby from 6-10pm each evening. And in a classic French-meets-British twist, you can enjoy afternoon tea in the adorably appointed Rose Lounge.

The rooms are huge, and one of the stars of the Sofitel show is the incredible So Spa – a light, airy space you’ll want to chill in all day. And with Piccadilly Circus just a minute down the road, the massages and manicures are a post-shopping must!
www.sofitelstjames.com

Hilton Kensington
Perched right at the top of Holland Park Avenue, this is one seriously well-placed hotel – with the bustle of Oxford Street just a short bus hop or a nice stroll away. With its 24-hour bar, the aptly named am-pm and the WestEleven restaurant, the Hilton Kensington is the ideal place to refresh and refuel before you tackle the next day of your London itinerary. Roomy suites – some with super-covetable balconies! – as well as a steam room and sauna make this hotel unwind central. And with The Westfield literally a stone’s throw away, you’re going to want to sink into the huge’n’fluffy dressing gowns in the rooms after a long day’s shopping.
www.hilton.com