"The Malmaison group’s London hotel is the same concept of high-style hotel rooms and better-than-average bistro dining at real-people prices. Located in the trendy Clerkenwell section, Malmaison has 98 rooms. With spacious, well-lit quarters, complimentary high-speed Internet access, entertainment centers with cable TVs and CD players, and bathrooms with showers and tubs kitted out with Mal toiletries, the only thing budget about this Edwardian building overlooking pretty Charterhouse Square is the bill. There’s also a small but well-equipped gym on the premises, and the attractive brasserie serves great French comfort food such as steak frites and something Austrian from the cellar. The only caveat? Phone charges are exceptionally steep—you’ve been warned."