I would immediately eliminate the Shangri-la as its location is certainly not what you want. Next to go would be the Four Seasons, as it very much has a more sterile corporate feel. There's just nothing special to the place. Bulgari? An excellent hotel with no sense of place, you'll feel like you're in Milan. Raffles would also be a scratch. It's a very intriguing property and people are already raving about the service but it's location is, once again, far from what you're seeking. I personally don't like the Rosewood's location. I've never visited as it doesn't have a particularly strong pull for me. The public areas look nice but the rooms seem rather dull. Others may certainly disagree. I personally would avoid the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair as it's just too new and is surely still working out the inevitable kinks.

So that leaves Claridge's, Lanesborough, Connaught and the MO Hyde Park. I like the MO. It's beautifully designed and a nice amalgamation of traditional and contemporary. Bathrooms can be a major disappointment, though. And the service quality is a big step below the others.

Claridge's is my summer hotel while Connaught is my winter home. I love the Connaught for its brilliant, highly personable service and truly extraordinary bars. What I don't love are the rooms. They are, for the most part, beyond dated (though well maintained) and in dire need of refurbishment. Claridge's has just finished extensive renovations and the place gleams like a fabulous jewel. While service is generally outstanding, it's not as personable or brilliant as the service at the Connaught. The Connaught's restaurants and bars are also head and shoulders above those at Claridge's. Also keep in mind that Claridge's is constantly abuzz with the comings & goings of its guests and *many* outside visitors. Some people have experienced service lapses because of this but I've never had anything less than exemplary service.

The Lanesborough is also a truly lovely hotel with superb service and unabashedly luxurious public areas. The room decor is certainly overwrought for my taste but I don't care as the Lanesborough is just so incredibly comfortable. It would offer a far more intimate experience than Claridge's or the Connaught. The Library Bar is just a magnificent place to linger on a cold, rainy London day.

So there's my two cents. Staying at the Connaught is a truly magical experience but, because of the rooms, I would recommend Claridge's or Lanesborough.