SET in the grand Finsbury Square, on the site of the former Royal Mail head office, the newest hotel in the Montcalm chain is an imposing sight on first glance. But walk into the lobby and you'll find a warm welcome, not only from the staff, but also the inviting design.

Think chocolate and cream seating, mocha walls and wooden floors bathed in statement lighting – all on the right side of "bling". It's luxurious, but far from austere and even the lounge has a homely feel about it, albeit one from the pages of a glossy.

Dark corridors, illuminated by subtle blue mood lighting and chandeliers, lead to rooms and suites, designed to induce a feeling of calm with their muted shades.

Traditional is combined with contemporary in the minimalist monochrome bathroom, while underfloor heating and mood lighting above the bed – pick from a rainbow of colours – are switched on via touch screen. It's Mad Men with a side of Star Trek.

The Burdock, situated either side of the hotel's entrance, makes for a cosy cafe-cum-restaurant with its cream leather banquettes, electric blue seats and saloon-style bar where guests tuck into a hot and cold buffet-style breakfast.

The "Complete People Pleaser Menu" offers a range of small dishes day and night, including lobster and shrimp tacos, salad jars and Yorkshire grouse.

Don't leave without trying one of their freak shakes, such as the decadent Bourbon On Bourbon.

The hotel is brand new and although you wouldn't know it's only been open a few short weeks, there are two areas yet to be finished. The first is the Aviary, a fine-dining restaurant situated on the 10th floor, which will offer views of London's skyline from its floor-to-ceiling windows and terrace.

The other is the spa. Until the latter's completed, a complimentary taxi is provided to and from the sister hotel M by Montcalm, where guests can use the facilities free of charge.

Both the spa and the Aviary are due to be completed this month.

The hotel is within walking distance of key London landmarks such as the Barbican Centre, which plays host to concerts and exhibitions, and the Museum of London.

St Paul's Cathedral, and its majestic dome, is about a 20-minute walk away.

From there, cross the Millennium Bridge to the Tate Modern and enjoy an amble along the Thames towards the Southbank Centre's Christmas Market.

Head east from the hotel, and you'll find the glass-fronted "City" buildings converge with Spitalfields Market and Brick Lane and, to the north, Shoreditch with its cool bars and independent shops.

TRAVEL FACTS

Rooms from £500 plus VAT per night.

Visit www.montcalmroyallondoncity.co.uk

Book a two-night Friday and Saturday night stay from December to February and a Sunday stay will be thrown in for free.