Upon entering, the reception area is just as grand as the polished exterior. Marble floors, a gargantuan chandelier, leather seating and walnut panels covering the five (all manned) check-in desks. Check in was smooth and quick and a friendly member of staff helped me with my case.

The recently decorated rooms are clean and comfortable with tasteful, classic but elegant, décor. Think of a Habitat showroom but with a slightly more regal feel to it. Gone are the bad old days of orange and blue carpets and horrible chintz decorating the walls. The Radisson Edwardian’s take on chic décor is based in rich chocolate browns, deep reds, a hint of gold and small subtle pieces of art tastefully hanging from the walls. The huge bed was very comfortable but I did feel the need to get my own feather pillow out of my suitcase as the ones provided were a little bit high.

Dinner couldn’t be faulted. The rather grand Henley’s Restaurant could be mistaken for a gentlemen’s club. Rich mahogany panelled walls and classic original art give a warm and cosy yet aristocratic feel. The food is Modern British with a distinct French twist. The head waiter, Mr Pinto, is very attentive, friendly and quick to share his 15 years experience working at that very restaurant. He was eager to recommend the melt on the tongue Chateaubriand and the perfect Pinot Noir to wash it down with. The banana and toffee crème brûlée (made with free range eggs) chosen by my guest was delicious while my carefully selected French cheeses and glass of vintage port finished me off a treat!

If you have time before breakfast, there is a very well equipped gym but sadly no pool. There is also a steam room and a sauna. Please don’t make the same error as I very nearly did and mistake the freezing cold plunge pool as a hot-tub!

Breakfast is served from 6am, which is very handy for early flights. It’s your standard self-serve buffet but with three notable differences. 1) There is a better selection, 2) The eggs used are free range and 3) It all tastes good. All this should come as standard but sadly many hotels get it so wrong.

Finally, check out is swift and hassle free and you then have the choice of a £10 private taxi ride to the airport or a £4 bus ride that runs every 15 minutes.

Despite a few small grievances staying at The Radisson Heathrow proved to be a very pleasant experience and an agreeable start to my holiday.

Tim Hirschmann