The moment you step into The Arch, London's foyer you're greeted by a lady, a silhouette of a beautiful woman comprising of every designer boutique's logo in the hotel's radar.
Setting the tone for my stay, a mini education in modern art, Vincent Poole's collage "New Shoes" in the entrance to the hotel is a visual homage to Marylebone and the area surrounding the Arch Hotel London.
It's a bright and zany piece which sets the tone for my stay and dinner here - uplifting, think happy times for the upwardly mobile.
The art collection at The Arch, London, features exciting works by a group of very talented emerging British artists. Georgia Fiennes painting of "Spud III" brings a sense of humour to the elegant Georgian Reception Lounge of the hotel.
Julie Cockburn's embroidered antique map "You Are the Key To My Soul 5" is in Reception Lounge over the fireplace. And Martha Winter's "Blue Void Ring IV" wall sculpture provides a textured, circular welcome in the Reception Area.
During my stay, I take diner and cocktails with my guest, Michelle. We take Martini and champagne cocktails in the bar and move on to a table near an open window for dinner - baby chicken and pea and bean risotto over a bottle of house white comes recommended.
We smoke Sobranie cigarettes while there which give the perfect excuse to pass the artwork "New Shoes" in the foyer many times during the evening.
Later, I retire to my room on the 5th floor, also decked out in art plus state of the art flatscreen TV and coffee making machine - good for the ensuing hangover (although it's a hot day and the milk needs changing in the morning).
The Arch London, a member of Pride of Britain Hotels - a not-for-profit consortium of 43 privately-owned independent British hotels.
Spanning seven Georgian townhouses and two mews homes, The Arch London is an extremely elegant and modern hotel close to London's Marble Arch and Hyde Park. British art adorns the hotel's walls and the hotel has a state-of-the-art 24-hour gym.
The 82 bedrooms - including nine suites - have complimentary high-speed internet access, Nespresso coffee machines, Jing tea making facilities, a complimentary soft drinks mini-bar and most have in-bath TVs.
Prices start from £123 pp per night (two sharing). Two-night packages including breakfast are available. Contact Pride of Britain Hotels (0800 089 3929; www.prideofbritainhotels.com) to book.