Andy Walker and Dani Webb soak up the atmosphere at a discreet central London hideaway.

EVER fancied staying in a hotel that looks out over the Queen’s back yard?

Hotel 41, a super-trendy boutique five-star in London’s Buckingham Palace Road, does just that. In fact, from some of its 30 unique rooms and suites, guests can see the Royal Standard flying from their window.

Only when Her Majesty’s in residence, of course.

Although no two rooms at 41 – a member of the Red Carnation group of hotels – are alike, they do share a striking black-andwhite theme.

Within that simple device, the designers have come up with a formula that gives each room its own individual and stylish look.

And there’s a more than a whiff of romance about the place.

Thoughtful touches such as fresh fruit and flowers, delicious snacks and treats, scented candles, rich mahogany furniture, and open fireplaces in some rooms, ensure that guests feel pampered.

Technology abounds – iPod docking stations, interactive TV with movies on demand, highspeed internet, radio and CD player, fax machines/copiers that double as printers for your laptop – they’re all at guests’ fingertips.

We were invited to spend a night sampling Hotel 41’s opulence, and were waited on hand and foot.

On arrival, we were shown to our lovely split-level junior suite, which came equipped with all the features expected and more besides.

By the side of the soft, king-size bed is, as is customary in all hotels, a phone. But this is not just any old blower. Oh, no.

Pick up this receiver and the caller can be connected to a department in the hotel which exists purely to enhance its guests’ experiences.

From the run-of-the-mill dinner and transport arrangements, to more specialist requests, staff aim to take care of it all.

Taking us on a tour of the hotel, its friendly and helpful reception manager, Antoinette le Grange, was keen to tell us about some of the customer whims that the “dream phone” service has indulged over the years.

These include over-elaborate marriage proposals involving rose petals, romantic turn-downs and, probably, even bath tubs full of bubbly.

“The only real limit is our guests’ imagination,” she told us.

After the tour was over, we used the phone to have champagne and strawberries sent to the room. Just to check that the service worked, you understand.

A stay at 41 puts you right in the heart of London.

It’s about as close to the royal family as a visitor can get and a pleasant stroll from most of the capital’s attractions.

After an evening spent exploring our surroundings, we settled in for a nightcap in the hotel’s comfortable executive bar.

Guests can enjoy round-theclock informal and personalised dining, including the irresistible offer to “plunder the pantry”.

Each evening, from 8.30pm, the executive lounge’s fridges are stocked with a range of free snacks and light bites. Lovely.

A five-star night’s sleep was followed by a top-notch full English, during which resident manager Andrew Gortchacow came over to inquire about our stay.

Between mouthfuls of sausage and black pudding, we told Mr Gortchacow how we’d been particularly well looked after.

Of course, such luxuries come at a premium. But if you’re prepared to cough up, Hotel 41, recently named one of the top five small hotels in Europe, comes highly recommended.

■ For reservations, visit 41hotel.com, email book41@rchmail.com or call 0207-300-0041.