'I found a stylish five-star London hotel next to The Ritz but a fraction of the price'

Spending a night at The Ritz in London is probably high up on many people's bucket lists but, with rooms starting from £725 a night, it's way out of most travellers' budgets. However, I found another just a few doors down that costs significantly less to stay there.

I recently checked in to and, when my guest and I arrived, we couldn't believe the location; between Green Park and Hyde Park Corner tube stations in London's upmarket Mayfair area, it's 500m from The Ritz's front door, on the other side of the road.

When we visited, the main entrance to the the tall Art Deco-style building was ringed in an archway of flowers; a very different – although no less impressive – welcome to the iconic establishment up the road.

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After a warm greeting at reception, we received a nice surprise: we had arrived just in time to enjoy the hotel's complimentary 'cocktail hour' drinks up in the Club Lounge – a lovely treat after a long day. Settling down with a glass of fizz and some olives, we couldn't help but overhear some of the friendly chats between guests – many of whom were clearly repeat visitors – and hotel staff, who expertly recommended favourite local restaurants they should check out.

The rooms at The Athenaeum

When it was time to check into our Park View Room, we found a comfy and classy sanctuary awaited. The Art Deco decor continues with mirrored walls, deep teal velvet armchairs tucked into a small bay window, and a marble bathroom stocked with Molton Brown toiletries.

It wasn't until morning though, when we drew back the curtains, that we fully appreciated the incredible location; the floor-to-ceiling windows flooded the room with light, and beautiful views over Green Park, one of London's eight Royal Parks, created by King Charles II in 1660. It was the perfect sunny spot to start the day with a coffee from the room's Nespresso machine, and I doubt even those staying at The Ritz would have had a much better view.

As the property's name suggests, there are also serviced apartments available to book at The Athenaeum, ideal for those staying longer in the city.

The food at The Athenaeum

Our previous evening continued with dinner at The Athenaeum's contemporary British restaurant, 116 at The Athenaeum, just off the lobby. Although quiet when we dined, the food was delicious (and filling!). We enjoyed light and refreshing watermelon tataki (lightly seared on the outside) with innovative coconut, rhubarb and miso flavours, a bowl of rich green pasta heaped on top of an oozing ball of burrata, and to finish, a twist on a classic sticky toffee pudding, topped with a miso caramel sauce and popcorn. There's and extensive wine list to accompany it, and even the lower priced bottles are excellent.

Breakfast at 116 in the morning offers a long list of a la carte classics (think full Englishes, egg dishes and pancakes) along with a help-yourself continental selection (I loved the little glasses of overnight oats and the fresh juices). Afternoon tea is also available to book.

How much does it cost to stay at The Athenaeum?

Rooms at start from £390 per night in a Townhouse Room.