Henceforth, when in London, I can be reached at my above personal e-mail address in the marvelous small hotel, 22 Jermyn Street (pronounced german).

A discreet beginning leads down a paneled corridor to a flower-filled cubicle and a royal welcome.

Our suite brimmed with English antiques, lush fabrics, cushy furniture and light. Fabulous flowers spilled from the fireplace and window boxes. The two French windows opening onto Jermyn Street, a great spot to people watch. In the evening, with windows shuttered and brocade drapes drawn, a sense of private tranquility pervades.

An armoire and boudoir table add a gracious air in the bedroom, while the second TV, second phone line, hidden safe and air-conditioning add welcome utility.

Kick back in the overstuffed down sofa, catch some BBC, nibble from the all-too-well stocked mini bar and plan your London onslaught. To recover, soak in the English tub (i.e. large), work out at the nearby club or order up from room service. You bet, even without a restaurant, you can order anything from a cuppa to a full dinner at '22'.

What impresses most about '22' is the extraordinary level of attention to detail. Suites manage to be both elegant and supremely functional with a dining table for 4, a good working desk, and lighting which adjusts from reading to romance. There's delectable fruit (where do the others find those inedible apples?), a choice of morning paper, and at 5:00 o'clock ice with cocktail fixings. The luxurious bathrobes, slippers, towels and bed linens carry the '22' monogram. A single red rose reflects the calm and beauty of the polished granite bath. There are Molten Brown amenities (my favorite-how did they know?), '22' umbrellas, and '22' bread crumbs--to feed the ducks at St James, of course.

I must warn you, however, this look and feel of a lovely English home is deceptive--the place is really a den of digitals. Henry Tonga, the owner, is by his own admission "besotted by technology" . You, too, can get your own @22jermynstreet email address and your laptop plugs right into the desktop modem ready to grab your mail. Two direct dial phone lines and a bathroom extension complete your personal communication system. Need research? '22' has a major CD-ROM library you can access or they'll do it for you!

For 'techno-duds' Henry has supplied not just the de rigueur pens and paper, but scissors, paper clips, tape and all those desk doodads you need but never pack.

22 Jermyn Street has been in the Tonga family for three generations. It was, however, a gentleman's lodgings before that whippersnapper Henry got hold of it. He's turned it into one of London's great boutique hotels. With 13 suites and 5 rooms, it's rather like staying with your favorite and très soigné London Uncle.

Who needs a concierge when you've got Henry? He knows everyone. His relatives alone can keep you busy. His niece has trained a Fine Art student to school you in the London art scene, past and present. While we were there a director-relative supplied courtesy tickets to his play.

Henry himself is an expert man-about-town and full of savvy advice on London's hot restaurants, best shows, finest antiques, and 'till you drop' shopping. All this information and more, Henry has published in his most engaging and informative newsletter. He has it on the '22' web site so anyone, even those unfortunates not staying at '22', can read it. What a guy!

Jermyn Street is in St James's, a great location for your forays on London. Known for its bespoke (custom made to you young 'uns) tailors, and hatters , nearly every store displays the 'supplier to rolyals' symbol. Right up the street is Fortnum and Mason, St James Church and The Royal Academy. A bit further is St James Park and Regent Street.

A short stroll brings you to the ever happening Piccadilly Circus and its tube stop. Of course, '22' will call you a cab, but frankly, we found the London traffic, even in those divine cabs, more effort and time than the tube--a city planning ploy for the resurgence of public transportation perhaps?

Got kids? My 16-year-old niece loved this place. Upon arrival the Sega game of her choice was installed in our VCR. A huge selection of movies was available and the desk person even offered to go out and get one not on the list.

Henry lends out his special cards for you to "jump the queue" at Planet Hollywood and Hard Rock Café. (Top that Connaught!) There's a gargantuan Sega World in Piccadilly Circus. Selby's, with the best price on Doc Martins in London, isn't far. Around the corner, Pret-A-Manager carries very good fresh sandwiches, salads and crisps (such a good word for chips) for when the kids have had it with dining out.

Did I like this place? Let's put it this way, when I heard Mel Gibson stayed at '22' my esteem of him skyrocketed.

 By Kate Crawford      July, 1999