Sharon Walters heads for a luxury boutique hotel in the City of London’s Square Mile.

A typical room inside Threadneedles, London

Taking a short break in the heart of London’s banking district didn’t immediately grab my attention.

After all, the place is mostly deserted at weekends, as all the people we have learned to hate of late scurry away to lick their wounds in their country retreats . . .

But then the light dawned, and I realised that in itself was an attraction. Hotels would surely be offering some great deals to fill up those rooms as businessmen trying to salvage our financial ruin also went home.

And so off I went to the very heart, Threadneedles – a former 19th century Victorian banking hall within the City of London’s Square Mile.

Threadneedles opened in 2002 as the area’s first luxury boutique hotel and is opposite the Bank of England and London Stock Exchange.

Now, when I say boutique, I use the description as in the dictionary meaning of the word, small and individual. Not trendy and “in your face”.

Because Threadneedles is the very epitome of discrete and stylish. The entrance is a simple doorway with a plain plaque to one side bearing the name. Step inside and there is no noisy hotel reception area with bellhops wandering around. Instead there is a long desk bearing just two computer screens. Staff come out to greet you quietly and efficiently. Check in and, as if by magic, someone is there to carry your bag and see you to your room.

But before we go up to that room, beyond the lobby area is one of the most impressive sitting/relaxing areas in London and beyond.

In the centre and up above is “The Dome” – an elaborate hand-painted stained-glass dome dating back to 1856, which towers high above the lobby, flooding it in dazzling colour.

Add to that Corinthian columns and original marble banking counters which echo the building’s past.

For residents only there is an “honesty” bar – yes, that’s correct, where you can help yourself and just sign for what you have.

There are 70 guest rooms and suites, including the Penthouse Suite, which has private lift access and an outdoor balcony offering views across the City. Interiors are timelessly elegant with a contemporary edge that works around many of the building’s original features.

The rooms are very well appointed with wireless broadband, air conditioning, luxury toiletries, CD player and music library, satellite TV, surround-sound system and DVD player, private safe with laptop recharging point, trouser press, iron and ironing board, mini-bar, filter coffee machine and tea-making facilities.

You get a complimentary newspaper of your choice, complimentary shoe shine (yes put your shoes outside your door at night and they will be returned polished) and food and drink on tap, day and night with room service.

Now let’s be honest, mini-bar and room service prices can be steep, but not so here.

Sadly, when I stayed, Bonds Restaurant at the hotel – a haunt of locals, with superb French cuisine by chef Barry Tonks – was not open for lunch or dinner (its is closed for lunch and dinner on Saturdays and Sundays) but I did get to sample breakfast.

The hotel is renowned for its “power breakfasts” – the best in town according to City AM readers, where deals are done and millions made during a business breakfast.

I was tempted, but instead went for eggs benedict, simply divine and the perfect way to start the day.

Bonds Bar is situated next door to the restaurant and the original bank cashiers’ counter has been cleverly converted to form the large dominant bar which runs the full length of the room. The bar is known for its innovative cocktail menu, which of course I had to sample!

It also serves tapas, and I opted for a handful of dishes instead of venturing out for dinner.

An excellent decision. Delicious, fresh and beautifully presented, they went down very well with a modestly priced bottle of white.

Let’s mention the service here. Across all areas of the hotel one word will do – faultless. And while you may think I had special service as a guest of the hotel, you only had to look around at the service offered to others to realise it was the norm.

The hotel is just a couple of hundred yards from Bank Tube, which gives you easy access to the network – and in my case favourite shopping haunts.

During my break I took a trip to the British Museum – the sight of the building still takes my breath away – for the world-renowned Shah Abbas exhibition which runs until June 14.

Discover something of the life of this Iranian ruler from the late 1500s and early 1600s who remade the country. Fascinating. The museum is free but special exhibitions carry an entrance charge and this one is £12 with concessions.

Threadneedles is one hotel I will be returning to. It is an oasis of serenity, luxury and superb service in a far too frantic world.

Travel facts

• Double rooms at Threadneedles start at £195 per night (Friday & Saturday) and £345 per night (Sunday-Thursday) including breakfast and VAT, based on double occupancy and subject to availability.

• To book or for further information Telephone (0)20 7657 8080 . email resthreadneedles@theetoncollection.com, or visit www.theetoncollection.com/threadneedles