Written by Peter Brooker in Travel on the 20th September 2017

You've secured that all important meeting, now it’s time to meet in person and close the deal. It's time to reel out your best wing-tipped brogues, tailored shirt with double cuffs, chalk line suit, non-intrusive business fragrance and go on the charm offensive. Wait, where on earth do we meet? Why do I have to make all the decisions? Christ! That was me a couple of years ago. I hated having to arrange a venue to meet people. Now I view this an opportunity like a tennis pro serving out a set. It's advantage to me. This is my chance to deliver a first impression that exudes professionalism and sophistication. Let's take a look at the best day use hotels that are perfect for meetings.

Ham Yard 

I've had the unique pleasure of frequenting Ham Yard a couple of times this year for various press screenings and events. If you're hosting an event and the budget is 'flexible' there is a bowling alley, bar and piano adjacent to the screening rooms. If it's just a business meeting, then the Library and Drawing Room are renowned for their quirky decor. Their rich fabric walls, hand painted Scandinavian bureaus and a specially curated collection of prize-winning literature will reflect the artistic and well-travelled facets of your personality. For your meeting, you might be pressed into sampling a variety of sandwiches or scones with clotted cream and jam. Though I'm not sure if stuffing your face with calorific goods is going to communicate the right message. The service is often cited as being incredibly hospitable and the clientele; unpretentious. You may even catch sight of the odd celebrity.

Artist Residence 

Inspired by the Brighton art scene, this converted pub in Pimlico is contemporary, hip and just a five-minute walk from Victoria Station. Ideal for a casual business intro, dine on seasonal produce in The Cambridge Street Kitchen, or sip an art-inspired cocktail in Clarendon Cocktail Cellar (try the Kill Bill and Airplane cocktails). Artist Residence does casual-luxury so effortlessly and still has a 'best kept secret' feel to it. The entrance lobby is creatively decorated, chic, clean and perfect for an authentic experience in London. Should your client ask you why you picked this place, tell them you have a thing for rustic-reclaimed home decor. It sounds like you know what you're talking about.

Ampersand 

The Ampersand hotel is an elegant yet small luxury hotel near the V&A, Natural History Museum and many of London's most popular museums. Their Kensington meeting and event rooms combine a sense of occasion with state-of-the art facilities and are decorated in eclectic style and kitted out with the latest technology. There are 3 separate meeting rooms depending on your type of meeting (Library, The Games Room, The Wine Cellar). If you're not looking to rent a space and just want a spot to sit for a quick chat, then the tea salon and drawing rooms are fresh, quirky, welcoming and fun. Afternoon tea is served at comfy colourful sofas and armchairs in scarlet velvets and its arty décor is inspired by the nearby museums.

Rosewood 

The Rosewood London has an imperious quality and will provide a perfect backdrop for some crunch talks or an upmarket introduction. Guests enter this immaculately restored Grade II-listed building through an archway that opens into a grand Edwardian courtyard. If you're looking for corporate meetings you can choose between a range of spaces – from the stunning Grand Ballroom to historic boardrooms. For something more intimate, a series of five elegantly appointed rooms they call ‘the salons’ can be divided into two, three, four or five separate chambers and with easy access from the lobby, they can equally function as independent rooms.

Leman Locke 

Finally, the Leman Locke; a design-led aparthotel that immerses you in its neighbourhood’s culture through socially immersive public spaces that connect you to a community of like-minded locals and travellers. It's vibrant, contemporary and actively promotes mindfulness and spirituality. This will be a perfect meeting spot if you want to be seen as forward-leaning, balanced and capable of resolving problems holistically. Their creative meeting spaces are design led and have been intelligently designed to foster creativity and improve focus and productivity. 

That's it, have you got a great London meeting spot? What did we miss? Where do you like to take your clients if you're looking to impress them? Get in touch in the comments bar below.

We feature Ham Yard, Artist Residence, Ampersand, Rosewood and Leman Locke in this guide to Top 5 Most Stylish London Hotels for Meetings.