What I was deeply craving was a workout. I wanted a hard sweaty workout followed by a hot bath. That, would put me in a London Rhythm quicker and truer than any alcoholic beverage.

Be careful what you wish for. After checking into Claridge’s, a hotel favored by royalty and heads of state, I wondered if such an outfit could live up to my California standards of a great workout. The British may have their monarchy, but in California we have our workout queens, and we don’t like to give up our regime when we travel.

I must admit I was a bit skeptical during check in. The lobby was teaming with a lot of suits and a questionable endeavor.

But like all the great hotels of the world, Claridge’s has something for everybody, from a royal to a Californian. Just as my fabulous Art Deco suite did not disappoint, neither did the fitness center. I had found what I was craving.

Located on the sixth floor in a lovely room with dormer windows peaking out over the rooftops of London, I had exactly what I was craving. All of the newest equipment arranged in an absolutely charming atmosphere, only the English could pull off such a dichotomy.

Located in its own wing, Claridge’s has recently installed the Olympus Suite, a state of the art fitness center. Although it is not huge, it still has enough equipment to fill anyone’s needs.

After perusing all of the latest equipment I settled on Stairmaster's newest climbing machine, and climbed on for what I hoped would be my version of a Vodka martini, not shaken, but definitely stirred up.

My machine was located in the dormer of a window, surrounded by glass on three sides; I had an exquisite view over the rooftops of London. I knew by my heart rate and endorphin rush that I was in the Zone of a perfect workout, but there was even more proof from the surrounding windows, which were completely fogged.

I was puffing so hard that I found it impossible to pay attention to my personal television rigged to the roof in front of me. Instead I just enjoyed the radio station playing all of the newest U.K. chart toppers, which I knew would soon follow me home, across the Atlantic.

Had I wanted to I could have followed my workout with a personal steam, and a relaxing massage. Instead I opted for a waterfall shower in my suite. Claridge’s is famous for the showers, and it’s no wonder some guests even order these water therapists for their homes. Each head is around twelve inches wide and sprouts from the roof instead of the wall. When turned on water spills from hundreds of holes to create the sensation of taking a shower under a warm waterfall.

As if this weren’t enough I followed my hedonistic shower with a lusciously long soak in my deep bath. The famous royal perfumery Floris provided the lightly fragrant bath gel that relaxed me as I amused myself reading one of those infamous British tabloids.

Reluctantly I left Claridge's and made my way to the Thames River, and the Savoy. Although the Savoy is another one of London’s most exclusive hotels, Claridge's would be a hard act to follow.

Unfortunately our suite, superb though it was, did not afford us a view of the Thames. A bit disappointed I left my room for a workout in the newly refurbished fitness club.

Finding my way to the Fitness Gallery through all of the winding and intersecting corridors seemed difficult until a white robed man guessed my plight and beckoned me to follow. Entering the glass and mirrored fitness gallery I discovered that what our room lacked in a view, the gym made up for with equipment and atmosphere.

A creature of habit I again chose to climb atop the Stairmaster, which was also the same new model featured at Claridge’s. This time my view was of the golden statue of the knight in armor, which guards the entrance to the Savoy. On my other side through the glass wall was the indoor swimming pool. Here in the fitness Gallery the latest tunes pulsed loudly as I worked myself into a dripping sweat.

Not wanting to deviate from my satisfying routine, my fine workout was followed by a trip to the waterfall showers also found in the Savoy’s bathroom.

If Claridge’s and the Savoy seemed large and overwhelming the Halcyon seemed more on the homey side, that is if your idea of home is a peach and white Victorian mansion.

Located in the prestigious neighborhood of Holland Park, near Kensington Gardens (Diana’s old home), the Halcyon is actually two mansions joined together to form a luxurious yet comfortable hotel.

The overused term “boutique” hotel could apply here, but a more apt description would be a country manor within the city. At the Halcyon one is more likened to a guest at a wealthy friends townhouse, than a client at a hotel.

While staying at the Halcyon you have the benefit of membership to Lambton Place, a nearby exclusive health club. With it’s indoor tennis courts, swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, what more could one desire from a club.

Choosing to take a jog, and forego the health club was an easy decision when I took into account the Hotel’s location. Sandwiched between historic Hyde Park, and the lesser known Holland Park I had beautiful scenery to run through. Holland Park with its 54 acres of woodlands and formal gardens, not to mention the occasional free roaming peacock, was a lush wonder.

Leaving the park and winding through the city streets I inadvertently ended up at the Portobello Market. Happily it was a Saturday, and the market was in full swing. This longstanding and lesser known market is a fiesta of antique dealers, street vendors, and tiny bakeries. The perfect place to wind down a run, grab a cup of tea, croissant, and poke around fascinating little antique booths.

Several hours later I found my way back to the hotel. I realized I had enjoyed this days exercise the most, returning laden with treasures, as well as an endorphin glow.

For my final night in England I wanted to be close to Heathrow, as I had an early morning flight. The idea of an “airport” did not seem appealing until I discovered Oakley Court.

A gargoyle adorned masterpiece designed in the style of a French Chateau, the hotel has an air of mystery. If it looks like a good home for Dracula, well that’s because it was. Only in the movies of course. Over two hundred films have been shot here, including Rocky Horror Show, Murder by Death and most notably the Hammer House Production of Dracula.

Hold up in the Mugleston Suite on the top floor of Oakley Court, I felt more like relaxing than working out. I was hard pressed to leave the picturesque view over the Thames; replete with colorfully painted boats cruising past the hotel’s manicured willow dotted lawns.

When I finally made my way to the Oak Leaf Club I didn’t regret leaving the view from my room. The four month old club was a delight.

Centered on an indoor pool with an attached Jacuzzi, the fitness center felt more like a local club than a hotel gym. As it turns out, this was exactly the case. The gym, although part of the hotel, also accommodates a limited number of local members.

The club has so many additional services that it could nearly be classified as a spa. In addition to the steam room, sauna, sun beds, and beauty salon, there are also full ranges of beauty treatments including: bodywork, facials, seaweed wraps, and specially formulated aromatherapy massage.

The aromatherapy is a particularly appealing option, with herbs formulated according to your plans following the massage; it can either be a relaxing, or stimulating event.

When I told my massage therapist Sue that I wanted a good night sleep, she said she had just the thing. She made a special formulation of Lavender and Geranium, not just for its soothing smell, but also for its relaxing properties.

It must have worked because, sleep I did. Not so much so that I missed my flight the following morning, but if I had I’m sure Sue could have whipped something up to relieve the tension.

Claridge's and Savoy – Make a reservation at the Savoy or Claridge’s.

Halycon Hotel – Make a reservation at the Halcyon Hotel.

Oakley Court Hotel – Make a reservation at the Oakley Court Hotel.