KATHERINE MACALISTER knows all the right places to spend a stylish time celebrating the Queen’s jubilee It’s easy to be patriotic when the sun comes out. But with so much for us to enjoy over the coming months Britain really will get to shine, and nowhere more so than London town (remember, we’re lucky enough to be able to call it our ‘back yard’).

So if you’re considering popping up to the Big Smoke to join in the festivities (and remember, there are two terrific coach services and a swift train connection), we’ve done the legwork for you.

Here are two superb places to stay that won’t break the bank (at least, not quite) but will equip you with enough style and comfort to give even Paris Hilton a run for her money.

The four-star Park Plaza County Hall is an ingenious choice, being firmly situated on the South Bank right next to the London Eye.

But as it’s also right-smack-bang on the river, the views are spectacular: Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament define the skyline, framed against the capital’s night lights. Chosen because we wanted to explore a different part of London for a change, The Park Plaza County Hall is brilliantly situated for all those wonderful places you intend to visit but never quite get round to.

So now, the London Eye, Borough Market, Tate Modern, St Paul’s and the Millennium Bridge are all within a stone’s throw, and on our particular visit, we simply spent the day walking up the riverside enjoying the views, people watching, and sightseeing as such a location affords.

But back to the hotel. Recently updated with a stunning bar and restaurant, the rooms and floors are framed around a central courtyard, creating a visually breath-taking interior. The lift rises and descends into the void, meaning you can watch the diners eating in the Spectrum restaurant below from the top floor.

Minimalist, functional and funky, we checked in easily and were soon ensconced in the wonderful cocktail bar with a Miss Moneypenny martini, before a delicious dinner, followed by a wander around. But it wasn’t until the following day that the location really came into its own and we made full use of it before reluctantly heading home. A real adventure and something out of the ordinary. I can’t recommend it enough...

Those of you who fancy something slightly more regal and ornate should try out the five star English Heritage Grade II listed, Chancery Court Hotel whose central location and historic architecture is enough to wow the most unimpressionable guest.

Throw in the recently refurbished club rooms and you’ll be in awe of the sophisticated black and blue colour scheme, generous space, modern interiors and relaxing atmosphere. It was like entering Batman’s private wing as we were led down the corridors to our room, being only the second people to stay in it.

Arriving mid-afternoon we were then able to pop into Soho, Convent Garden and Carnaby Street to do some shopping and soak up the sun, before returning back to the hotel to change and disappear out for dinner at Yotam Ottolenghi’s new restaurant NOPI in Warwick Street, which was a memorable experience. A truly unforgettable night, fit for a queen.

* Park Plaza County Hall, 1 Addington Street, London. SE1 7RY. 020 7021 1800. www.ParkPlaza.com/CountyHall. Rooms start from £154.80 per night (inc VAT) Chancery Court Hotel, 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN. 020 7829 9888. www.chancerycourt hotel.com. The new Club Rooms, start from £300 per night.