While reading the Metro on the way to work today, I read that London saw the highest number of foreign visitors pass through the city last year, despite being thrown into the world's spotlight with terrorist attacks just seven months ago. As a visitor from across the pond - from a country that, everyone knows, has dealt with its own attacks and resulting fears in recent years - I think this is a healthy sign. For those of you who have been desensitized over the years to the quirky personalities of London, you fail to remember that this city is unlike any other.

Londoners have bounced back from the summer's events with the same laid-back and resilient attitudes that I have witnessed in every area of British life. Brits don't overact, like Americans or other fanatics in recent days: they take an issue to a pub at three in the afternoon and have a chat over a drink. And whether they're discussing the previous night's football game, the latest gossip over Big Brother or the state of things in Iraq, everyone is up-to-date and in possession of their own informed opinion that they'll express at a moment's notice.

This tendency spills over into other areas of British life, too; for example, I've been amazed by the level of fashion and eccentricity displayed on the streets of London. Women tread around in the latest hot pair of boots, while they stand unafraid of putting themselves out there in a mismatching revealing number that calls attention to their screaming sense of individuality. This distinctiveness also seeps into more serious arenas, like when a well-publicized MP comes out with his sexuality. Brits are quietly out there, no matter what other people think - and I like that.

In addition to the people, there are so many other things to appreciate about England that many who have been here for a while fail to appreciate. Where else can you find a pub on every corner, filled with individuals prepared to give you their spiel at any time. On a given weekend, you can shove through the crowds in China town and Oxford Circus, peruse the colorful goodness at the Borough Market or take in any number of the city's 200 museums and countless shows.

Walking the somewhat dirty streets and seeing the extraordinary sights, you don't know whom you could run into or what you could encounter. Most likely, you'll run down a fresh tourist holding up a map, wondering why the hell all the streets were placed in random directions and the traffic comes from the right. But hopefully, you'll bump into another Londoner ready to stop in a café with you and have a laugh, or at least a cup of tea.

It's important to remember what this city is, and why people keep coming back.

Lauren Burke

41 *****(Buckingham Palace Road)
Even the marble and panelled entrance to 41 won't prepare you for the sheer luxury of the hotel. From the executive club lounge to the cellar of fine wine, 41 strives to pamper its guests.

The Chesterfield ****(Mayfair)
Any hotel that offers internet access from all its rooms knows how to move with the times, although the Chesterfield's Georgian décor also respects the past. For fitness fanatics, gym passes are also avilable for the local fitness club.

The Commodore***(Hyde Park)
Keenly priced, lavishly refurbished, 4 star hotel close to Hyde Park. This privately owned hotel is ideal for families and business travellers. Superb location for sights, restaurants and shops.
Single - UKP82.00
Double/Twin - UKP95.00

Flatshares:
Free updates of available rooms/tenants in your area.

The Gore***(South Kensington)
One of London's most popular privately run hotels, The Gore first opened its doors in 1892 as an annexe to the neighbouring Queen's Gate Mansions Hotel. The Gore offers old fashioned comfort with up-to-date facilities and is justly famous for its mellow surroundings and intelligent, friendly staff. Single - UKP136.00; Double - UKP168.03

La Reserve***(Fulham Road)
Contemporary design is the watchword at La Reserve, where attention to the details of furniture and decorative style is immediately evident. Wooden floors and arresting blocks of colour predominate. Special Rates: Single UKP59; Double Twin UKP69; Superior Double UKP89

Swissotel London The Howard****(Tempel)
Inspired by the designs of Robert Adam, creator of the neo-classical style, no attention to design detail has been spared - from the marble pillars imported from Italy to the rich, specially commissioned carpet. The smart formality of the staff uniforms contrasts with the genuine warmth of their welcome.

Lincoln House *** (Marble Arch)
Built at the end of the 18th Century, in the time of King George III, the Lincoln House Hotel offers Georgian charm with modern comforts.

London Hotel Chart
(26/1/06 - 8/2/06)
1) Swissotel The Howard
2) The Columbia
3) La Reserve

Lausanne Palace & Spa *****
Lausanne, Switzerland
The Lausanne Palace & Spa offers a great view of beautiful Lake Geneva and the Alps. Inside, luxury is the watchword, with all the top-class facilities and levels of service to be expected from a well-run five-star establishment.

Click here for more worldwide hotels...

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If you've ever dreamt of owning your very own place in the sun, don't miss Channel 4's A Place in the Sun Live - in association with Barclays - the world's largest overseas property, travel and lifestyle exhibition, based on the hit TV series.

Showcasing 1000s of the world's best homes for sale from over 35 countries, there's no better place to find your dream property abroad. And with homes starting from just £20,000 there is something for everyone - whether you are an experienced property investor or first-time buyer.

300 exhibitors will offer assistance on everything from finding your dream property, to securing finance, arranging removals and deciding on interior design. If it's information you're after, 36 free-to-attend seminars offer expert advice on every aspect of buying abroad, plus country-specific sessions feature both popular and new emerging property markets.

For a truly great day out don't miss the specially commissioned fully-furnished Spanish show villa, a great selection of international cuisine, a bustling food market, live music, dance and entertainment, plus celebrity appearances including A Place in the Sun TV presenter Amanda Lamb.

LondonNet is giving away 10 pairs of tickets to the show, at the Excel Center in London from 7-9 April 2006, and you can nab yours by answering the following question:

Question: A Place In The Sun Live will feature which TV presenter:
a) Alanda Ham
b) Apanda Sham
c) Amanda Lamb

How to Enter: Send an email with the correct answer to editorial@londonnet.co.uk, with the Subject "A Place In The Sun Compie." You must include your name, email address, telephone number and postal address, to be considered for the prize.

More Necessary Info:
- NB MUST include name, email, telephone number and postal address (which will only be used for this compie only - guaranteed). If you don't include your details we can't send you info about the prize!
- First correct answer out of the Editor's hat wins the prize
- Details will be sent to the winners
- LondonNet is not responsible for prize distribution
- The Editor's decision is final

Closing Date: Noon, Thursday 9th March, 2006.

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