London Heathrow Airport (LHR): Approximate driving time is 22 minutes and distance is 23 miles.

London Gatwick Airport (LGW): Approximate driving time is 56 minutes and distance is 51 miles.

The Copthorne Tara is located on Scarsdale Place, 2 blocks south of High Street Kensington. Express trains serve both airports into the center of London, for transfers to taxis or the Underground (subway). The closest Underground station is High Street Kensington. Taxis are best hailed with the assistance of the porter.

Although parking facilities are nearby, there are heavy fines for drivers who forget to pay new tolls for driving into central London. Traffic is difficult even for the seasoned driver. Best bet: taxis or the Underground.

The Brasserie - The quintessentially French interior features art noveau-style stained-glass screens, parquet flooring, teak paneling, and mirrored columns. Plum leather banquettes line the walls, and bentwood chairs surround bistro tables with crisp white linens. Serving European cuisine including light meals and salads, and charcuterie and platters. A separate 1930s-style wood-paneled bar features stained glass scenes of waterfowl, and is open from late afternoon until early morning.

Amenity highlights: The lobby hosts a variety of services—theater reservation and concierge desks, currency exchange, and a business center (fee) with dial-up Internet access. The hotel has two restaurants, 24-hour room service, and a multilingual staff.

Insider tip: One of London's best-kept secrets, the Kensington Roof Gardens offer superb views of west London, as well as tropical plants, wildlife, and a restaurant. This verdant garden-in-the-sky is located 3 blocks from the hotel, on the seventh floor at 99 Kensington High Street.