In the bustling hub that is Birmingham city centre, a plush oasis of calm is the last thing you expect to find when you step off the street.

But somehow the Malmaison hotel oozes tranquility as you walk in the door.

Malmaison is named after the original home of Napoleon and Josephine, a grand house just west of Paris that was seen in its time as being representative of social change and an icon of great style.

And its hotel namesake certainly ticks the great style box.

Housed in the fashionable Mailbox shopping complex, which was once a 1960's Royal Mail sorting office, Malmaison is just a stones throw away from endless shops and fabulous night life and a short drive from the NEC and to Birmingham airport.

Reception is welcoming with rich red shades and low level lighting and the seating is well placed for weary travellers.

And the focal point is a fairytale curved staircase with an inviting scarlet carpet - a trail to the bar and brasserie, a haven for foodies and those who like a tipple.

The dining area is contemporary and minimalistic, yet warm, and the food is an experience in itself.

Steak is the speciality, with around half of the choices on the main menu being beef, but it thoroughly deserves its spot.

A steak knife is unnecessary though as the blade cut through the succulent meat I tasted like a knife through butter. Delicious.

The serving staff were very knowledgeable - our waiter was completely unfazed when I asked what was in the tasty tapenade - and the wine waiter picked us a crisp Sauvignon Blanc that even my partner, who usually doesn't drink wine, took a liking to.

The attention to detail is superb with hot crusty bread arriving on a rustic wooden board and tiny white china pots full of yummy toppings, and beautifully shaped white plates.

Music from the bar only adds to the atmosphere.

The hotel boasts 189 guest rooms in total, comprising 127 double or twin rooms, 18 superior doubles, nine suites and seven executive suites.

We were on the top floor and joked in the lift about staying in the penthouse.

But the chic chocolate, black and ecru room that met us was big enough to live in, quite comfortably, for a few weeks.

The suite was split into two with a dividing wall, and although very dark in colour, the huge windows and vibrant splashes from well placed cushions avoided an oppressive feeling.

On one side was the bed, plasma television, armchair, wardrobes and - my favourite part - dressing gowns with the letters VIP stitched into the collar.

On the other side was a table and chairs, a huge desk, a sofa, another television, and a dressing room with mirrors and books.

Much to my relief, in-room facilities also included an ironing board, iron and hairdryer, as well as tea and coffee making facilities and a mini-fridge for soft drinks, wines, beers and snacks.

The bathroom had a fabulous shower and numerous bottles of toiletries to try for size - my only complaint was that one of the thick white towels so beautifully folded on the heated rail had a small suspicious looking brown mark on it.

The other thing that must be mentioned is the spa behind reception, which smells good enough to eat with low lighting and soothing music enveloping you from the moment you step inside the door.

It provides the perfect surroundings for serious pampering with a spa pool, steam room, sauna, relaxation room and five treatment rooms.

Even the exercise equipment looks inviting with the title 'Gymtonic', although for a fitness phobe like me I would prefer the tonic to be accompanied by gin rather than gym!

But for those who enjoy the burn, high tech machines allow a thorough workout anytime of the day or night, and there is even the option of a personal trainer.

Although we didn't try out the facilities - I forgot the swimsuits - there is no doubt they would be the perfect way to relax after a heavy day shopping - the city's famous Bull Ring Centre is just a few minutes walk away.

It is also walking distance to the NIA and Birmingham New Street Station.

Central and chic, with mouthwatering food to match, it is hard to believe that you can stay at Malmaison for as little as £99 per night.

Or splash out on a suite from £275 a night.

And don't just limit your experience to Birmingham - the chain also has hotels in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Leeds, Aberdeen, Newcastle, Oxford, Belfast, Reading, Manchester, Liverpool, London and Aberdeen.

I'll be going back.

Visit www.malmaison.com