Apologies for the minor thread hijack, but if anyone is ever looking for something near Blackfriars/South Bank area, I stayed here this week:
www.banksidehotel.com
Brand new, tons of design flair, but without the usual boutique hotel rough edges or cramped rooms. If you prefer modern luxury rather than old-school opulence, and need something in that part of town, this is worth a look, I was seriously impressed.