Claire Bowen gets a taste for the high life, with a London company offering accommodation which is just a little bit different

HOW often have you walked along London's graceful avenues and wondered what lies behind the doors of the elegant houses?

Uptown Reservations can unlock those doors for you, not only so you can see inside but also so you can stay the night.

So being nosey, and in need of accommodation in the city, I couldn't resist the invitation to spend a night at a posh apartment in South Kensington.

My host was Kai Vickers and she welcomed me into her home like an old friend.

And what a home.

It was like walking into the pages of a glossy magazine.

Everything was white, from the tasteful marble tiles in the hallway to the white curtains and blinds, carpet and duvet on the inviting double bed.

Even the sitting room, which guests are invited to use, was decorated in white.

But it was far from minimalist or bland.

Vases crammed with beautiful peach roses added a splash of colour - there were some in the bedroom too - and the bookcase was filled with so many desirable books and videos that it seemed the perfect place to curl up on the sofa and chill out.

And Kai is happy for her guests to do just that but her passion for London ensures that you'll want to get out and about and see the sights too.

Following a good night's sleep and refreshing shower in my own bathroom - white of course - I joined Kai for a scrumptious breakfast of fruit juice, a selection of delicious breads and pain au chocolat all washed down with a choice of fresh coffee or tea.

And we sat there enjoying the surroundings and chatting away for far too long. Saying goodbye was like leaving a friend - it's never like this at the Hilton or other big hotel chains.

Now that I've caught a glimpse of life on the inside I doubt that I'll ever choose to stay in a London hotel again.

There are more than 80 similar B&Bs located in central London - an area which includes Knightsbridge, Chelsea, Notting Hill, Belgravia and Kensington. Kai's home was just a minute's walk from South Kensington tube station and within easy reach of Harrods and the museums.

Many are historical buildings, including a house in Notting Hill which is the last kiln house in the area dating back to 1908.

Georgian properties, a pine panelled house from the Queen Anne Period and Mews cottages - my idea of the perfect London home - are among Uptown's homes.

"Our b&bs are fun places to stay. Our guests become friends," explained Keith Stables, whose wife Monica Barrington started the company in 1998.

"We appeal to people who are fed up with hotels and are looking for a home from home," he added, explaining that their criteria for choosing properties is, 'would they like to stay their themselves?'.

Guests come from Europe and the US with a 50-50 split between men and women. Women travelling alone like the security of staying with a family rather than an impersonal and intimidating hotel.

Families too are latching on to the idea and some properties can provide family rooms or two adjoining rooms.

Whatever your reason for choosing to stay in these exclusive and luxurious London homes you can bet your life you'll want to return.

FACT FILE

* Uptown Reservations, tel 020 7351 3445, 020 7351 9383, email inquiries@uptownres.co.uk, www.uptownres.co.uk

* Rooms: Single, £72 a night; double/twin, £95 a night; family, £125 to £135; £5 extra for a one-night stay

* Facilities: All rooms have a private bath or shower room, continental breakfast is included in the cost and many homes have access to London's secret garden squares.

* Booking: It's possible to book last minute but better if you can book ahead, especially if you want to stay in a particular area.

Gift vouchers are available.