AS most parents will know, the chance to sleep past 7am, finish a meal while it's hot or simply enjoy quietness without the worry something is being destroyed or poured over the floor all count as luxuries when you're raising a toddler.

But to do all three in a five-star hotel in the centre of London's Covent Garden, with a trip to a West End show thrown in? That seemed to me to be a real treat and One Aldwych and The Lion King did not disappoint.

The hotel's impressive lobby, with its large floral displays, giant pillars and showpiece bar, made for luxurious surroundings on arrival, while the staff (and probably the champagne cocktail) ensured my husband and I felt relaxed as we waited to be checked in.

After being shown to our room - which was more understated than the rest of the hotel but still very elegant - we decided make use of the spa facilities before dinner.

This was a main highlight for me as the pool, with underwater music and a large screen showing beautiful underwater footage, was very relaxing and a true haven away from the bustle of the city.

We had dinner in the hotel's Axis restaurant and the meal was delicious, with both my husband and I picking out the starter of pork terrine, toasted sourdough and spiced pineapple chutney as the highlight, while the service was also excellent.

After dinner, we took the very short walk to the Lyceum Theatre for The Lion King.

The show is now in its 16th year and remains the West End's best-selling stage production, and with its stunning costume design, impressive puppetry and evocative African music, it is not hard to see why it remains so popular.

As the production opened with the famous scene of the young lion cub Simba being presented to his kingdom, the room filled with colour and excitement as the cast took to the stage dressed as different animals, while giant elephants paraded down the theatre aisles to 'Circle of Life'.

For fans of the animated film, all the recognisable characters and songs are there, but the original score has been expanded to include some new additions - including the emotive 'He Lives in You', sung when Simba decides to return home after the death of his father.

The amazing talent of the performers shone through as they mimicked the movements of their respective animals through song and dance, all while manoeuvring puppets.

This is the second time I have seen the show and it was just as enjoyable the second time round, if not more so, and I would definitely see it again.

Overall, the trip was a lovely break away from our usual routine of early rises and children's clubs - and much more relaxing than you might expect from a visit to the capital.