My base was the Design Hotel Mr President in Karadjordjeva, opened in 2007.

It's well placed close to the main train station and a ten minute walk from the old town up a hill, with top notch facilities and friendly english speaking staff. Each room is in a cutting edge contemporary style and features the portrait of a famous world president.

Think it was the Greek premier in my room -I think.

There was a good mix of people when I was there - mainly Serbian, many business people, but the odd American and occasional tourist. And a Brit.

The breakfast is ok although the buffet dinner, thrown in with the price, is average and doesn't change from night to night.

It's a four star and well worthy of the billing, I'd heartily recommend.

It's one of a clutch of four star hotels in Belgrade - with rooms at a fraction of the prices you'll pay in western Europe. There are a couple of hotels on the new side of the river - Hyatt Regency amongst them - but I'd probably recommend staying on the old town side if you can as it's closer to most of the action.

Belgrade is a town that likes to enjoy itself - any time, any day of the week, and you're rarely far from a street cafe/ bar.

During the day the main centre is the busiest place to head, with a horde of options to park yourself in and immediately off Trg Republike square.

Belgrade has a growing reputation as a European clubbing hub and the Sava river, and the nearby town of Zemun, is lined with dozens of boats hosting parties into the small hours.

If you prefer a decent meal instead, then try Skadarlija  - a cobbled avenue close to the centre packed with restaurants, many featuring traditional live Serbian folk music. Portions of local dishes, barbecued meat a particular speciality, or international options are large and cheap, and even in this more touristy area a meal with drinks can cost all of £10.