Our newest travel expert and contributor, Imogen Reed, lives in Lovely London, so it was only benefitting she fill us in on the hottest place to grab some local grub!

With the Olympics a matter of just a few days away, all eyes are on London. The UK’s capital city has been hard at work for over seven years preparing for the Games. With an estimated audience of one billion across the globe, the next six weeks are going to be crucial for London’s entertainment scene.

There will never be a better time to visit London. The buzz throughout the city right now is infectious, but for visitors, finding the city’s coolest places to eat is a daunting task, not least because of the capital city’s sheer size. London has a population of approximately 7.5 million people and boasts over 5,500 restaurants. How do you know where to start on that search for the ultimate place to eat? There are also many restaurant guides, such as Time Out and Top Table. London features many of the world’s best restaurants and you are sure to find one that takes your fancy, whatever food you prefer.

However, a visit to one of these few Diva-licious selections offer some of the most unusual — or just damn cool — places in the metropolis city, and are sure to add an extra element to both your meal and your entire trip to London.

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Travel Gals love to be somewhere special on Dec. 31! We’ve rounded up some of our favorite hotel hot spots that are making sure the night — and morning — are extra-special for their visitors and guests.

The Venetian & The Palazzo (Las Vegas)

The premiere hotels in Las Vegas want to make sure you’re partying all night long, no matter where you are on their properties. Kim Kardashian will be leading the countdown at Venetian’s TAO (pictured), while D.J. Sam Ronson will spin tunes at LAVO inside The Palazzo. Enjoy passed nibbles and open bar at both clubs from 9 to 11 p.m.; a champagne toast greets you at midnight. Once it’s 12:01 a.m., you can use your ticket stub to get into either club; yes, it’s two parties in one! The ticket stub also gets you 10 percent off dinner at LAVO or TAO on Jan. 1. There is also a $100 unlimited drink pass to hit the five bars between the two hotels. Contact the Venetian/Palazzo Box Office, 702-414-9000 or www.venetian.com.

SLS Hotel (Los Angeles)

Got $1500 lying around? Treat yourself to SLS New Year’s Weekend! It’s a three- night stay at the tony Beverly Hills boutique hotel. That includes admission for two to the New Year’s Eve “Spanish Masquerade Ball” at The Bazaar by José Andres. Sip drink specials at a premium-hosted bar and cocktails from Liquid Nitrogen Caipirinha carts; nibble on tray-passed tapas and cava and gorge on multiple dining stations and desert from The Patisserie; and enjoy full access to the SLS Ballroom party. Got an extra $200? Add a Couples Treatment at Ciel Spa, which includes champagne. Heavenly!

Andaz 5th Avenue (New York City)

You’re going to be craving some serious brunch come Jan. 1, 2012. Why not hit the bar downstairs at Andaz 5th Avenue (part of the Hyatt Hotel collection). Nestled in front of the fireplace, at one of the communal bar tables or a cozy banquette, you can indulge in the hotel’s “Naughty or Nice” Day Brunch menu. It’s a full buffet of cured meats, local cheeses, organic egg frittatas, brioche french toast and more from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for $28. Add $11 and you get bloody marys and mimosas, which probably won’t do much for your New Year’s hangover, but will definitely be a tasty addition to the meal. Reservations recommended: 212-601-1234.

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