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Top Ten Boutique London Hotels
 
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The London hotel scene has been transformed over the last decade as award-winning architects and interior designers stamp their mark on the capital. From Ian Schrager to Sir Terence Conran and Phillipe Starck to Anouska Hempel. Indulge in the ultimate 21st century luxury on your next visit.
 Here's our top ten recommendations and pick of the rest:  The Metropolitan
One of the first hotels to open on exclusive Park Lane for over 10 years, The Metropolitan has quickly established itself in the hearts of celebrities and hotel connoisseurs alike. Just a short walk from the theatrical West End, designer Bond Street and tranquil Hyde Park, The Metropolitan is an oasis of calm into which you are invited to retreat. Fabulous fresh design ideas greet you at every turn where simplicity is the key. Consisting of 155 rooms, plus a penthouse with outstanding views, it is also home to London's premier Japanese restaurant, Nobu, and celebrity hang-out the Met Bar. Treat yourself! Address: Old Park Lane, London W1Y 4LB Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7447 1000 Email: info.lon@metropolitan.como.bz The Halkin
Located in London's fashionable Belgravia, a short walk from designer Kensington, The Halkin has been setting the standard for luxurious, modern hotels since its opening in 1991. Glamorously Italianate throughout, even the staff wear Armani uniforms. Tranquil and serene, each floor is designed around an elemental force - earth, air, fire and water. Minimal fuss means maximum indulgence from Egyptian cotton sheets, cavernous baths and Bvlgari toiletries in each of its 41 rooms. Warm wood panelling enhances the mood in this hi-tech yet sensual residence, where you can treat yourself to the acclaimed Thai food of Nahm. Awarded a Michelin star after just 6 months of opening, it is the first Thai restaurant in Europe ever to be awarded this accolade. Address: 5 Halkin Street, Belgravia, London SW1X 7DJ Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7333 1000 Email: reservations@halkin.como.bz St Martins Lane
Occupying prime location in London's theatrical hub, the St Martin's Lane Hotel embodies his philosophy of 'hotel as theatre'. On entering the Lobby you feel as though you have stepped into a Dali painting, where gold molars serve as chairs and over-sized objects regally preside. Design guru Phillipe Starck helped transform this 1960s office block into one of London's most exciting hotels, where each room benefits from floor to ceiling windows and interactive lighting. With no sign outside, you have to be in the know, and those who are regularly enjoy the Asian-Latino food of Asia de Cuba or a cocktail in one of the many bars. Address: 45 St Martin's Lane, London WC2N 4HX
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7300 5500 Email: sml@morganshotelgroup.com[/venue] The Hempel
From the moment you enter the vast lobby, flooded with light and natural white orchids, you are invited to feel at one with your surroundings. The Hempel has been meticulously designed to balance and draw strength from contrasting elements - Yin and Yang, black and white, ancient and modern. Anouska Hempel has created a temple of tranquillity with 35 bedrooms that take their inspiration from the Far East and boast sumptuous fabrics and key antiquities. The signature restaurant I-Thai is a sensual experience and provides a peaceful retreat. And if you can bear to tear yourself away from this idyllic spot, the bustle of Notting Hill and the West End awaits you. Address: 31-35 Craven Hill Gardens, London W2 3EA Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7298 9000 Email: hotel@the-hempel.co.uk Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
Overlooking one of London's finest open spaces is the Mandarin Oriental. Hotel of choice for the rich and famous, it occupies a grand building which dates back to 1889. Rich marble dominates the interior, which has been tastefully refurbished in contemporary style. Each of the 277 bedrooms and 23 suites feature antique furnishings and paintings, plus there is a Spa offering exotic treatments and the Mandarin Bar, complete with cigar divan and live music. Hyde Park offers boating and concerts in the summer time or you may prefer to delve into Harrods and Harvey Nichols. The Mandarin will collect any purchases on your behalf. Address: 66 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LA Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7235 2000 Email: reserve-molon@mohg.com Blakes
Created in the 1980s by internationally acclaimed designer Anouska Hempel, Blakes is the definitive 'boutique hotel'. A favoured bolt-hole by celebrities visiting the capital, its discreet but sensational service is renowned. Tucked away in residential South Kensington, the retail delights of the King's Road and London's major museums are all within walking distance. Guests are transported to the sumptuous Far East by the exotic and rich fabrics which act as a vivid backdrop for the antique furnishings. Each of the individually designed rooms offers opulent and luxurious respite from the outside world. The restaurant is highly sought-after for private parties. Address: 33 Roland Gardens, London SW7 3PF Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7370 6701 Email: blakes@easynet.co.uk One Aldwych
Award-winning hotel that opened in 1998 and already tops most people's hotel wish lists. Situated on the cusp of the West End where it meets the bustle of the City, One Aldwych is ideally located for the theatre, Somerset House, riverside ambles or retail therapy. With all the grace and charm of an Edwardian building, the interior is simply stunning. Clean, crisp lines are augmented with wood panelled stately windows in the Lobby and each of its 105 rooms boasts luxurious silk furnishings and Frette bed linen. The serenity of the swimming pool and its underwater music is almost too pristine to disturb. 350 contemporary artworks and sculptures permeate this luxury hotel. Address: One Aldwych, Holborn, WC2B 4BZ Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7300 1000 Email: reservations@onealdwych.com The Portobello Hotel
Combining all the magic and intrigue of the fabulous antique stores and stalls of its close neighbour, Portobello Market, this legendary hotel is extravagant, witty, charming and unpredictable. Tina Turner, Van Morrison and Alice Cooper have all enjoyed its eccentricities and unique character. Behind the Victorian façade guests uncover a 'nesting experience without the drudgery of tidying up'! Every room features hidden delights, like the 100 year old bathing machine, the rich and opulent Moroccan Room or the intimacy of the cosy cabin room. Opened in the 1970s it still has huge appeal and joyously flaunts it. If you venture out you'll find Notting Hill within walking distance. Address: 22 Stanley Gardens, London W11 2NG Telephone: +44 (0)20 7727 2777 Email: info@portobello-hotel.co.uk The Pelham Hotel
A favourite with the fashion crowd (its huge wardrobes make it a must for London Fashion Week goers) the Pelham offers a sophisticated retreat in the heart of cosmopolitan South Kensington. Outside you will find London's best shops, museums and parkland. Inside you will discover a Victorian town house which has been lovingly brought to life with all the style of an English country house. The 48 bedrooms and 2 suites range from the grand and formal to the intimacy of a room in the eaves. Downstairs there are two wood panelled lounges, adorned with original paintings and antiques, which induce relaxation and the Kemp Bar and Restaurant, hung with the art of British fashion designers. Address: 15 Cromwell Place, London SW7 2LA Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7589 8288 Email: pelham@firmdale.com Sanderson
For that 'Alice in Wonderland' feeling check into the Sanderson where the distinction between dreams and reality becomes an instant blur. Described by founder Ian Schrager as an 'urban spa' the Sanderson nestles comfortably between Regent's Park and trendy Soho. The entrance is dominated by Dali's red lip sofa and a 35-foot long Louis XVI style sofa - and the sense of humour doesn't end there! Each of the 150 rooms boasts a silver leaf sleigh bed and silk curtains, rather than interior walls, so you can arrange your own personal space. For relaxation, head to the Agua Bathhouse. Address: 50 Berners Street, London W1T 3NG Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7300 1400 Email: sanderson@ianschragerhotels.com
Traditional elegance abounds in this small but perfectly formed hotel adjacent to London’...
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