Blakes Hotel - London hotel

Set on a lovely residential block, in an upscale neighborhood crowded with BMWs, Land Rovers and the occasional Lamborghini (a Lamborghini dealership is just around the corner), a 10-minute walk southeast of Glouchester station, 20 minutes' walk from the Victoria & Albert Museum, this is London's couture hotel, the brainchild of fashion designer Anouska Hempel (Lady Weinberg). This property remains under the watchful eye of Lady Weinberg, but is no longer affiliated with the Hempel.



This early entry in the swollen wave of hipper-than-thou hostelries is always one of the first to fill during Fashion Week. Each guest room in this series of Victorian town houses is worthy of a fashion shoot itself, and for the level of design, comfort and service, the smaller accommodations are a good deal in this city.

The furniture throughout the hotel ranges from antique Japanese lacquer pieces to Louis XIV seating. Its colonial-motif lobby evokes the Great Age of Travel with stacked Victorian trunks and antique birdcages. The lobby shows an artsy twist remnant of the Hempel with its numerous concave areas filled with oranges. Despite its array of fussy fabrics and furnishings, the hotel is maintained in excellent condition.



The draped tables in the basement restaurant are inky black, and recessed lighting illuminates such talking points as Thai warrior costumes and exotic floral arrangements. Visits of Mick Jagger and even Her Majesty fail to faze the cool waiters here. Meals are as over-decorated as the hotel, leaving diners to wonder whether to eat them or frame them. Far Eastern recipes figure prominently, but Occidental numbers are on the bill of fare, too. Menu prices and, especially, wine charges make room rates look like bargains. Movie deals are likely to be struck in the restaurant and the bar. Drinks and coffee are served in a room awash in chinoiserie.



The suave staff shows deference to the worlds of art and music and, of course, to the fashion elite, many of whom show up sporting their own labels. If one is in London to strike a pose, this is probably the place to do it. This place stands above the fray, making hotels such as the Pelham, myhotel Chelsea and The Gore appear tame. Adventurous types who prefer something on a more traditional note should look into San Domenico, where the creative Italian owner's talents illuminate the rooms.