Blakes hotel is the antithesis of minimalism housing an eclectic mix of styles and furnishings from all over the Orient, the journeys of Phileas Fogg spring to mind. Each room is unique and markedly different in style from calm white muslin draperies to startling crimson stripes or black lacquered furniture and tromp l’oeil wall treatments. The converted and restored Victorian town houses, which make up the hotel, belie the theatrical interiors of this gem of a hotel. The Kensington location and discreet façade make this hotel popular with celebrities eager to avoid the attention of the paparazzi.

There are nine suites and 42 rooms, non-smoking on request. The startling décor is consistent throughout the hotel with wonderfully whimsical touches one of the rooms is home to the Empress Josephine’s day bed, or choose an ancient Egyptian funeral barge or 16th century Venetian boudoir. The marble bathrooms are luxurious with a combination shower bathtub and robes. All the rooms have TV/VCR and dataport.

The menu in the restaurant is as original as the hotel; each dish is devised by Anouska Hempel and blends the flavours of East and West to produce elegant delicious dishes. The bar and the popular private Chinese room adjoin the restaurant. There is also a comprehensive room service menu available 24 hours.

Available on request.

Blakes hotel is in South Kensington a quiet residential area close to central London. Within a few minutes walk there are three of the most popular museums in the country: Victoria and Albert, Science and Natural History. Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are close enough for a stroll. Brompton Cross and the Kings Road are home to some of the most fashionable shops and restaurants in London. The theatre and financial districts are a short taxi or tube ride away; both South Kensington and Gloucester Road stations are nearby.

The delightful rooms offered at the hotel lend themselves to a special, romantic break particularly in one of the suites. Blakes offers the Honeymoon Special, which includes continental breakfast and champagne with the accommodation. The hotel has an arrangement for guests to use the gym facilities of the nearby Holmes Place.