Blakes Hotel in London, SW7

33 Roland Gardens, South Kensington, SW7 3PF

Tel: 020 7370 6701

Blakes, the first boutique hotel of its kind in London, evokes past and current intrigues and dark mysteries. As you gallop up the stairs three at a time you may find yourself in the La Comona suite, with Japanese Shuijo Horses corralled over your head and at the foot of your bed. Ginger Louis Vuitton trunks sit around in abundance. Room service whisk up the most amazing cocktails including the "Cigdum" which is an enticing blend of Ginger, Melon and sake topped with champagne.

Blakes rooms are interpretations of deep, rich tones and subtle contrasts. The compositions are luxurious and operatic. What might have easily slipped into being "over the top" is somehow neither too saccharine nor too precious. Rather, these interiors are fascinating exercises in design imagination, choreographed by the masterly eye of Anouska Hempel herself.

With a great concierge and room service running day and night, your every last wish is their command. Celebrities who frequent Blakes know that the staff can be trusted on every level - Hempel insists on never disclosing them as the house rule: "What happens at Blakes, stays at Blakes".

Around each corner there is a surprise and the chance to discover more of the mystery and magic that has been created here.