Blakes

A mythical city

London needs no introduction as a tourist destination. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned traveler, the city is the ideal site to satisfy anyone’s passion for new and varied experiences. The fact that London has always been, and still is a choice place to visit lies in its number of unusual and unique sites, some very trendy, others totally off the wall. The renowned “British phlegm” is present everywhere in the city giving each address an incredible charm. One of the most popular quarters is South Kensington, an area with discreet building facades and a refuge for many expatriates. And it’s here that in 1978, London’s first luxury boutique hotel opened. What distinguishes this type of hotel from those which are part of a national or international chain, is the fact that a boutique hotel offers a concept, an individual and unique identity. And in the area of concept identity, Blakes has set the standards extremely high.

A legendary hotel

When a hotel has been conceived by one of the world’s most renowned designers who in addition, is a former James Bond girl, one can expect something very special. And the least one can say is that a visitor in search of a dramatic experience will not be disappointed. Behind the chic black façade which groups together three Victorian era buildings on a residential street, there is a universe whose reputation has gone far beyond the borders of the British Isles. Anouska Hempel has created a site totally dedicated to the spirit of adventure and discovery. Exoticism here is not merely a word; it’s a philosophy. By imagining a fusion of the Orient and the Occident, Hempel plays with our senses by creating a theatrical and always tasteful luxury.

Objects purchased from all over the globe individually decorate each room. Staying at Blakes means staying in India, Thailand, China, Indonesia, Cambodia or Egypt. There are 52 different ambiences, 52 invitations to faraway lands. The common areas apply the same philosophy. Beginning in the lobby with its filtered lighting and the colonial atmosphere, or the personnel dressed in black as they welcome the guests, we enter into a veritable cocoon. And since everything is at one’s fingertips, thanks to the attention given to visitors by the personnel, there seems to be less of a purpose to visit the chic boutiques in Knightsbridge which are a mere five minutes away. Blakes is also known worldwide for its discretion, making it a favorite destination for English and international celebrities. The intimacy of each guest is respected to the letter. “Decadent” is a term that comes to mind often to describe the decoration with its abundance of objects, and red and gold colors. Blakes does not adhere to the minimalist philosophy, but that is part of its strength.

It’s impossible to resist name-dropping when one talks about a place that has welcomed celebrities such as David and Gloria Beckham, Lindsay Lohan, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mickey Rourke, Quentin Tarantino, Lim Gallagher, Robert De Niro and Uma Thurman.