Blakes Hotel, London
Tuesday, May 1, 2012 
LobbyIf I had to live for an extended period of time in any London hotel, I'd choose Blakes, one of the world's first boutique hotels and this super cool global design journey with a main theme of Asia: India, China, Thailand. Furnishings and decor were collected from all over the world by Anouska Hempel. The bar and restaurant are super sexy, exotic, and cozy as they're small and hidden away downstairs. The restaurant even has fans made of feathers from rare birds. You can just picture rebellious, glamorous Princess Margaret having a drink, and she loved Blakes (Duchess Kate has been spotted in the bar as well) In the lobby are two green lovebirds in a wrought-iron cage welcoming you to Blakes.
Lovebirds
As you can see from the photo above, it is perfectly situated on a South Kensington street, in one of my favorite London 'hoods with great restaurants and shopping. You are totally tucked away in a place that feels like home but you've got the glamour and service of a top hotel. The building took over several Victorian townhouses The first thing I noticed was the scent of Blakes, not overpowering at all, but a subtle, intoxicating smell. I was lucky enough to take one of their candles home. I want my entire apartment to smell like Blakes. The rooms are all different and fabulous, from dark and dramatic to light and airy. So hard to choose a favorite, but the take-me-away, white Corfu suite evoked a perfect beach vibe which I loved.
Dresser in the Corfu Suite
Corfu Suite Bed 
Corfu SuiteI (almost) always trust Goop and Gwyneth is a fan too - In Goop, she wrote "For awhile, Blakes was my home-away-from home in London before I got a flat. It is a super-chic design hotel, but comfortable and sexy. It is perfect for a romantic trip."
Room for One 
Neighborhood View
You don't want to know how much this bathtub cost! 
Another shot of the street & Blakes exterior
Love South Kensington
City Hotels, Hotels tagged Blakes Hotel, GOOP, Gwyneth Paltrow, London, South Kensington
Reader Comments (6)
My heart stopped upon seeing that bathtub! It was well-designed and the rooms looks absolutely cozy- my favorite was that Corfu bedroom. I think I might stay longer than I used to and never have to go out with a hotel like that. It looks to me as one of the finest hotels in London nowadays.
Great visit to a clearly great hotel!
I stayed here for 3 months and the staff are so friendly, the rooms were a great size and very clean. We were close to the red line and absolutely loved the hotel!
I love hotels like this! Nice and cozy but with well-designed little luxurious touches.
My only concern would be the tub. I have an irrational fear of stone surfaces close enough to the ground where I could slip, fall, and hit my head.
Sublime.
If they don't have a copy of Gerald Durrell's book, My Family And Other Animals, in the Corfu suite, ask them to add it. We read that as a family last year (it is Gerald's story of growing up on the island of Corfu) and loved it. Almost like being there.
xomichele
Michele - what a great tip, I will ask them about the book!