The Kensington Hotel Hotel

109 - 113 Queen's Gate, South Kensington London

It’s old fashioned, but in a good way. When The Kensington spent £20 million on a refit last year, it’s easy to guess the designers’ thought processes: avoid minimalism, work with the building and location, don’t compete with Park Lane or the boutique brigade. On their own terms, they succeeded. Public rooms mix and match styles – Chinese Mandarin on one wall, shooting party on the other. Bedrooms carry through the theme – stand-alone bathtubs, crystal chandeliers, chinoiserie beds. Take away connections to the virtual world and you could be back in the 60s. The hotel’s own Aubrey restaurant has an endearing retro feel, too. Doubles from £280.