---
type: "Article"
title: "Blakes Hotel, London: Multi-million pound refurbishment heralds new era for London’s iconic boutique hotel"
description: "Blakes Hotel, created by internationally-renowned designer Anouska Hempel, has unveiled 47 beautifully refurbished rooms, a brand new gymnasium and discreet, Japanese garden-inspired courtyard, following an extensive, eight month refurbishment programme. Guest article by Cara Chapman at Bacchus."
resource: "https://travelmemo.com/united-kingdom/blakes-boutique-hotel-london-multi-million-pound-refurbishment-heralds-new-era-iconic-hotel"
author: "Walter Schaerer"
publisher: "Travelmemo"
photo_count: 4
tags: ["Contributions", "United Kingdom"]
entities:
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/places/united-kingdom"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/design"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/restaurant"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/boutique-hotel"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/culinary-tourism"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/author/walter-schaerer"
generated: { by: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/walter-schaerer", at: 2026-07-04T14:09:02+00:00 }
verified:
  - { by: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/katja-birrer", at: 2011-06-27T19:25:29+00:00 }
timestamp: 2026-07-04T14:09:02+00:00
---

# Blakes Hotel, London: Multi-million pound refurbishment heralds new era for London’s iconic boutique hotel

> Blakes Hotel in South Kensington, London — the world's original boutique hotel created by designer Anouska Hempel — completed a multi-million pound refurbishment in 2011, unveiling 47 redesigned rooms, a Japanese garden-inspired courtyard, and a new gymnasium.

## Destination
South Kensington, London, discreetly located behind a black Victorian façade in a residential neighbourhood.

## Why visit
A long-standing favourite of royalty and celebrities, Blakes offers unrivalled bohemian-yet-decadent design, absolute privacy, and unobtrusive service — earning its nickname as the 'Couture Hotel'.

## What to see
- **The Courtyard** — A Japanese garden-inspired green oasis lined with Bay trees, open to residents and non-residents for breakfast through evening cocktails.
- **The Corfu Suite** — All-white French Provençal suite featuring gossamer nets and mother-of-pearl furniture.
- **Suite 007** — Blakes' largest suite, with original French Art Nouveau doors, hand-painted white floors, and a Victorian drawing room with fireplace; licensed for ceremonies of up to 40 guests.
- **Blakes Bar and Restaurant** — Atmospheric, refurbished space blending Eastern and Oriental motifs with a menu of Asian-influenced and modern European dishes.
- **The Chinese Room** — Private dining room adjoining the bar, suited to intimate dinners and cocktail parties.

## What to do
- **Weddings and honeymoons** — Three suites are fully licensed for ceremonies, with Suite 007 accommodating up to 40 guests.
- **Gym** — State-of-the-art Keiser Training equipment, exclusively reserved for hotel guests.

## Good to know
Blakes is a member of the Design Hotels portfolio. Rooms feature Bang & Olufsen iPod docks and televisions. The courtyard serves non-residents as well as guests.