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.
Priding itself on its privacy, unrivalled design and unobtrusive service, Blakes Boutique Hotel London (affiliate link opens in new window) has for many years become a ‘home from home’ to royalty and the brightest stars from the worlds of music, fashion art and film. Opened in 1978, Blakes has maintained its reputation as the perfect retreat from the capital’s hustle and bustle.
Discreetly tucked away behind its black, Victorian façade in the heart of residential South Kensington, Blakes exudes a bohemian yet decadent ambience. Colour schemes are vibrant, daring and dramatic whilst an abundance of accessories, furniture and artefacts personally collected by Hempel on her travels are carefully scattered throughout, adding to Blakes unique East meets West style.
The subtle refurbishment of the rooms has been personally overseen by Hempel (now Lady Weinberg) and each features sumptuous furnishings and state of the art technology including Bang & Olufsen iPod docks and televisions. Signature suites include The Corfu Suite – an immaculate, all-white French Provencal suite with an abundance of gossamer nets and mother of pearl furniture – and Suite 007 – Blakes largest suite featuring original French Art Noveau doors, hand painted white floors and a large Victorian drawing room complete with fireplace and bookcases.
One of the most significant developments for Blakes, again designed by Hempel herself is ‘The Courtyard’, a stunning green oasis adorned by a myriad of Bay trees that draws inspiration from a traditional Japanese garden. Serving breakfast, lunch, refreshing afternoon teas and early evening cocktails to both residents and non-residents, the courtyard is a true hidden gem.
A further element to the refurbishment programme is the addition of a gym fitted with the latest in Keiser Training equipment, which is exclusively reserved for the use of hotel guests.
Blakes Bar and Restaurant
Similarly beautifully refurbished are the atmospheric and romantic Blakes Bar and Restaurant, long acknowledged to be one of the most seductive and chic spaces in London. Designed in the classic style of Anouska Hempel, a heady mix of Eastern and Oriental motifs, the restaurant’s menu echoes its environment. Dishes such as Hand-dived scallops with ginger & basil, Seared Ahi tuna with a miso mustard dressing & green tea noodles and Red curry with gingko nuts & lime risottini feature alongside classic modern European dishes, appealing to all tastes.
This elegant style is carried through to the Bar, serving a selection of exotic cocktails, and to the adjacent Chinese Room – a private dining room space ideal for intimate dinners and cocktail parties.
Very much a self-contained and romantic hideaway, Blakes is a popular choice for intimate weddings and honeymoons. Three of the suites are fully licensed for ceremonies, with Suite 007 catering for up to forty guests. Complimenting its long-stand reputation as ‘The Couture Hotel’, Blakes is also now a member of the exclusive Design Hotels portfolio.
For further information or images please contact Cara Chapman at Bacchus on 020 8968 0202 or email: cara{@}bacchus-pr.com
About Blakes
Blakes is the world’s original boutique hotel and the inspirational creation of world-renowned designer Anouska Hempel. Located in the heart of residential South Kensington, Blakes completed its multi-million pound refurbishment in May 2011 to unveil 47 uniquely refurbished rooms and suites designed by Hempel herself, a Japanese Garden-inspired courtyard area and state of the art gymnasium. Renowned for its stunning design, elegance and optimum privacy, Blakes is regarded a ‘home from home’ to the A-list, earning its reputation as The ‘Couture’ Hotel.
Other stylish London hotels:
4 Comments
judging by the pictures, this looks like an awesome place to stay. with the likes of celebrities and movie stars as its guests, i doubt i’ll ever be able to stay there. it’d be pretty nice though. it looks so luxurious.
Hi Mack,
Thanks for your comment!
Yes, I guess the hotel is not for travellers on a budget ;-)
Have you checked my prices and availability page? Rooms prices are within a reasonable luxury segment whereas suites obviously are more special…
hi walter,
no, i haven’t seen you prices/availability page, but i’m about to check it out right now. it’s times like these i wish i had the good fortune of being a rich celebrity. i guess i’ll just have to be happy with good health and loving friends and family… :/ hahaha
you know, i just checked some prices and they aren’t as exorbitant as i thought they’d be. still, too rich for my blood. saving is in order.