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The perfect romantic gift? A surprise stay at Blakes, London – the world’s first boutique hotel

The perfect romantic gift? A surprise stay at Blakes, London – the world’s first boutique hotel
What to get a man for Christmas? It is the age old question and one especially pertinent when that man is your new boyfriend. I decided that I would go for an 'experience' rather than an 'object'. And so I turned to my sister Ellie Boulstridge, Ampersand Travel's UK specialist, who is something of an expert in all things luxurious in London and whose professional area of expertise is hotels. She suggested a couple of places, but top of her list was Blakes in South Kensington and after looking at their website it was immediately top of mine too. The rooms, individually designed by Anouska Hemple, each with something special, personal and charming about it, grand but not over the top, chic but not snobbish, looked like the perfect treat. I asked my sister to book us a night in a 'Director's Double' and awaited the week before Christmas, when my boyfriend Joe and I would arrive in London from Sydney, with impatience.
Blakes is situated on Rolland Gardens, a smart, quiet, street which twinkled with Christmas lights as we arrived. As we pulled our cases into the lobby, a wonderfully warm and spicy aroma enveloped us; the welcome we received from the GM, Julian Payne, was just as warm. I had to resist the urge to just sit in the lobby all afternoon, gazing at the beautifully decorated Christmas tree and cooing at the love birds which were tending their nest on the floor of their cage that hangs by the reception desk.
After a fine pub lunch nearby, the welcome back was even warmer than the initial one and we felt a little like royalty as we were informed that we had been upgraded, to none other than the Library Suite.

Blake 's Hotel London , Library Suite
2013-12-17 23.18.04
Trying to describe the Library Suite with words is challenging. Truffles and a hand written note from the GM and his staff awaited us on arrival and the gentleman who escorted us to the suite had to spend a good 5 minutes showing us hidden wardrobes and light switches secreted behind panels of false books and a television which rose out of the foot of the bed. There were no less than 25 pictures on the walls, the books which lined the shelves in the library were a mix of 19th and 20th century volumes of things I actually wanted to - and did - read. The bath was of the variety which leads you to the conclusion that far too little of one's life is spent in baths; it was difficult to persuade myself to get out of it. Joe said the same thing about the shower. As for the bed itself, it was so high that I could not get on to it unassisted! Once in it, there was a plethora of pillow choices, a perfectly sprung mattress and as we looked up we were lost in chocolate coloured curtains which hung in lush folds around the four posters. The short way to describe the Library Suite is a little piece of beautifully designed heaven.

As you may have guessed, I am now a total Blakes convert and I will most certainly be trying to make a stay a yearly occasion on my return from Australia for Christmas in Europe. If I lived closer, I think it might have to become far more frequent a treat! My cold was kept far at bay by the charming service and deliciously warm and beautiful surroundings. The place is definitely good for the health as well as the soul.


We finished our stay with a delicious breakfast of eggs Benedict brought to our room and ate them whilst plotting how we could return more frequently. The conclusion was, Sydney needs a Blakes and I have definitely passed the Christmas man-gift test!

Blakes , (Corfu Suite ), London , UK
Blakes , London
Blakes , Top Suite ), London , UK
Blakes , London , UK 2
Thank you to the lovely Anna Boulstridge for contributing to the Ampersand Blog! For more information about Blakes or to plan your own tailor-made holiday to England, Scotland & Ireland please contact our UK sales specialist Ellie Boulstridge at ellie@ampersandtravel.com / +44 (0)20 7819 8903.


Client Testimonials

I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India

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