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Blakes
London

Discreetly tucked-away behind its chic black Victorian townhouse exterior near South Kensington, Blakes, which can boast being the world's first boutique hotel, is a true hidden gem. Opened in 1978 by ex-bond girl turned super-star designer, Anoushka Hempel, the hotel is an eccentric hedonistic temple of luxury and style. Designed by Hempel to take guests on a design tour of the globe, Blakes has been inspired by China, Cambodia, Thailand, Egypt and Italy but manages to remain intrinsically British. No hotel in London manages to so successfully evoke the age of Empire while still feeling firmly in the present.

The new Blakes Restaurant opened in June 2016 and evokes the travelling spirit to which the hotel was styled on. The bar is colonial-chic think porter trunks, safari hats, bird feather fans and black and white photographs. The rooms are simply exquisite magnificent four-poster beds hang with floor-to-ceiling muslin drapes, walls are lined with everything from neo-classical architectural floor plans to exotic flora and fauna and furniture is truly one of a kind. All are completely different and reflect a creative blend of geographies, eras and design schools from the sexy yet scholarly Library Suite to the honeymoon-perfect white and cream extravaganza, the Corfu Suite. For something more private check-out the Mews House.

Features in the following itineraries

Blakes, London, UK
Blakes, (Corfu Suite), London, UK
Blakes, Suite, London, UK
Blakes (Library Suite), London, UK
Blakes, (Corfu Suite), London, UK
Blakes, Suite, London, UK
Blakes (Library Suite), London, UK
Blakes, London, UK
For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to move.
Robert Louis Stevenson

Client Testimonials

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
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
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

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