Mr & Mrs Smith

Despite the location, the feeling of being in an oasis of calm, away from the hustle and bustle of the Kings Road, Fulham Road, and Kensington and Chelsea as a whole, is a joy to behold. Superb-looking hotel, and with so many amenities nearby, it's almost the perfect London hideaway.

I couldn't fault the hotel on this visit.

Bumpkin on the Old Brompton Road (www.bumpkinuk.com/restaurants/south-kensington/introduction) are a small group of restaurants (three in total at the moment) and it's the perfect place for a Sunday lunch. Generous portions, a damn good Bloody Mary and the newspapers. Couldn't be better.

Gorgeous hotel and we were upgraded to the most beautiful suite. Very friendly and helpful staff. Great breakfast and room service menu (although pricey). Pretty, quiet location, very near King's Road and Gloucester Road tube. Very good cocktails in the intimate bar downstairs.

Our overnight stay at Blakes was extremely luxurious. Our room couldn't have been more delicious and the whole hotel encourages you to keep looking at it. It all came up to the expectations we had having read the Guestbook review. The terrace is pretty for afternoon tea or a chilled glass of something lovely. We were off to St. Pancras to catch an early Eurostar to Paris the next morning so didn't have too much time to luxuriate in the beautiful interiors of the hotel, but we had dinner there and can thoroughly recommend the restaurant. We were the first and only people down for breakfast at 7am, but everything was ready and staff were bright and cheerful. The hotel is in an excellent position for everything, and has easy access to the tube and buses if you're planning a trip away from the area. You won't want to leave the hotel I'm sure, but if you do, there is lovely shopping on the Fulham Road and a huge variety of restaurants and pubs around. We wished we'd had more time to enjoy Blakes, and I know we will go back soon.

The window blinds in our room. It was a hot day, and as we had a west-facing window the room was very warm. Hardly anything to complain about at all though.

Staying at Blakes is a pure sensory indulgence, from the rich visual tapestry of its interiors, the exceptional culinary treats for a longing belly, to the warm yet slick service of its staff. This boutique South Ken gem is sure to satisfy and delight its guests. Either as a local wanting a stressfree city break or a visitor seeking the best of London, Blakes is the ultimate in accessible indulgence. While every aspect of our stay felt polished, it was also incredibly relaxing as the overwhelming impression is one of quiet confidence. Blakes is ostentatious, yes, but it doesn't take itself too seriously in the sense that you get the feeling this is a place to relax, unwind and have a little fun. Breakfast or an afternoon drink in the observatory is a must and, if you're lucky enough to chance a cloudless night in London, head to the roof terrace armed with a glass of red for some star or moon gazing. If you want to venture outside of the delightful enclave of Blakes, there is an abundance of exceptional restaurants in surrounding South Kensington or Chelsea. Skip a step further down to Cheyne Walk Brasserie for old world service, charm and exceptional steaks straight from the grill. A stay at Blakes will rejuvenate relax and ignite interior design envy in all those who stay there.

Just around the corner from Blakes in Old Brompton Road is

The Star Of India

restaurant We have eaten here many times and the food is consistently excellent. Unless you a very experienced curry fan don't order any of the dishes described as hot. The restaurant was featured in the TV show A Place In France where the owner Raza and his very English friend Nigel opened an Indian restaurant in rural France without much success.

I got to stay in the Director's Suite which was lovely - the bed is like a sleigh!!! The only negative was the fact that there was no separate shower – it's difficult to manouver a hand-held in the bath with very long hair!

It's unlikely having checked into Blakes that you will want to venture anywhere outside. However, if you want to get out for a bite to eat I would recommend La Brasserie on Brompton Road. Within walking distance from the hotel, this restaurant established in 1972 is as close as you're going to get to a Parisian experience in London (the lunchtime menu is of particular good value). After lunch enjoy a walk around the area with some lovely boutiques and interior decor shops.

My advice is do not leave the room – each one is too exquisite. We were treated to breakfast in bed – just bliss, and all the more reason to enjoy our beautiful surroundings. Is there a more romantic hotel in London? I don't think so.