Number Sixteen – South Kensington, SW7

By Guest Writer

4 years ago


In a mid-Victorian white stucco terrace, Number Sixteen is one of Firmdale’s townhouse hotels, which include Dorset Square Hotel and Knightsbridge Hotel. Decorated by founder and creative director Kit Kemp in her inimitable, contemporary, eclectic style, it’s full of bold colours, joyful collisions of pattern and hand-picked artworks. The result: your spirits are lifted the moment you walk inside. The ground-floor rooms are flooded with light from floor-to-ceiling windows and include two drawing rooms, a library with an honesty bar, and an Orangery, leading to a beautifully designed and leafy garden – a rare treat, and one of London’s best-kept secrets. In summer this is the spot for relaxing with drinks, nibbles and friends. Number Sixteen has just 41 rooms, but the facilities of a larger luxury hotel are in place – 24-hour room service, valet and concierge. It’s also a stylish place to eat: all meals, including afternoon tea are served in the Orangery. There’s no spa, but you can request an in-room therapist from Firmdale’s nearby Soholistic Spa at Ham Yard.

Doubles from £336

+44 (0)20 7589 5232; firmdalehotels.com

Number Sixteen