Baglioni Hotel

"Despite its self-declared status as one of London’s hottest spots, this is a solidly pleasant hotel for anyone who wants to do a lot of shopping (Harrods and Harvey Nichols are a ten-minute walk away, Kensington High Street is five) or surf the city’s groovy zones from a single central location (Notting Hill and Soho are almost equidistant, Kensington Gardens is just across the street). The 67 rooms have a nocturnal look: ebonized wood floors and furniture and a color scheme of black, scarlet, and taupe. Black-and-white portraits of Italian movie stars are hung in artful groupings, there’s an en suite espresso machine, and the 24-hour room service slings some first-rate lasagna. A top-shelf spa and gym complex and a good Italian restaurant add to la dolce vita."