The Hempel Boutique Hotel - London

London's The Hempel is a five-star boutique hotel cunningly disguised as a Georgian townhouse. So white and pristine is The Hempel hotel in west London that an in-house painter was permanently hired, just to ensure every alcove, corner, and crevice remains that way. Designed by Anouska Hempel in 1996 (she also created renowned boutique hotel Blakes, which is in London, too), this five-star boutique establishment is cunningly disguised as a row of three Georgian townhouses, nestled on a picturesque street where you might imagine idealized families residing, and all within picnicking distance from Hyde Park, naturally. The Hempel manages to be at once calming, and invigorating, with the most stunning lobby we’ve seen in London, made entirely from white Portland stone, sumptuous rooms, suites, and even apartments, a Zen garden (you may recognize from Notting Hill), and tempting I-Thai restaurant. And, for a hideaway that’s so streamlined and minimal, it’s also surprisingly cozy. the-hempel.co.uk