London’s iconic Blakes Hotel gets a multi-million pound refurbishment

Blakes Hotel, the first original boutique hotel has unveiled 47 beautifully refurbished rooms, a brand new gymnasium and discreet, Japanese garden-inspired courtyard, following an extensive, eight month refurbishment programme. Opened in 1978, the property prides itself on its privacy, unrivalled design and unobtrusive service, Blakes has for many years become a ‘home from home’ to royalty and the brightest stars from the worlds of music, fashion art and film. Tucked in the heart of residential South Kensington, Blakes exudes a bohemian yet decadent ambience in a unique East meets West style. The subtle refurbishment of the rooms has been personally overseen by its creator designer Anouska Hempe (now Lady Weinberg) and each room features sumptuous furnishings and state of the art technology including Bang & Olufsen iPod docks and televisions. Signature suites include The Corfu Suite – an immaculate, all-white French Provencal suite with an abundance of gossamer nets and mother of pearl furniture – and Suite 007 – Blakes largest suite featuring original French Art Noveau doors, hand painted white floors and a large Victorian drawing room complete with fireplace and bookcases. One of the key additions is ‘The Courtyard’, a stunning green oasis adorned by a myriad of Bay trees that draws inspiration from a traditional Japanese garden. The Courtyard serves breakfast, lunch, refreshing afternoon teas and early evening cocktails to both residents and non-residents; the courtyard is a true hidden gem. Another element to the refurbishment programme is the addition of a gym fitted with the latest in Keiser Training equipment, which is exclusively reserved for the use of hotel guests. The refurbishment extends to the romantic Blakes Bar and Restaurant, long acknowledged being one of the most seductive and chic spaces in London. Designed in the classic style of Anouska Hempel, a heady mix of Eastern and Oriental motifs, the restaurant’s menu echoes its environment. Its elegant style is carried through to the Bar, serving a selection of exotic cocktails, and to the adjacent Chinese Room – a private dining room space ideal for intimate dinners and cocktail parties. Blakes has always remained a popular choice for intimate weddings and honeymoons and now three of the suites have been fully licensed for ceremonies, with Suite 007 catering for up to forty guests. Complimenting its long-stand reputation as ‘The Couture Hotel’, Blakes is also now a member of the exclusive Design Hotels portfolio.