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The Independent
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
The best boutique hotels in London for stylish design and personal touches
When it comes to booking a hotel in London, the options can be overwhelming. Location is key, especially if you want to be within easy reach of the city's best sights and neighbourhoods. Below, born-and-bred Londoner Gina Jackson shares her pick of the 10 best boutique hotels in the capital, all personally tried, tested, and thoroughly approved. Each stay features fewer than 100 rooms, with most falling between 30 and 40. These aren't the city's grand dames, so don't expect all the bells and whistles (such as gyms, spas or pools), but what they lack in size, they more than make up for in charm and thoughtful design. Each one is stylishly appointed, intimate and no less luxurious than London's more starry addresses. For first-time visitors, I'd recommend choosing a central location; for longer stays or return trips, hotel-hopping between neighbourhoods offers a richer, more local experience. Gina Jackson For our pick of the very best hotels in London, visit our guide. The best boutique hotels in London for 2025 At a glance 1. Broadwick Soho hotel Soho The brainchild of five fun-loving friends, Broadwick Soho is a bold, bohemian party pad sitting slap bang in the centre of Soho. As unapologetically flamboyant in its glittery design as it is in spirit, you can expect kaleidoscopic colours and dizzying prints to dazzle around each corner, with Martin Brudnizki-designed spaces outfitted in touchy-feely fabrics and trinkets from around the globe: think ceramic plates sourced from Italy and elephant-shaped cocktail bars fashioned in Jaipur. This isn't just a place to stay over, though: Broadwick's various bars and restaurants have each become Soho watering holes in their own right, making the hotel a magnet for the city's creative types. Evenings begin by sinking cocktails at Bar Jackie before slipping downstairs for comforting Italian fare – or up to rooftop bar Flute for live music and DJ nights. And the party doesn't end there: hotel guests also get access to residents-only lounge The Nook, where you can spin vinyls into the early hours of the morning. Address: 20 Broadwick St, London W1F 8HT Book now 2. Beaverbrook Townhouse hotel Chelsea This charming townhouse placed on Chelsea's Sloane Street is easily one of the neighbourhood's best-kept secrets. There's plenty of drama in all of the 14 thespian-inspired bedrooms (each named after a different London theatre), with sweeping, canopied bedsteads or funky four-posters guaranteed. Velvety furnishings decked out in every shade of the rainbow are also de rigueur, as well as smartly tiled bathrooms stocked with Bamford body lotions - with designer Nicola Harding at the helm, it's no surprise that every corner and crevice has been imbued with endless colour and pattern. Other highlights include the TVs that pop out from the end of the bed and can be swivelled round (so you can binge Netflix from your sofa, or while plumped against your pillows), along with complimentary minibars that you're encouraged to raid. For dinner, head downstairs for sushi and spectacular 20-course omakase dinners at the smart Japanese restaurant. 3. Kettner's hotel Soho There are plenty of whispers within the walls of this storied Soho stay, once home to London's first ever French restaurant, and the former stomping ground of Oscar Wilde, Agatha Christie and Winston Churchill. Kettner's has seen its fair share of scandal over the centuries, and despite having shaken off its somewhat risqué reputation, the hotel is no less splendid today and sits under the Soho House umbrella. The all-day restaurant is a reliable spot for French-inspired fare, as is the glamorous bar for oysters and champagne. Upstairs, the hotel's 33 bedrooms pay homage to the Roaring Twenties with scalloped velvet headboards and chintzy sofas. All come with comforting Soho House touches: Cowshed body lotions, fluffy bathrobes and homemade cookies in the minibar. 4. Henrietta Hotel Covent Garden This stylish boutique pad by French-owned Experimental Group has plenty of theatrical flair, as is fitting given its central, Covent Garden location. Bedrooms are spread across two elegant townhouses, with gorgeous headboards, gold lampshades and velvet armchairs in each of the 40 hideaways, along with Instagram-worthy bathrooms decked out in pink and marble. The location really can't be beat, and while you'll never be far from revelry (the West End's best bars, restaurants, and theatres are all within easy reach), dinner at the hotel's Parisian-inspired bistro Henri is a must. Acclaimed chef Jackson Boxer heads up the kitchen here: feast on trout roe canelles, roast chicken, and duck fat fries while curled up at candlelit tables. Book now 5. The Mitre hotel Hampton Court, Richmond Skirting the edge of the city, and placed just opposite Hampton Court Palace, a former boozer dating back to Tudor times has been transformed into a bougie boutique hotel. There's plenty of character in this, the former watering hole of Henry VIII's courtiers, and the creaky floorboards and sloping ceilings have been given a fresh lick of paint by designer Nicola Harding. Patterned de Gournay wallpapers, pastel hues (over 100 paint colours were used in the hotel's revamp), and sumptuous fabrics reign supreme in all of the 36 bedrooms. Naturally, the largest is named after Henry himself. Comfort food highlighting the best of seasonal British produce takes centre stage at the hotel's brasserie, and after dinner guests are encouraged to make merry in the snug library: pour yourself a drink from the honesty bar, and turn up the tunes on the vintage jukebox. The Mitre is equally a hit among Londoners looking to spend the night somewhere more leafy, as it is for city tourists who prefer a quieter stay. 6. At Sloane hotel Chelsea This unassuming red-brick mansion block placed along a peaceful Chelsea curve might not give much away from the exterior, but inside, At Sloane is far from a wallflower. Interiors have been masterminded by François‑Joseph Graf and Jean‑Louis Costes (the same brains behind Paris' famed Hotel Costes), and exude spades of high-octane glamour. Sumptuous textures and objets d'art (William Morris wallpapers, checkerboard carpets, and Benson lamps) vie for attention in each room, with each of the thirty suites kitted out with Loro Piana fabrics and clever tech. There are plenty of playful touches too: secret walk‑in wardrobes, concealed 'mistress doors' in some of the suites, and romance kits tucked into the minibars. Upstairs, the sixth‑floor restaurant attracts a well-heeled crowd of editors and A-list models – as does the subterranean bar (don your gladrags if you'd like to join the party). Price: From £600 Book now 7. The Twenty Two hotel Mayfair Most passers-by will stroll past the discreet Portland facade of this Mayfair townhouse, entirely oblivious of the unexpectedly playful party pad behind its doors. A private members' club come hotel, The Twenty Two oozes opulent Parisian flair: detailed Pierre Frey wallpapers, draped curtains, and velvet fabrics are the norm in each of the 31 hideaways. No bedroom here is the same, but even the smallest of pads boast rich red four-posters, freestanding tubs, and chequered marble bathrooms. You'll feast on elegant British fare in the hotel's blue-panelled restaurant – before slipping into the members' lounge (overnight residents are also welcome) and descending the leopard staircase for a boogie at the nightclub downstairs. 8. Ham Yard Hotel Soho Just minutes from bustling Piccadilly Circus and tucked inside a discreet Soho courtyard, you'll find Ham Yard Hotel, one of Firmdale Hotels' best-known properties. In a move that's signature to the boutique hotel brand, colour and print reign supreme in each of the 96 bedrooms, all individually designed by founder and creative director Kit Kemp. A Soho institution of sorts, you'll find that the all-day bar and restaurant is a popular gathering spot at any time of day, with afternoon tea in the Orangery being a tourist attraction in itself. If you'd prefer to hide away from other guests, retreat to The Library or up to the leafy roof terrace, which is home to two lovingly tended beehives. A stay here places you right on Soho's doorstep, with a tempting array of theatres, restaurants, and more spanning out in every direction. Between the bowling alley, private cinema and tranquil spa downstairs, there's plenty inside to keep the whole family entertained. 9. The Hari hotel Belgravia Placed along a quiet residential street in Belgravia, The Hari 's slick glass entrance is an unassuming facade, recognisable only to those in the know. Step inside and you'll wonder why you've never visited before: slick, razor-sharp service stands to attention across this understated yet uber-luxe stay. The bronze, two-storeyed lobby is decked out with squashy sofas, stylish bookcases, and ever-changing artworks, many of which have been taken from the owners' private collection. Rub shoulders with suited gents at the bar, enjoy excellent Italian cuisine at restaurant Il Pampero (a favourite among the locals), and bed down in stylishly appointed suites, each of which features window seats and balconies offering far-reaching views over nearby Hyde Park. 10. The Cadogan, a Belmond Hotel Chelsea This hushed townhouse sanctuary sits just steps away from the hum of Sloane Square and Knightsbridge. A Chelsea favourite among those in the know, there's a distinctly unflashy style here, despite this being one of London's more expensive neighbourhoods. Instead, spacious bedrooms are panelled in muted tones, offset by creamy furnishings and gleaming, marble bathrooms. Service is undeniably slick, in line with what you'd expect at any Belmond hotel: think personalised pillow menus guaranteeing an uninterrupted night's sleep, and turndown teas for you to return to in the evening. You'll be best placed to explore one of London's jazziest neighbourhoods (shops, restaurants and galleries all span out from the hotel's doorstep), but if you'd rather hibernate inside, there's plenty to indulge in: treat yourself to a bespoke facial by Teresa Tarmey, or enjoy afternoon tea in the lounge. Why trust us The hotels featured in this list have been carefully selected by The Independent's expert travel writer, Gina Jackson, who was born and bred in the capital and has a deep knowledge of the destination. Gina is the author of London Hotels by Hoxton Mini Press, and as such, is an authority on all things London hotels, ensuring a personal and informed perspective. When picking which hotels to include, Gina considered. her own experience of staying in the hotels included, and evaluated location, facilities, service and all the other details that make for an exceptional stay for all types of traveller. FAQs When is the best time to visit London? London is a year-round destination. As one of the most popular cities around the globe, there's never a time of the year when you'll be able to beat the crowds, but for the most pleasant climes, visit in spring or autumn. Alternatively, Christmas in London is a magical experience, and when the city truly comes alive, with twinkling decorations and festive fanfare on every street corner. Where are the best areas to stay in London? For first-timers, a central location (Mayfair or Soho) should be prioritised - so you can easily launch yourself into London's West End (home to many of the city's best restaurants, bars, and theatres), as well as easily accessing all of the sights. If you'd rather place yourself near some of the city's swankier shops, there are plenty of hotels in west London too. For more seasoned visitors, farther-flung neighborhoods away from the tourist trail are worth staying in, and will let you explore more like a local. Where to eat, drink and shop Soho beckons with its indefatigable number of restaurants, bars, and shops - for swankier designer stores, head to Chelsea or Mayfair. London's markets are some of the best spots to sample a variety of cuisines: Notting Hill, Borough Market, and Broadway Market each have market stalls and restaurants in abundance. Head further afield to Richmond, Hampstead, and Primrose Hill to discover village-like neighbourhoods home to sweet boutiques and sprawling parks.
New York Times
02-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
How to watch the 2025 Kentucky Oaks, Friday's Lilies for the Fillies race at Churchill Downs
Along with the Derby as the main event, the Kentucky Oaks is this country's longest-running continuous sporting contest. Almost a century and a half before Chappell Roan showed up, this was the original 'Pink Pony Club.' Friday's lily-tinted festivities include the moving Survivor's Parade celebrating breast and ovarian cancer survivors. On Friday at Churchill Downs, we wear pink. Advertisement The total purse is $1.5 million, with the first-place finisher take a large chunk of the prize and a blanket of 133 stargazer lilies. The flamingo flowers honor women fighting breast and ovarian cancers. It originated as a 1 1/2-mile race in 1875, and has been set at 1 1/8 since 1982. Last year's installment, the 150th running, was marked by intermittent rain and soggy track conditions. Thorpedo Anna (and jockey Brian Hernandez) won by four lengths on 4-1 odds. Unfortunately, it may be more of the same this time around — current Louisville forecasts for Friday predict cloudy skies in the morning and scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon. Churchill Downs gates open at 9 a.m. ET. The favorite in this year's field is Good Cheer, an undefeated filly going for her seventh win in Friday's Grade 1 gallop. Her morning line odds are 6-5. Second-best odds belong to La Cara (6-1), followed by Quietside (8-1). Post position No. 1 Early On is far behind at 30-1 odds. Every winner since 2018 has finished between 1:48 and 1:51. The all-time record at this current race length is held by Shedaresthedevil (2020). On a personal note, this correspondent's all-time favorite name for a winning horse is Lemons Forever (2006). Kentucky Oaks capsules from the NYT archives 1977 — 'While the big boys were back in the barn resting for the Kentucky Derby, a dozen of the fanciest fillies in the land competed today in the 103d Kentucky Oaks — the 'sister race' to the classic — and they were led home by a 10‐to‐1 outsider named Sweet Alliance…' 1982 — 'On the ladies' day before the Kentucky Derby, the grand old gentleman of racing, Bill Shoemaker, rode Blush With Pride to a three-quarter-length victory over Before Dawn today before a record Kentucky Oaks crowd of 52,430…' Advertisement 1992 — 'Two of the country's star fillies were outrun today when the long shot Luv Me Luv Me Not survived a tight photo finish to win the 118th Kentucky Oaks, the premier race for 3-year-old fillies at Churchill Downs…' 2001 — 'Flute finished in 1:48.85, the second-fastest Oaks since it was lengthened to a mile and an eighth in 1981. Second choice among 13 starters, Flute, the daughter of Seattle Slew, returned $8.60 on a $2 bet to win. The long shots Real Cozzy and Collect Call were second and third. Fleet Renee, the 8-5 favorite, ran fourth. The crowd of 102,904 was the second highest in Oaks history…' (Photo of 2024 Kentucky Oaks: Leandro Lozada / Getty Images)
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rhoden picks Wheeler as judge, taps 2 for Cabinet
PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) — This has been a busy week for Gov. Larry Rhoden on the personnel front. On Friday, the new governor announced his selection of David Wheeler to succeed Third Circuit Judge Greg Stoltenburg upon Stoltenburg's retirement. Wheeler, a lawyer, resigned from the state Senate on Thursday. Man arrested for robbery near 10th and Cliff Gov. Rhoden requested suggestions from the public to fill the Senate vacancy. That news came the day after Gov. Rhoden announced the promotion of Alvin Young to replace David Flute as state secretary of tribal relations. Young, who's been in law enforcement 23 years, was the state government's tribal law enforcement liaison. Young began his new role on Friday, succeeding Flute. Flute, a former chairman of the Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux Tribe, and state Information and Telecommunications Commissioner Madhu Gottumukkala recently resigned from their positions in state government to accept new roles in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Kristi Noem had stepped down as South Dakota's governor in January, after her confirmation by the U.S. Senate as the nation's new Homeland Security secretary. Rhoden had been her lieutenant governor and automatically succeeded her. Now Flute and Gottumukkala are joining Noem in the federal department. Flute becomes senior tribal advisor on Indian affairs. Gottumukkala is the new deputy director for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). On Wednesday, Gov. Rhoden announced that Bill Even is returning to state government as the new commissioner of economic development. Even, who had served in past roles as state agriculture secretary and economic development director, recently stepped down as head of the National Pork Board. He succeeds Joe Fiala, who will continue in the role of deputy commissioner. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
New York Times
20-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
A New Conductor Isn't Daunted by the Size of the Met
The size of the Metropolitan Opera can daunt even experienced artists. From the podium to the stage feels like a mile, and the proscenium is of yawning width and height. No opera benefits from chaos, but some pieces need especially precise discipline to make their impact — so they need conductors who can corral big forces across those sprawling distances. It's impressive when a veteran baton makes it all work. More so when it's a newcomer like Joana Mallwitz, who made her Met debut this month leading Mozart's 'The Marriage of Figaro,' the kind of farcical comedy that quickly goes off the rails without a firm hand on the reins. On Friday, midway through this season's long run — lasting, with cast changes, through May 17 — Mallwitz was in calm, stylish command from the brisk overture on. Throughout the evening, she kept the orchestra sounding light and silky, allowing it to blend (instead of compete) with the charming singers. The yearning winds that play during Cherubino's aria 'Non so più' are the echo of the character's teenage longing, and Mallwitz guided those winds to soar more than usual, bringing out true sweetness and a hint of ache. Cherubino's second big number, 'Voi che sapete,' was accompanied with elegant clarity, each plucked pizzicato note in the strings present and unified without being overemphasized. There was spirit and forward motion in this 'Figaro.' But Mallwitz didn't fall into the classic young conductor trap of shoving the performance toward extremes of tempo and dynamics (loud and fast, mostly) to convey intensity. In the long, zany, ebbing-and-flowing finale of the second act, she patiently paced the action, releasing tension then building it again, for an overall effect far zestier than if she'd merely kept her foot on the gas. 'Figaro' is sharing this stretch of standard-repertory revivals at the Met with Rossini's 'The Barber of Seville' — essentially a 'Figaro' prequel, also adapted from a Beaumarchais play featuring some of the same characters — and, through Saturday, another Mozart classic, 'The Magic Flute.' This run of 'Flute,' like 'Figaro,' is benefiting from having a conductor who doesn't try too hard to attract musical attention. On Wednesday, Evan Rogister led a performance that breathed naturally, exuding a sense of cheerful ease. While it gets laughs, Simon McBurney's staging feels less winning and more worn than it did when it was new to the Met two years ago. The concept is a blend of metatheatrical, fourth-wall-breaking fantasy and scruffy contemporary dress, with slight hints of a war going on. (Papageno's weathered blue-and-yellow vest echoes the Ukrainian flag.) But with live-drawn projections being created on one side of the stage, a foley artist making sound effects on the other, jokey interactions with the audience, a troupe of actors running around and the orchestra raised to full view — what am I leaving out? — the production ends up seeming scattered rather than suggestive. A great 'Flute' is one that balances silliness and solemnity, even sublimity. If that sober side was lacking on Wednesday, it may have been because the bass Stephen Milling, returning from the 2023 cast, was a Sarastro without the rich low register that are among this score's glories. Thomas Oliemans, also returning as Papageno, had the right affable scrappiness for the show but not enough tonal robustness to fill the Met. But the two leads, Ben Bliss and Golda Schultz, sang with melting poise, and Kathryn Lewek, one of the world's leading Queens of the Night, managed to dash off her stratospheric arias without stinting nuance. Now a decade old, Richard Eyre's 'Figaro' production has comfortably settled in with the company: handsome enough, amusing enough, clear enough. The staging resets the opera to 1930s Spain and a mansion of cylindrical rooms full of heavy Moorish woodwork, with upstairs-downstairs costumes inspired by the chic photographs of Jacques-Henri Lartigue. This was an easygoing rather than urgent performance, with a youthful, well-matched cast. Federica Lombardi floated through the Countess's arias, and gave the character the right mixture of reserve and vibrancy. Michael Sumuel was a friendly Figaro, and Olga Kulchynska a likable Susanna. Sun-Ly Pierce sang Cherubino's arias gracefully; Joshua Hopkins was a Count Almaviva more genially confused by the changes in the world around him than enraged by them. No individual element was spectacular. If it all ended up being more than the sum of its parts — a cohesive, enjoyable evening — that may have been because of Mallwitz, who brought everything together with confident control.
