Number 16

Tucked unobtrusively in a row of townhouses on a quiet South Kensington side- street, with no sign aside from its address painted above the doorway, Number 16 is invisible to anyone not searching for it. To thrive with such an undistinguished appearance, it must draw a steady stream of repeat and recommended customers. Once inside, however, it is easy to see why people might return: the hotel is elegant, comfortable and chic, with prices well below what you might expect.

The birds- and- butterfly decor throughout the hotel's public areas—a birdcage sculpture by the front desk (a la Joseph Cornell), butterfly paintings in the sitting room—lend warmth and charm to the grey- toned minimalism that predominates. The 42 rooms vary in style, size, luxury and price; the smallest single rooms are quite small, while the largest doubles can accommodate a family. Many have their own balconies, overlooking either the street or the garden and conservatory in the back. Business travellers who are loth to face another night of anonymous functionality at a chain hotel would do well to seek out this gem.

---

Contact Information

Number 16
16 Sumner Place
SW7 London

Tel. +442075895232

http://www.firmdale.com