St Martins Lane Hotel

St Martins Lane has set the bar for quite some time in London's boutique scene, showcasing Philippe Starck's trademark irreverence in stark contrast to the English urban-country-house norm. Tim Andreas built on that ethos — a potent blend of zany, baroque, and minimalist elements —with his interiors, an update on the tried-and-true "urban resort" theme.

It's a different world entirely, a world populated by golden tooth-shaped seats, life-size chess pieces, and a veritable scavenger hunt of visual puns. You'll most likely spend some time in the Den, the hotel's eclectic hub and the ideal vantage point from which to enjoy charcuterie and champagne #1. From there, move on to St Martins Lane Kitchen, specializing in Malaysian, Thai, and Chinese flavors. Andrew Loudon's signature tea cocktails rule the day at Blind Spot, a gilt celebration of the exotic leaf's history sequestered behind a hidden doorway off the lobby. You'll find it somehow, don't worry.

Upstairs await loft-style and open-plan guestrooms peppered with low furnishings to amplify the effect of copious floor-to-ceiling windows; these admit impressive views of central London, one of the benefits of retrofitting a Sixties office block rather than some Georgian landmark. Guests can dial in an entire spectrum of colors via a custom lighting system, an arrangement that makes use of the blank canvas provided by the rooms’ all-white color scheme. The "wow" factor continues with fully integrated technical amenities: a flatscreen atop a dichroic laminated glass desk, USB charging stations, and a media hub with HDMI video and music capabilities. Opt for the garden room for a private, verdant terrace and a necessary break from the city's electric blitz.

Here's hoping this West End hideaway continues its alchemical formula, a fine blend of carnival-cool and high-concept visual play — and an ideal staging ground for all sorts of Covent Garden hijinks. Between Gymbox's inventive fitness routines and the absolute riot of boutique shops, you should be well prepared for anything London throws your way.