The Cranley Hotel in South Kensington is one of London’s most beautiful. From the outside, it looks like an elegant manor home; inside, the details are dramatic and elegant, from the stunning reception floor tiles in their black, cream and tan deco floral pattern to the gorgeous statuary. The public rooms, such as the library and sitting room, are welcoming with their blue walls, drapes and velvet couches. Rooms have dark wood four poster beds with ivory canopies and drapes. The walls are rich plums, never so dark as to make the room seem oppressive. The large floor-to-ceiling windows let in lots of light, and the mirrors on the wall also increase the sense of space. In the afternoon, The Cranley serves afternoon tea and scones, while in the evening, you can enjoy cocktails and canapes. When you relax in the library or sitting room, original art work, books and games make it feel like your home away from home. South Ken is a ritzy and exclusive area, filled with boutiques and well-manicured parks (Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are the highlights). The nearby Victoria & Albert Museum is a fascinating tour of British cultural history, well worth a visit.