The Bentley London

Built in 1880 behind the facade of three Georgian town houses, The Bentley London exudes an immediate air of understated grandeur. Once guests step inside, however, the scene is anything but modest. It's hard not to be impressed by the level of lavish exuberance -- 600 tons of imported marble are put to spectacular use throughout, nowhere more so than in the palatial lobby area, which is also awash in gold-leafed wrought iron. Louis XV-style furnishings and antique oil paintings are all illuminated by sparkling crystal chandeliers. While the polished regal opulence might appear over-the-top -- even stuffy to some --  the conspicuous heights of luxury appeal to the likes of vacationing oligarchs, foreign dignitaries, and a fair share of tourists looking to vacation in unbridled opulence.

The hotel is located on a corner overlooking a relatively quiet mini-roundabout in the heart of well-heeled Kensington in central London. Its location means proximity to some of the capital's most upscale shopping areas, including exclusive Kings Road boutiques and the world-famous high-end department store of Harrods, all within a 20-minute walk, or a seven-minute cab ride. The nearest Tube station is Gloucester Road -- about two minutes' away on foot -- whose three lines connect quickly to points all over London, including Heathrow Airport in less than 40 minutes. 

The hotel's 64 rooms are spacious, especially by London norms. Even standard level rooms measure around 350 square feet. Decor continues in the classically opulent vein, with antique-style furnishings, ornate coving, and centerpiece chandeliers -- some with a slightly more modern touch and others starting to look a little dated. Bathrooms are also roomy and lavish with floor-to-ceiling marble, walk-in showers, and jetted tubs, plus Peter Thomas Roth toiletries. Some higher-end rooms even have gold-plated faucets. Tech is also top class, with touchscreen telephone systems and state-of-the-art flat-screen TVs with computers and wireless keyboards, DVD players, and an extensive on-demand library. But be aware that high-speed in-room Wi-Fi comes with a hefty daily fee. Egyptian cotton bedding, goose-down pillows, and thick fluffy bathrobes complete the package. The Imperial Suite consists of one- or two-bedroom apartments, and includes a grand piano and a dining room that can seat up to 12.

The hotel serves a traditional English breakfast each morning in its brasserie-style Peridot Restaurant -- though it's not included in the standard rate, and (like everything in the hotel) it's expensive. An excellent menu of contemporary British and European dishes is also available for lunch and dinner, as well as traditional chocolate and Champagne afternoon tea. The basement Malachite Bar has a superb vaulted ceiling and plush alcove couches that provide a particularly snug corner for a signature martini accompanied by live jazz on the piano. The hotel's Le Kalon Spa is a real highlight and decked out with swathes of marble while featuring the only authentic Turkish hammam in a London hotel -- although lack of a swimming pool is a drawback. There's also a small fitness center with free weights and cardio machines and meeting rooms.