Brown's Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel

Character and identity

Spread across 11 connected Mayfair townhouses, Brown's is London's oldest hotel (1832) and wears its history lightly. Olga Polozzi's interiors layer antique rugs, bright upholstery and contemporary art against the original mahogany panelling of the Dover Street entrance and the Drawing Room, giving the place character without stiffness. The 115 rooms and suites are all individual; Charlie's serves fresh-leaning British cooking (the za'atar monkfish is a standout) in a wood-panelled, botanical-printed room, and the recently refreshed Donovan Bar pulls a stylish evening crowd. The three-room spa is small but accomplished, and service is warm rather than starchy.

Who's it for

Bottom line

What you're paying for here is charisma and a sense of place, not the longest amenity list in Mayfair. If that trade reads right, it's an easy recommendation; if you want a full destination spa or a pool, look elsewhere on the same street. Stretch to one of the 33 suites, where the interiors actually sing, and make use of the house Bentley for two-mile hops.