Luxury hotelier Rocco Forte restored this historic treasure beyond its former glory, and his sister, Olga Polizzi, transformed the public spaces and 117 bedrooms within these 11 Georgian townhouses. It all fits perfectly into today's London. The Donovan Bar displays black-and-white portraits of city stars from the 50's and 60's to great effect. Scottish tartan banquettes and British racing-green woolen armchairs abound, while the wood-paneled lounge evokes elegance without feeling old-fashioned. Guest rooms are a snazzier affair, with reproduction antique furnishings juxtaposed with soft colored textiles and walls of modern art. Its impressive basement spa performs Carita, Aromatherapy Associates, and Dr Sebagh treatments.

Insider Tip: Bring your own toiletries; the house-label bath products are a disappointment.

Room to Book: The suites feature iPod docking stations, DVD players, and TV's at the foot of the bathtubs.

• 1. Brown's Hotel
  33 Albemarle Street, London, U.K. W1S 4BP; 44-(0)20-7493-6020 51.509289-0.142155 brownshotel.com