The Levin Hotel

The Scene

Shoppers, look no further: the Levin is in the ideal base for the absolute tops of UK shopping. Perfectly situated between Harrods and Harvey Nichols, uber-fashionable Knightsbridge is at your fingertips and filled to the brim with department stores and designer boutiques alike. Take a break from the bustle in nearby Hyde Park (or in the Levin’s in-house restaurant Le Metro for afternoon tea) before you head out again for more (perhaps in Piccadilly?). Either way, you’re quite a short walk from both shopping and the Underground.

The Concept

Knightsbridge may be the height of London luxury on a grand scale, but that doesn’t mean you should get lost in a large hotel about as big as your favorite department store. Sister to the nearby Capital Hotel, the Levin hones in on exclusive luxe travelers yet offers all the amenities and more that some larger hotels forgo. The atmosphere instantly feels intimate and the staff is utterly discreet, whisking you up to your room, showing you around, and leaving you to your own devices…but certainly not before telling you about your mini fridge filled with complimentary champagne, mixers, and a helpful cocktail recipe book to help enliven those bubbles. It’s this attention to detail and a boutique experience (in the original French sense of the word) that truly makes the Levin a do-not-miss. It’s small in the number of rooms but exceedingly attentive to quality and detail from the moment you walk in until the moment you leave (largely thanks to its size). The Levin even houses Le Metro, a favorite local restaurant serving up your complimentary breakfast, a revitalizing afternoon tea, and an exquisite dinner complemented by the Levin Estate house wine.

The Look

The clearest indication that the Levin is focused entirely on providing a superior luxe experience is in the small number of rooms: 12. The entire atmosphere is clearly handcrafted and an improvement upon larger “luxe” hotels nearby; rooms are generously-sized and thoughtfully appointed with just enough seating and relaxation space (in which you should enjoy that cocktail you just whipped up). The design is simple and refined, relying on neutral tones, simple patterns, and judicious pops of color to craft a deliciously quiet atmosphere and a space that’s a real reprieve from the mess of chauffeured cars outside. The only overt ostentation the Levin really plays up is the stunning marble bathroom (with underfloor heating, of course).

In Short

Shopaholics and cultural connoisseurs alike will be pleased with the Levin’s prime Knightsbridge location, but it’s the attention to detail that leaves a long-lasting impression on all who stay. For true luxury without getting lost in the crowd, make the Levin your London base.