Tucked along Sumner Place, Number Sixteen is one of Kit Kemp’s most intimate Firmdale Hotels. Behind its white-painted Victorian façade lies a series of vibrant interiors: bold fabrics, contemporary art, and patterned wallpapers bring colour and character to drawing rooms and bedrooms alike. The atmosphere is domestic yet stylish, more like staying in the home of a well-travelled friend than in a conventional hotel.

A highlight is the private garden at the rear, a rare green refuge in South Kensington where breakfast and afternoon tea are served when the weather allows. The location is quiet yet convenient, a short walk from the museums and the district’s cafés. Service is polished but relaxed, well-suited to guests who prefer individuality and charm over formality.