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unshakable cheeriness must be infectious, for the staff are also upbeat and helpful. The location is one of the few peaceful spots in the area, down a small lane behind Piccadilly. Its 13 adorable carriage-house rooms are installed in the 18th-century stable block; each individually decorated room has a cobbled mews entrance and gas-fueled fireplace, exposed beams, iPod dock, and CD player. The popular little American Bar has ties, baseball caps, and toy planes hanging from the ceiling. Pros: great staff; big, luxurious rooms; quiet location. Cons: traditional decor is not to all tastes; men must wear jackets in the bar. TripAdvisor: “a hidden gem,” “loads of character and charm,” “service is constant but never officious.” | St. James’s Pl., St. James’s | SW1A 1NJ | 020/7493–0111 | www.kempinski.com/london | 81 rooms | In-room: a/c, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, bar | AE, DC, MC, V | Green Park

MAYFAIR

Athenaeum Hotel and Apartments.

££££–£££££ | This grand hotel overlooking Green Park offers plenty for the money; rooms are both comfortable and lavishly decorated, with deeply comfortable Hypnos beds, plasma-screen TVs, luxurious fabrics, and original contemporary artworks. If you need more space, you can choose one of its apartments instead. (These occupy a row of Georgian town houses next to the main hotel buildings, and each has separate living, dining, and sleeping spaces; and tiny, fully equipped kitchenettes.) The spa downstairs is available only to guests, ensuring you can always get an appointment. The restaurant serves butter-rich European cuisine, and a full afternoon tea here (£26) is an elegant experience. Breakfasts are luxurious and varied, with endless continental and cooked options. Pros: peaceful park views; handy for Buckingham Palace and Piccadilly; great value for elegant setting. Cons: some rooms could use a decor update; bathrooms are almost all small. TripAdvisor: “super friendly and helpful staff,” “amazingly comfortable,” “great location and value.” | 116 Piccadilly, Mayfair | W1J 7BJ | 020/7499–3464 | www.athenaeumhotel.com | 111 rooms, 46 suites and apartments | In-room: a/c, safe, kitchen (some), DVD, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bar, gym, spa | AE, MC, V | Breakfast | Green Park .

Brown’s Hotel.

£££££ | Founded in 1837 by James Brown, Lord Byron’s “gentleman’s gentleman,” this hotel, made up of 11 Georgian town houses, holds a treasured place in London society. Lounges and dining rooms are chic and contemporary. Everything is done up in cool neutral tones of coffee and cream; all guest rooms have an office space; and marble bathrooms have high-end bath products. No expense has been spared here, and if you stay here, you will not be spared expense either. The staff is exceedingly professional and helpful; nothing is too much trouble for them. Pros: elegant space; attentive service. Cons: everything costs here. TripAdvisor: “rooms are classic and modern,” “unbelievably clean,” “fabulous luxury and attentive service.” | 34 Albemarle St., Mayfair | W1X 4BT | 020/7493–6020 | www.brownshotel.com | 88 rooms, 29 suites | In-room: a/c, safe, refrigerator, DVD, Internet. In-hotel: 2 restaurants, room service, bar, gym, spa | AE, DC, MC, V | Green Park

Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel.

££££–£££££ | Set deep in the heart of Mayfair, this four-star hotel is the former town house of the Earl of Chesterfield; the welcoming wood-and-leather public rooms match the dark-wood furnishings in the tiny bedrooms, which are done in burgundy, browns, and forest green.Lounges and restaurants have free Wi-Fi, although rooms are limited to broadband access. There are bargains to be had if you book online in advance, and the service is excellent. Dinner at the award-winning Butler’s Restaurant is a must.Pros: friendly service, laid-backatmosphere. Cons: prices are a bit high for what you get and have gone up recently; some rooms are very small. TripAdvisor: “hotel is distinctly English,” “friendly, attentive service,” “perfect in every aspect.” | 35 Charles St., Mayfair | W12 5EB | 020/7491–2622, 877/955–1515