The word "bijou" might have been coined for The Levin.
Not just because of its size (at just twelve rooms it's intimate even by boutique hotel standards) but because it's like a gem set in the heart of Knightsbridge. From the moment my taxi pulled up at the front door with its art deco sign, trays of cyclamen and tea lights I knew I could expect a very special stay. I was warmly greeted at the front door by Annemieke who offered to help me with my bags. During the smooth check in she offered to have tea brought up to my room, a thoughtful gesture after a long journey.
The property consists of a single London townhouse and in many ways staying at The Levin feels like residing at a rich aunt's elegant Knightsbridge home. The hotel is centered on a spectacular central staircase with glass balls decorating the newel posts and a chandelier of purple flowers cascading from the top to the bottom of the building. Near the reception area there's a comfortable seating area stylishly decorated in turquoise - indeed the whole hotel is highlighted with jewel colours. My room was smartly but cozily decorated in warm reds and browns with a comfy king-size bed and the ensuite bathroom came fully kitted out with Kiel's amenities. The bedroom also had a couple of the fun features that help to make this hotel so individual including a Champagne mini-bar with a list of cocktail recipes and your very own personal library of Penguin Classics paperback books.
The hotel's restaurant, Le Metro, styles itself as a brasserie although the warm caramel decoration featuring a peony motif would upstage many upscale restaurants. The all-day menu features British classics such as Beef & Guinness sausages with mash and Shepherd's pie. My haddock and chips with mushy peas was some of the best English comfort food I've ever had in a French restaurant! The staff combines enthusiasm with a sense of humour under the auspices of the wonderful Laura.
The hotel is ideal for the independent traveler looking for accommodation which has much personality and class as they do. The Levin is a secret Knightsbridge treasure although I'm not sure how much longer it can remain so.