Though our hunt for hip hotels is ceaseless, every now and then something comes along and gets in the way. The best coffee in London for example, or the best steak in London , or the best bohemian book launch with cheese (also in London )… Yesterday’s distraction was tea at the sumptuous Soho Hotel . Afternoon tea is always a treat – the combination of prettily…  Read More →

While our love for hotels knows no bounds, our feelings about getting from A to (boutique) B are slightly less rosy. When flying is involved, the prospect of lengthy waits, over-zealous security personnel and sinister-looking plane food can slightly dampen the hopes of even the most optimistic traveller. So, as everyone else jets off to far-flung locations, we’re skipping the fuss and making the most of the gorgeous weather right here in the... 

May merged into June, June slipped into July; suddenly summer’s upon us, and all we can think about is sunshine and siestas. Our great escape looms unplanned, somewhere on the September horizon perhaps, but in the meantime, we’re craving a restorative mini-break. A boutique Berkshire bolthole with a spa, pool and golf course will more than do, so we’re bestowing stately Stoke Park with our highly prized Hotel-of-the-week crown… Why this... 

‘In nothing more is the English genius for domesticity more notably declared than in the institution of this festival – almost one may call it – of afternoon tea… The mere chink of cups and saucers tunes the mind to happy repose.’ (George Gissing, The Private Papers of Henry Ryecroft ) Is there anyone in the world who doesn’t have a daily longing for tea and cake? Here at Smith HQ, four o’clock is essentially... 

‘In nothing more is the English genius for domesticity more notably declared than in the institution of this festival – almost one may call it – of afternoon tea… The mere chink of cups and saucers tunes the mind to happy repose.’ (George Gissing, The Private Papers of Henry Ryecroft ) Is there anyone in the world who doesn’t have a daily longing for tea and cake? Here at Smith HQ, four o’clock is essentially... 

Doubtless, news that Mr & Mrs Smith ’s DIY boutique hotel suite was more spoof than truth will have disappointed, nay, devastated many. But those still keen to turn their house into a happy (boutique) home need look no further than Amara . The online luxury furnishings store has recently added Missoni Home ’s 2010 range to its brand-packed catalogue. Cushions, chairs, bathrobes, bedlinen, beach towels and even humble …  Read More →

As the election looms closer, we swing-o-meter fans are thinking of new and inventive ways to see in results night. We’ve already told you about election events in London , including The Arch ’s MP-faced eclairs and Brown’s Hotel ’s Commons-related canapés, and now St James’s Hotel and Club wants to play… Anyone up for a bit of election fever in Mayfair on 6 May should make their way to William’s Bar &…  Read More →

If, like us, you’ve forgotten that this coming weekend is an extra-long bank holiday extravaganza of sun-basking laziness, and are currently lamenting your failure to organise anywhere to do your lazing, then fear not. We’ve had a chat with the ever-efficient Smith Travel Team and they’ve given us an up-to-the-minute breakdown of which hot hotels and boutique guesthouses still have rooms available for this weekend. So, if you’re in the... 

All the aviation-avoiding adventures of the last week have made us fearful of flying, afraid that we too will get caught out, stranded abroad with only sheep for company . So, here in the UK , we’re turning our attentions a little closer to home… Why this week? There’s no stopping us getting to Northamptonshire and so to Northamptonshire we will go. Trains , cars, hovercrafts: fine. Just no planes, please. Our favourite bits Waterside... 

Election fever is gripping the capital . Well, by ‘election fever’ we mean ‘a faint awareness of political events’, and by ‘gripping’, we mean ‘inspiring at least two special hotel events in’. Anyway, we’re excited. First up, the historic, Olga Polizzi-styled Brown’s Hotel in London ’s Mayfair is giving us all an alternative to sitting at home shouting at Jeremy Vine on 6 May,... 

Tradition, pah! Here at Smith, we take a rule and then we break it , and so do our hip hotels . The surreal and psychedelic Lacroix-designed interiors at Hôtel Notre Dame and H ô tel Le Bellechasse in Paris are a case in point, as are the floating beds at New Majestic Hotel in Singapore and the deliberately disheveled decor at Rough Luxe in London . This …  Read More →

This weekend, another Hallmark-friendly holiday approaches, but this one really is worth celebrating. Rather than inscribing a heart-shaped ‘mum’ tattoo on your right bicep, show your affection with a sumptuous spa retreat (where you get to be perfectly pampered, too)… Whatley Manor , Wiltshire This historic hotel and spa in the West Country is grade II-listed Cotswold stone, and set in magnificent grounds. The tastefully decorated interior... 

With Cupid on the cards mid-month, there’s more reason than ever to splash out on (boutique) bedded bliss . Luckily, our ceaseless search for seductive stays has resulted in eight new additions, spread across cool coasts , colour-rich countryside and snow-kissed slopes . First up are two Greek treats on the idyllic islands of Kefalonia and Ithaca – Perantzada Hotel , a peaceful portside…  Read More →

New Year has come and gone, and if we were to take stock, we feel a little older, not really much wise wiser, a lot fatter and just a little bit more desperate to get away. It’s lucky then, that so many of our stylish self-catering stays have decided to slice their prices. Like the sound of an elegant country …  Read More →

Style Genteel modern townhouse Setting Seaside meets Snowdonia Why this week? Some makeovers attract scandal, but the overhaul at Escape Boutique B&B in North Wales is no Anne Robinson. Their refurbishment has triggered much speculation at Smith HQ as to how you might improve upon the elegant blend of old and new that Escape had already perfected. Ahead of their relaunch on 5 February, we’ve decided to make them Hotel of the week...