Chiltern Firehouse Hotel, London, UK

Chiltern Firehouse, located in the heart of London’s Marylebone, was one of the first purpose-built fire stations in London, dating from 1889. Restored by hotelier André Balazs, Chiltern Firehouse offers 26 elegantly restored bedrooms and suites with one or more fireplaces and generously appointed bathrooms that provide an experience of grand domesticity contextual to the historic charm of the building. The décor is perfectly measured, the whole experience designed down to the smallest detail by Balazs creative team. The result is something that looks and feels effortless, as though it just fell into place, which is of course an effect that requires meticulous, painstaking work. Every guest is looked after by a personal concierge, providing thoughtful and authentic service more evocative of a private house than a hotel.