This 19th Century Georgian Townhouse was reborn in 1990 as a restaurant, then evolved to incorporate this seriously hip boutique retreat. Its exotic eastern theme was styled by designer du jour Miguel Cancio Martins whose work also includes Raffles in Singapore and Johnny Depp’s Man Ray Bar/Restaurant in LA. The bedrooms' attention to detail is stunning, with the Moroccan Suite a vision in earthy tones and bejewelled adornments. The restaurants are just as alluring as the boudoirs... Balzac is swathed in light and feels like a Parisienne café Edit Piaf would have frequented, The Pink Asian Fusion Restaurant and Members Club evokes a richer, more opulent vibe and Samsara Cafe Bar continues the Moroccan theme with a plush contemporary feel. And, as if all that wasn't spoiling you enough, the hotel's in-house Mandala Spa offers Eastern treatments practised by Asian therapists... we're particularly loving the Himalayan rose bath. Located opposite the Lord Mayor’s Mansion House, the chances of getting a taxi are high (always a good thing in this city). La Stampa is a city stand-out and, not surprisingly, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the Worl.