Asian flavour

The Berkeley’s spruce-up has already led to new public spaces and a fancy entrance by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners. Now, in a surprise departure from its British bearing, the first-floor guest rooms have a distinctly Asian flavour. Architect John Heah has delivered swathes of Indonesian teak and cleverly concealed lighting. Furniture is a pleasing mix of bespoke pieces, designed by Heah with B&B Italia, and classics such as a Carl Malmsten sofa, with black Serge Mouille lamps. In the bathrooms, black Dornbracht fittings are set against natural Tunisian stone. Views of St Paul’s Church from some suites provide an undeniably British sense of place. Lauren Ho Wilton Place, SW1, tel: 44.20 7235 6000, the-berkeley.co.uk. Rates: from £2,700