The Adria, South Kensington, South West London

WHERE AND WHY

The five-star Adria reopened earlier this year following a £1million renovation and is a lesson in understated opulence.

The boutique hotel’s 24 suites, rooms and lounges marry contemporary design with the elegance of a 19th-century townhouse. Ring the doorbell and you step into a world of luxury, where nothing is too much trouble.

From the complimentary glass of prosecco as we were checked in – seated on a plush sofa in a drawing room – to our huge bedroom with its high ceilings, dreamy bed and antique fireplace, I felt less like a hotel guest and more like I’d been invited to stay at the home of a wealthy friend. A friend with the kind of bathroom I thought only existed in movies. Think floor-to-ceiling marble in oceanic hues of blue and grey, walk-in rainforest shower and posh Penhaligon’s toiletries. Did I mention there was a television in the bath?

ON THE MENU

The Adria offers an extensive a la carte breakfast menu that guests can take in their own room, the breakfast room or one of the lounges. Or perhaps you’d prefer to eat your porridge in the pretty winter garden.

Prices start from £4 for fresh pastries, to £15 for a plate of eggs Benedict with salmon.

My husband and I enjoyed a fluffy omelette and delicious eggs Benedict that arrived under silver cloches. Encouraging guests to feel at home, there is also a “butler’s pantry”, with an honesty bar as well as treats and snacks.

After a tough afternoon of (mostly window) shopping we relaxed with glasses of crisp Chenin Blanc in one of the lounges.

For the ultimate ordering-in experience, the Adria has partnerships with a number of local restaurants, including Nobu and farm shop Daylesford. Simply choose what you want and the spot in the hotel where you want to eat it.

If you prefer to dine out, however, nearby Exhibition Road – a few steps from South Kensington Tube station – is awash with neighbourhood cafes and bistros.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE

The Adria is right by some of London’s biggest attractions. The Natural History Museum and the V&A are less than 10 minutes’ walk away, with Kensington Gardens a few steps further.

If you feel like flexing your credit card, you can walk to Harrods and Harvey Nichols in less than 20 minutes.

WAKE-UP CALL

Rooms from £395pn B&B. theadria.com