45 Park Lane

Part of the Dorchester Collection, which owns such landmark hotels as the Plaza Athénée in Paris and the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles, 45 Park Lane offers a more subtle, contemporary take on luxury.

• Sleek décor and contemporary art, including work by Damien Hirst
• Late-night cocktails and snacks at hip Bar 45
• Views of Hyde Park from every room

Located next to the Dorchester Collection’s flashy, eponymous flagship in Mayfair, the 45-room boutique Park Lane occupies a restored historic building, which used to house London’s Playboy Club but is now a far cry from 1960's bunnies. French designer Thierry Despont (interior designer for Bill Gates and the Carlyle among others) created lavish but cool interiors, with original contemporary art, including works by Damian Hirst, chocolate-brown suede walls and pretty limed mahogany.

The views of Hyde Park—all of the rooms look onto the green expanse—are a lovely destination-specific detail. The only “event” space in the hotel is a media room with super-comfy chaises and an intimate vibe (it seats a mere 10 people). With no reception and intimate interiors, 45 Park Lane feels more like a cozy club than a hotel. The only real glitz factor is an outpost of Wolfgang Puck’s Cut restaurant franchise, which has received some mixed reviews for its high prices and noisy rock n’ roll soundtrack (selected by Puck himself). At breakfast, try to sit by the windows, as you’ll get a chance to see the the royal horses out for their morning exercise. More winning is the cool Bar 45, on the first floor, which stays open until 1:30 am and serves innovative cocktails and popular bar snacks, like mini Kobe sliders and steak or tuna tartar.

Those who love the five-star trappings of the Dorchester but prefer a more discreet vibe and modern décor.