The Rockwell

With its crisp white facade fronted with wrought-iron railings and colorful potted flowers, The Rockwell does a good job of standing out from its row of Victorian terrace town houses. Although overlooking a constant stream of busy traffic, once inside the triple glazing and double-door entrance ensure a hushed ambience. Opened in 2006 after a $13.5 million rehab, the interiors of this 19th-century property have been brought firmly into the 21st century -- with cool understated tones with designer wallpaper and clean lines of polished wood -- while some of the original period patterned tile floors and lovely wrought-iron bannisters have been carefully maintained. Comfy sofas and bookshelves filled with novels and board games also give this independent boutique hotel a homey vibe, while a glass bridge connects to the back terrace, where guests can find a quiet outdoor place to relax -- albeit with numerous surrounding buildings overlooking it.

The hotel is located on the very busy Cromwell Road, in the slightly shabby -- though increasingly smartening -- Earls Court area of central-west London. Located within a five-minute walk north of the Earls Court Tube station, it's well positioned for transport links and train connections to central London. It's also a short trip to the Earls Court Exhibition Center and a short bus journey (or long walk) to London's most famous (and free) museums, including the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum. 

The hotel has 40 rooms in all, with a higher-than-usual number of single rooms -- 13 to be exact, so The Rockwell is popular with solo travelers. Decor is understated, with fresh neutral tones and the occasional splash of designer wallpaper. Large windows and (mostly) high ceilings mean plenty of natural light during the day, and triple glazing ensures very little traffic noise disturbance (though internal soundproofing could be better in some rooms). Standard amenities include high-end flat-screen TVs (with Sky Sports), free Wi-Fi, and espresso machines, while bathrooms come without tubs -- though do include fittings by Philippe Stark and Hans Grohe, and products from the White Company. The three ground-floor rooms have lovely little furnished garden terraces, where guests can have breakfast on warm mornings. 

The hotel's small though bright and pleasant restaurant overlooks the garden and serves generous full English and continental breakfasts each morning -- though breakfast is not included in the standard room rate and can be a bit expensive. Afternoon tea is also available, together with a fine-dining menu in the evening, which can be taken on the back terrace, which is floodlit at night. Wi-Fi is also free throughout the property, and room service is available around the clock.