Sanderson, London, United Kingdom

This former textiles factory in the heart of London’s Fitzrovia now houses one of the slickest design hotels in the capital – not that you’d immediately guess. The listed building proved a real challenge to the Shrager-Starck team. It is protected to the extent that even internal walls cannot be erected; the result is a space where the only room dividers are silken panels that float over clear glass panes. It is spectacular.

The facilities

Sanderson’s lobby is a vast, white space, punctuated by bright bespoke furniture. The hotchpotch of chairs, little tables and foot-stools channels guests towards the huge reception desk at the far end. The exclusive Purple Bar, designed to look like the inside of a jewellery box, lies off to one side. Dark and decadent, it is lit only by dimmed plum-coloured lamps and myriad candles every evening.

Less hidden from the masses is Sanderson’s ever-popular Long Bar. High stools line up either side, each of them covered with a kooky eyeball print. The bar leads straight through to Suka, where chic Malaysian-influenced cuisine draws in yet more of the fashion-forward Soho crowd.

The state-of-the-art gymnasium (one of the largest in London) and gorgeous spa facilities look after inner wellbeing. The spa is a wonderful, two-storey space with white billowing strips of silk falling from ceiling to floor. The Milk and Honey Treatment remains a firm favourite for those seeking Cleopatra-esque pampering.

The rooms

While the lower levels pay homage to the fashionistas and socialites of the city, the 150 rooms and suites provide a calming chillout space. This transition is apparent the moment you step into the lifts; every wall is scattered with constellations and the cosmos – a veritable Milky Way to lead guests up to bed.

The rooms are very white, airy and open-plan. Huge sleigh beds stand alone in the centre, surrounded by slivers of flat-screen technology and panoramic views across the city. Most have huge walk-in dressing rooms. The bathrooms are separated by more panes of white silk, and have baths big enough for two (walk-in showers only in Standard rooms), Korres bath products and custom-made dressing tables.