57 Pont Street by Kevin Kalhoefer

A walk through Pont St. inevitably brings the past to mind. The buildings' classic Victorian architecture remains intact with numerous plaques on walls commemorating writers, artists, actors, politicians and others who have lived and died within their walls. With all these reminders of the past, 57 Pont Street is uncharacteristically modern, almost as if in rebellion against the uniform Victorian brick-red architecture without. Inside, the hotel design is as contemporary as you can get. Odd pieces of decoration surprise and delight around every corner. There’s the huge, draped ballroom curtains next to all the lifts, the excellent use of bright neon colours, the surreal sun/leaf clock in the lounge, the use of sliced green apples in vases and the extraordinary variety of design (each room in the hotel is individually designed) lend the hotel exuberance and vitality.

Each room is different, but all are done in minimalist, boutique-style décor, bright red carpets, mini chandeliers, and modern art pieces hanging on the walls. They also feature a plasma screen TV with satellite channels, full air conditioning, and ports built in the wall for internet connection. A library of CDs and DVDs is available on request and the hotel offers 24 hour room service. Downstairs, a lounge area with neon pink carpeting contrasts with solid black walls, a marble-lined fireplace, and comfortable couches and glass-topped tables. Most of the clientele here are business-types, and conference rooms are available for meetings. And despite being near Knightsbridge and the notoriously expensive Sloane Street, 57 Pont Street is affordable. For contemporary design 57 Pont Street will surprise and delight with its clever, quirky, ultra-modern décor.

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