Set in an attractive corner property in the heart of Bayswater, this Victorian townhouse was built in 1840, and underwent a total renovation in 2012. It was styled by revered British designer Anouska Hempel, and has an exclusive feel from the moment you enter. The decor throughout is Japanese-style -- stark and minimalist, with sharp angles, and a black-and-white color scheme. The lobby has a black marble floor, a white marble reception desk, and a modern gas fireplace set into the wall. Low lighting throughout makes it feel dark in some areas, but adds to the chilled-out and fashionable atmosphere. There's also a pristinely manicured garden with topiary and oak tables and benches, and in the evening, candles are lit in large hurricane lamps. The hotel mainly attracts couples who want a chic and quiet sanctuary, or business guests looking for a hotel that’s a bit different from the norm. 

La Suite West is on a quiet street at the end of a long row of Victorian townhouses that are mainly now used as hotels and apartments. The location is convenient for people hoping to see some of London’s sights on foot. The elegant Whiteleys Shopping Center is a five-minute walk away, and Hyde Park, Kensington Palace and Gardens, and the Princess Diana Memorial Playground are all a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The world-famous Royal Albert Hall, and the trendy shops of High Street Kensington are within a 15- to 20-minute walk. There's also a large range of restaurants and bars in the local vicinity, and Bayswater Underground station is just a minute away on foot. 

Most rooms here are tiny, and though upgrading to a Suite will give a little more floor space and the addition of a sofa bed, they're still on the small side. The Terrace Suites are the highest level of room on offer, and come with their own gated entrances and lovely private terraces. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, laptop safes, and fridges, and Wi-Fi, newspapers, mineral water, Japanese tea, and Italian coffee come free. Rooms are outfitted with stark, angular furniture, and have black four-poster beds, black wooden window shutters, and black rubber chairs. The plain white walls keep the spaces from feeling too dark and there’s lots of natural light -- particularly in the street-facing rooms. The gray-and-white marble bathrooms are impressive design-wise, but are also on the small side. Bathrooms have heated floors and walk-in rainfall showers that lack screens or curtains, which can result in flooded floors. All come with designer toiletries, hairdryers, bathrobes, and slippers. 

La Suite West is home to one of the only fine-dining vegan restaurants in London, RAW serves meals such as Thai curry, mushroom burgers, and sushi in a simple and minimalist room with high ceilings and relaxing music. Room service is also available 24 hours a day. A vegan afternoon tea is also available, and can be served in the garden, and it includes scrambled tofu sandwiches and freshly-made scones. Non-vegan items such as eggs Benedict are available at breakfast, but note that the morning meal is not included in room rates and is expensive. Alcohol is not served on the premises, but the hotel does offer a menu of mocktails.