Rafayel on the Left Bank is a relatively new development (it opened in December 2009) and the architecture is modern and impressive, with granite, plaster, wood, and glass incorporated into both the rooms and large, open public spaces. Furniture, such as the streamlined cream sofas in the lobby, is understated and minimalist. The spa and attached Japanese garden have an appealing Asian-inspired design.

One of the only downsides of the hotel is its location. The closest tube is the Clapham Junction DLR station which is a 10- to 15-minute walk from the hotel through a mix of council apartments and industrial properties. The hotel does offer free shuttle service to and from Clapham Junction and Clapham Common every 30 minutes, morning 'til night, but it won't be of use to guests staying out late. The surrounding area is mostly industrial, and the heliport next door can make quite a bit of noise throughout the day and night. Count on an expensive cab ride if you are arriving from one of the central train stations or from the West End in the evenings.

Rooms at Rafayel on the Left Bank have been expertly designed to maximize space as well comfort, with bespoke furniture and subtly Asian-influenced modern design. Rooms come standard with free tea and coffee, robes, and slippers. The 32-inch TVs have media hubs so guests can connect laptops and music players, and movies, room service, and express check-out can also be accessed. Bathrooms are luxurious, with porcelain fixtures, mosaic tiling, organic toiletries, and body spray showers; some have jetted tubs and TVs. Some of the rooms have begun to exhibit minor signs of wear, such as worn leather, wood, and broken light fixtures, and there are also occasional fingerprints on the walls and stains carpet which could be attended to. For views of the river, book the aptly named Thames Room.

The hotel's selling point is definitely its extensive array of features. Considering its isolation the hotel does well at offering guests plenty to do on-site. The spa facilities include a hot tub, sauna, steam room, and small bathing area, not to mention personal treatment rooms for massages. Banyan on the Thames, the hotel's fine dining restaurant, has a grill-based menu, riverside views, and a roof terrace. The bar area of the restaurant has a large selection of drinks and also sells fine cigars, which can be enjoyed in the hotel's cigar lounge.