The Arch London,London............

Although the rooms are slightly small and look out only over rooftops or the street, they are well conceived, with luscious furnishings in various color schemes. For instance: thick sage-colored silk curtains, a suede headboard, purple patterned cushions, and a polka-dot blanket. Some bathrooms have rain showers with gold mosaic floors, and fragrant Malin+Goetz products. Guests will appreciate underrated and oft-omitted in-room details like instant free Wi-Fi and a U.S.-format electrical outlet. An attractive bar-restaurant, with leather and velvet seating, shows off an open kitchen producing modern bistro fare such as chicken liver parfait and Thai beef salad, and memorable breakfasts such as the portobello mushrooms and poached egg on sourdough. This 82-room sleeper hit in Marylebone occupies seven Georgian town houses and two mews houses. Contemporary art is prominent, from a looped video above the reception desk to the London landscapes by draftsman Marcus James in the library, where one can take afternoon tea by a fireplace. The cheerful, efficient service is a highlight.

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