Fodor's Expert Review The Cavendish

Located across the road from Fortnum & Mason (one of the most luxurious department stores in the world), it seems appropriate that the Cavendish comes with a touch of Gilded Age history, a whiff of historical scandal, and a pleasant air of joie de vivre. The hotel was opened in 1906 by one of 20th-century London's great characters, Rosa Lewis (otherwise known as the Duchess of Duke Street), who rose from humble origins to become one of the most feted chef-proprietors of the age (and, infamously, the king's mistress). Today the hotel's genuinely warm and thoughtful service really stands out, and the guest rooms, though small, are comfortable and cozy; upper rooms have memorable city views.