From the editors of Condé Nast Traveler:

Though it bills itself as a bed-and-breakfast, Guesthouse West is light-years from the quilted floral polyester bedspreads and balky plumbing that often define the category in London. Located in trendy Notting Hill, this appealing 20-room inn has a friendly laid-back vibe, clean contemporary good looks, and a groovy lounge serving decent tapas. Rooms marry the tactile (teak wardrobes, down comforters, potted orchids, and superhip REM toiletries) with the high-tech (flat-screen TVs, CD/DVD players, and Wi-Fi throughout). Less successful is the anemic and overpriced breakfast buffet.—2005 Hot List

When to go: London is at its buzziest from fall through Christmas.

Which room to book: The road out front is noisy, so go for a back-facing ground-floor double, like No. 4, with a rare-in-London hotel patio

Amenities: Bar/lounge