The Vibe: Boudoir.

The Area: The L’oscar is situated in Holborn; not the most fetching part of town, and, unfortunately, on the miserable, hot Central Line, but connections for the City and Oxford Street are excellent, and the theatre district is a short amble away.

The DNA: Despite all the crazy, quirky touches, the building, which was once a baptist church, still carries an air of magnificence: original stained-glass windows bathe the staircases in streaks of golden light. Polished alcoves display black stone statues of frolicking nymphs. The hotel is designed by Jacques Garcia, his first on the British Isles. Known for his opulent-posh style, L’oscar is no different: richly decorated with silk, velvet, and damasks in reds and gold tones, and peacock motifs in headboards. One of the most stunning spaces is the Baptist Grill restaurant (open for dinner), located in an original octagonal 1903 chapel, topped with a glass dome. The ceiling is hand painted and surrounded by eight stucco low-relief sculptures and plaster and stenciled wall treatments.

Suite-Me-Up: Rooms on the original 5 floors (two were added) each have fireplaces. Motifs of birds and butterflies, in glass, can be found in the bathrooms as well as in overhead light fixtures, all designed by Garcia himself.

Accolades: Condé Nast Traveler Hot List 2018

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 39 rooms (17-27m2) (183-291 sq ft) & suites (28-65m2) (301-700 sq ft) • hotel opened: 2018 • interior design: Jacques Garcia • bathroom amenities: Roja Dove • parking possible at a location nearby (charged) • pets allowed on request • 24-hour front desk • wheelchair accessible