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The scaffolding on the Haymarket Hotel had come down, unveiling its cream-coloured, John Nash exterior, just as we went to press. The seventh property under Tim and Kit Kemp's Firmdale Hotels banner, due to open on 1 May, is in three Georgian houses next to the Theatre Royal Haymarket. One of the houses has been kept as a five-bedroom villa for exclusive use, and there are 50 bedrooms and three suites in the other two; all rooms are large and have wonderful natural light. Once the London HQ of American Express, the building was bombed
in World War II and subsequently suffered a fire. The Kemps have been very careful with the restoration. What was formerly a shooting gallery is now
the Long Room, which can seat 50 for private parties. Artists such as Sue Lawty, John Virtue and Tony Cragg are represented. 'We want it to be terribly English,' says Kit Kemp. 'But England of the present, not of the past.' To
this end, rooms are traditional with
a contemporary tinge: individually decorated with sprigged or striped wallpapers and enormous marble-
and-oak bathrooms. Downstairs, a succession of beautiful public rooms will include a bar and restaurant, a conservatory and a drawing room. But the most spectacular entertainment area will be the basement, with
its pool reflecting a light installation by Martin Richman.
WHEN TO GO
Any time is a good time to explore central London.
ROOM TO BOOK
Spread out in a two-bedroom, three-bathroom suite.
CONTACT
1 Suffolk Place, London SW1
(020 7470 4000; www.haymarket
hotel.com).
COST
Doubles from £245; two-bedroom suite from £2,250
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