Rafayel's Rooms

We are pleased to provide you with a glimpse of one of our standard hotel rooms. Our designer "smart" rooms are among the largest and most technologically-advanced in London. Welcome to the Future!

Rafayel's Mission Statement

Even at the best of times, let alone in the current economic climate, fierce competition from hotel chains and large groups can make it hard for independent hotels to perform well. By outsourcing HR, sales and various non-core activities, Rafayel on the Left Bank has been able to forge a new corporate model; one which we hope will be viewed as a yardstick for independent hotels to achieve better results in the competitive landscape of the hospitality industry.

Thinking outside the box and developing our concepts of affordable luxury and living at peace with nature enables the Rafayel brand to challenge the established order. From building a unique product to managing and running it, we strive for originality and innovation. Our technology and emphasis has customer orientation as its primary focus.

Our decision to use the latest cutting-edge technology, at considerable expense, to replace redundant energy-hungry technology is grounded in our philosophy of doing what we can to minimise the harmful effects that an unsustainable carbon footprint will wreak on future generations. We are not shallow thinkers or narrow-minded consumers; for us, the huge capital costs of technology payback through lower emissions are a minor price to pay towards building a better world for future generations. We know that we can only ever play a tiny role in the greater, global, effort to securing a clean future, but we are ardent believers in the principle of leading by example. Our “no plastic” policy and LED lighting alone will reduce our CO2 emissions by 500,000 kg per year.

We have also taken the initiative to provide employment opportunities to those who seek to improve their lot in life. We have taken on board and trained a number of ambitious individuals who simply require the chance to prove themselves and demonstrate their skills. Our approach has been controversial but we believe it is our responsibility to give everyone an equal chance; we are proud to have gambled and built a team of individuals who share our passion for making our dream a reality.

We want Rafayel to be more than a mere hotel or management company. Without wishing to appear grandiloquent or over-ambitious, we see ourselves as establishing a culture, and a movement of change. Our mantra is to live at peace with nature, offer affordable luxury and provide opportunities for those who share our vision. All this is pursued with the over-arching aim of affording our customers the best service and the happiest experience.

USA to Commit to Stronger Action on Climate Change at Copenhagen

Suzanne Goldenberg, US Environmental Correspondent for The Guardian reports in today's The Guardian:

"The White House said today it would go to the Copenhagen climate change summit with a proposed target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions after facing international pressure to commit to stronger action on climate change...The move removes the biggest obstacle to a political deal at Copenhagen...

"Obama will still have to tread cautiously in proposing America's emissions cuts, however. The president promised to cut emissions by 14% over 2005 levels by 2020 when he was running for the White House. The house of representatives narrowly voted on a climate change bill last June, which proposed a 17% cut in greenhouse gas emissions from 2005 levels by 2020. A similar bill in the Senate proposed a 20% cut." Read the full article HERE

Hotel Rafayel believes strongly that all elements of society, be they private individuals, corporations (including hotels!) or nations need to demonstrate their sincere commitment to combating climate change by actively implementing significant emission cuts in the immediate future (present!). This is all the more important in the world's most industrialised states.

CITY AM newspaper mentions Rafayel in article on Chic Battersea

Judging by recent press articles, Battersea is the place to be. The latest article on chic battersea appeared in today's CITY AM, an influential paper widely available in London, but which is particularly directed towards London's powerful financial sector in the City.

To quote from part of the article:

"Ipsus03 is part of a change that is taking place in Battersea. There are spectacular contemporary developments such as Lord Foster’s sensuous Albion Riverside. Other developments are springing up, too, including one in the old power station, which is expected to bring a new Tube station to the area. A trendy new design hotel, the Rafayel, is due to open soon.

And why not? Battersea is a rather stunning place to live. As a residential area, it has probably been best known for the splendid Victoria mansion blocks that encircle Battersea Park, and the knots of quiet, terraced streets from the same era that spread across the surrounding area.

The location is terrific – turn right out of your front door and you’ll be at delightful Battersea Park; turn left and in the same amount of time you’re at Clapham Junction, with trains to Waterloo and Victoria. Then there are the shops and restaurants of Battersea Park Road, particularly good for little food delis, vintage furniture boutiques and quality gastropubs such as the Duke of Cambridge, Ipsus03’s local. A 10-minute stroll over Battersea Bridge brings you to the shopping paradise of the King’s Road."

The article may be read here

Mottra Caviar: The World's Only Truly Sustainable Caviar

We are delighted to announce that Mottra Caviar, “the world’s only truly sustainable caviar” will be available in Hotel Rafayel. Rafayel’s philosophy of sustainability is not limited to environmentally-friendly issues -- it also incorporates a commitment to ethical practices. Mottra caviar is ethical, ecological, sustainable, healthy and, arguably most important, delicious!!

Established in 2002, Mottra is certified by the United Nations Convention for International Trade of Endangered Species. Mottra’s caviar is ethically milked from sturgeon in a non-harmful manner so that the fish can continue to spawn. Fed with organic feed, Mottra’s sturgeon is farmed in an environmentally-friendly farm which is energy and water efficient and which does not pollute the surrounding area with chemicals or additives.

Free from artificial substances and preservatives (apart from minimal salt), the caviar produced by Mottra is extremely subtle in flavour and is free from sharp or fishy aftertaste, qualities eagerly sought by caviar connoisseurs. The caviar is not wet, mushy or sticky and, due to Mottra’s special farming methods, looks, smells and tastes very much like it would have in centuries past, before the intensive fishing of underage sturgeon commenced. Indeed, much of the caviar Mottra offers is similar to that which has been enjoyed by Tsars and Shahs.

Mottra is proud to declare that it “brings the unique taste of real caviar back to caviar lovers.” We are proud to bring Mottra to our guests!

Rafayel’s Corporate Philosophy: Living at Peace With Nature

Converting slogans into reality.

The principle of sustainable development is frequently discussed in corporate boardrooms but, whilst expressions of commitment to “sustainability” are liberally scattered in myriad reports and websites, the practical application of this concept is rarely realised. As our environmental clock ticks ever louder, corporations, governments and all members of society, will have to convert trendy slogans and fashionable catch-phrases into reality.

Successful sustainability is necessarily reliant upon the adoption of green technologies. At Hotel Rafayel we believe that actions speak louder than words and, as part of our commitment to the practical application of sustainability concepts (“turning slogans into reality”), we have implemented cutting-edge green technology to dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of our guests.

The world is in the midst of an energy revolution of seismic proportions, on a scale arguably not seen since the Industrial Revolution. As traditional energy-inefficient processes are confined to the technological scrap heap, we at Hotel Rafayel are proud to be at the vanguard of change. Our decision to ban incandescent and florescent light bulbs, becoming the world’s first LED-only hotel, is just one of the ways in which we are trying to lead by example and set a new standard for hoteliers.

The transition to a green future will not be painless but if the world is to move toward a low-carbon future, it is essential and inevitable that green technologies provide new opportunities for economic growth and success. The adoption of these technologies will provide humanity with its best (perhaps only) hope of successfully combating climate change and other environmental calamities.

The rapid industrialisation and development of countries such as India and China makes the necessity of speedy change all the more compelling. Green technologies will not only enable these demographically young populations to enjoy a higher standard of living and protect their natural resources, but will also provide them with jobs, as renewable energy holds much larger employment potential than conventional power generation. For example, it is estimated that a coal-based power plant provides employment to seven persons per megawatt of capacity, while a solar plant would provide 23 jobs per megawatt of installed capacity. Overall, therefore, the demographic pressure that is likely to develop worldwide should push governments and businesses toward embracing the rapid development of green technologies.

We must all play our part in working towards a green future. For more information on this subject we recommend the writings of Rajendra Kumar Pachauri, Director General of The Energy and Resources Institute and chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (the IPCC was joint recipient, with Al Gore, of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize). http://blog.rkpachauri.org/

Jewellery by Ghelli at Hotel Rafayel

We are proud to announce that Andrea Ghelli, one of Italy’s most sought-after jewellery designers, will have a permanent display at Hotel Rafayel. Visitors will be able to view and purchase some of his most desirable and alluring pieces. Often described as both status symbols and works of art, the jewellery of Andrea Ghelli is a “once seen never forgotten” phenomenon.

Ghelli’s style exudes a heady combination of seduction, mystery and magic. The use of exotic materials such as shimmering coral and luminescent turquoise transforms the artist’s jewellery into items of ethereal beauty. Pieces dusted with diamonds, rubies and emeralds create an air of extravagant glamour.

Any modern woman who relishes the avant garde and believes in defining her own style will find these precious items irresistible.

Born to a long-established family of jewellers, Andrea Ghelli studied his craft at Florence’s legendary Accademia delle belle arti. The Accademia was founded in 1563 by Cosimo I de Medici, Duke of Florence and later Grand Duke of Tuscany. One of the great Florentine patrons of the arts, Cosimo I also created two of Florence’s most famous attractions: the Uffizi (one of the world’s premier art galleries) and the Bobboli Gardens. Over the years the Accademia has attracted such extraordinary talents as Michelangeo, Benvenuto Cellini and Il Bronzino and, since 1873, has housed Michelangelo’s original “David”.

Andrea Ghelli has remained true to his Florentine heritage and operates out of his workshop and store in the shadow of the dome of the city's most famous landmark, the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore. Andrea also has a shop in Milan near Via Montenapoleane, and in the centre of beautiful and exclusive Forte dei Marmi (Marble Fort) in Northern Tuscany, which was once home to British sculptor Henry Moore.

With a demanding clientele that includes famous celebrities and Hollywood stars, Andrea Ghelli works hard to ensure that his work always remains cutting-edge, unique and desirable. He has recently travelled the world, seeking out new inspiration and new materials. His latest creations will be on display at Hotel Rafayel; we are proud to introduce them to London.

Rafayel profiled in the Sunday Observer

Hotel Rafayel on the Left Bank was featured in a prominent article in the Art & Design section of yesterday’s Sunday Observer. The author was Stephen Bayley, the noted design critic and writer who was formerly Chief Executive of the Design Museum. The article has been very well received and has generated many positive comments – for which we are most grateful.

Mr. Bayley wrote that: “Any hotel in this still neglected part of London is a prospect of wonder, but an ecologically intelligent hotel with aspirations to glamour is, to put it no higher, exceptionally noteworthy.... The story of the hotel Rafayel offers real-world insights into the business of architecture today....Iqbal Latif bought the top floors in this 145-room [Falcon Wharf] development and, sensing an interesting opportunity, acquired the freehold. Latif boldly reinstated the idea of a hotel and established the ambitious rhetoric of an "intellectual renaissance in Battersea"....Battersea cannot yet be confused with St Germain. But, for once, a developer is determined to do something interesting. At a time when other developers are pondering ugly, non-viable holes in the ground, this is inspirational."

To read the full article in the Observer please click HERE

British Travel Awards 2009 - winners announced in Battersea gala

The British Travel Awards 2009 were held yesterday at a gala ceremony in Battersea. The British Travel Awards are widely referred to as the “Oscars” of the travel industry and are regarded as the benchmark for excellence. With over 90,000 votes cast in 2008, the British Travel Awards are the largest arbiter of public opinion on the UK travel industry.

This year's British Travel Awards winners include:

ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE CATEGORIES

Most Environmentally & Socially Responsible
Winner
Thomson Airways

Most Environmentally & Socially Responsible Budget Airline
Winner
Flybe

Most Environmentally & Socially Responsible Large Tour
Winner
First Choice Holidays

Most Environmentally & Socially Responsible Small Tour
Winner
Tribes Travel

________________________________________
BUSINESS TRAVEL CATEGORIES

Best Business/First Class Airline
Winner
Virgin Atlantic
Silver
British Airways

Best Business Car Hire Company
Winner
Avis
Silver
Hertz
________________________________________
AIRLINE & AIRPORT CATEGORIES

Best Economy Class Airline
Winner
Easyjet
Silver
Virgin Atlantic

Best No Frills / Charter Airline
Winner
Easyjet
Silver
Thomson Airways

Best Scheduled Airline - Europe
Winner
British Airways
Silver
Monarch

Best Scheduled Airline - Long Haul
Winner
Virgin Atlantic
Silver
British Airways

Best Overseas Airport
Winner
Singapore (SIN)
Silver
Dubai (DBX)
________________________________________
INTERNET TRAVEL CATEGORIES

Best Travel Information Website
Winner
TripAdvisor.co.uk
Silver
Expedia

Best Flight Booking Website
Winner
expedia.co.uk
Silver
easyjet.com

Best Accommodation Booking Website
Winner
expedia.co.uk
Silver
lastminute.com

________________________________________
DESTINATIONS

Best City Break Destination
Winner
Barcelona
Silver
Paris

Best UK Holliday Destination
Winner
Cornwall
Silver
London

Favourite Country to Visit
Winner
USA
Silver
Italy

________________________________________
TRAVEL TRADE CATEGORIES

Travel Recruitment Company of the Year
Winner
Travel Trade Recruitment (traveltradejobs.com)
Silver
Travelindustryjobs.co.uk

Travel Industry Training Programme/Company of the Year
Winner
TUI UK & Ireland Agent Training (Thomson and First Choice)
Silver
Training For Travel

Best Trade Support Website (product support and info)
Winner
Gazetteers
Silver

Best Trade Booking Website - Accommodation
Winner
Superbreak
Silver
Gold Medal

Best Trade Booking Website - Flights
Winner
Gold Medal
Silver
Jet2

Best Trade Booking Website - Tickets, Attractions & Holiday Add Ons
Winner
Attraction World
Silver
Holiday Extras

Best Supplier Networking Travel Event or Conference (>150 delegates)
Winner
World Travel Market
Silver
UK Cruise Convention

Best Travel Agent Event or Conference (>150 delegates)
Winner
ABTA
Silver
World Travel Market

Best B2B Industry Communication
Winner
Travel Weekly
Silver
TTG

Suppliers Sales Team of the Year
Winner
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
Silver
Virgin Holidays

Hotel Rafayel congratulates all winners of this coveted award.

Urban Junkies looks to Battersea and Rafayel

Urban Junkies, the hip, daily e-magazine, which provides London's trendy and savvy readership with bite sized information about arts, fashion, design, shopping and other London and Barcelona tidbits has turned its gaze on Battersea and Hotel Rafayel. They think Battersea's being rejuvenated and they include Rafayel as one of the agents driving this change. Read the article here.

Rafayel - spreading the word

The buzz around Rafayel on the Left Bank has been increasing at a phenomenal rate in recent weeks. We are delighted by the interest that we are generating and, as our launch draws ever nearer, we are excited to introduce our first guests to the Rafayel experience.

Recent coverage includes articles in various leading publications and on-line resources, including Business Traveller Magazine, Hotel Chatter, Hotel Blogs, Sleeper Magazine and Hotel Briefing as well as local publications such as Urban Junkies.

Our Blog has also been receiving some very supportive and positive reviews and our posts are already being cross-posted and published elsewhere. We have been congratulated on our water policy by Tap Top (part of the drinking water campaign supported by the Mayor of London and the Greater London Authority) and Thames Water is among our Twitter followers.

There is more to come!

Our Website is Live!! www.hotelrafayel.com

It is with great pleasure that we announce the launch of the official web site for Hotel Rafayel on the Left Bank: www.hotelrafayel.com

Please take a moment to visit and look around.

Rafayel’s Restaurants and Bars

At Hotel Rafayel we believe a happy guest is a contented guest. We have taken great care to ensure that every conceivable need is catered to -- and our restaurants and bars are no exception. Whether you want a lazy brunch, a quick lunch, a cake and coffee, a funky cocktail, a sophisticated dinner, a late night snack or anything in between we have something for everyone.

We are pleased to introduce our range of restaurants and bars:

• Banyan on the Thames
• Left Bank Brasserie
• MyChelle’s Baketique
• Afternoon Tea
• Crystal Bar
• Lobby Lounge

Banyan on the Thames

Banyan on the Thames provides superior formal and casual dining with magnificent riverside views. For a special experience, dine alfresco on the restaurant’s riverside roof terrace and watch the world go by. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as afternoon tea and weekend brunches, Banyan on the Thames is a gastronomic delight not to be missed.

We understand the expectations of the modern-day health-conscious generation and our extensive grill-based menu is sensitive to all palates. We have endeavoured to tempt all of our diners with an assortment of delicious culinary innovations that caters to their varied lifestyles.


Left Bank Brasserie

Enjoy snacks and light meals at our trendy brasserie, soaking up the international atmosphere. Relaxed and laid-back, the brasserie is the perfect venue for informal get-togethers, drinks and casual dining.


Mychelle’s Baketique

Mychelle’s Baketique offers a full range of pastries and sweets for any occasion. Located in the lobby of Hotel Rafayel, the Baketique will be an irresistible diversion for anyone who passes its appetising window display.
The Baketique will also offer a gastronomic tasting menu that offers an array of cheeses, meats and wines to tantalise even the most discerning palate.


Afternoon Tea

Arguably the most civilised and refined of meals, traditional Afternoon Tea has finally arrived in Battersea. Enjoy the sophisticated surroundings of our lobby as we serve you savoury sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream, and a selection of teas and cakes, freshly prepared in our own Baketique. Afternoon Tea at Rafayel – treat yourself!


Crystal Bar

The Crystal Bar is our idea of the perfect bar: stunningly designed, beautifully situated with an extensive selection of cocktails, drinks and snacks. Let our cocktail mixologist mix you your favourite cocktail, or let him recommend something new. Either way, you’ll be coming back for more! Modern and stylish with an international vibe, the Crystal Bar provides the perfect antidote to a stressful week.


Lobby Lounge

Fancy a quiet drink alone or with friends? Want to people watch or read in peace? Take a seat in our elegant Lobby Lounge and let us serve you the drink of your choice.