Hospitality giant Hilton has opened its first Curio Collection property in the UK, renovating a landmark hotel in London's Trafalgar Square as a “sanctuary of style” in the heart of the city.

The Trafalgar St. James has 131 bedrooms and 15 suites. Each has been designed by British studio Shh Architects with Art Deco flourishes and references to the history of the building, which once housed the offices of the Cunard Steamship Company.

Tactile furnishings and bold colour choices have been used to create a sense of comfort, while art walls in the bedrooms pay tribute to some of London’s music idols.

The hotel also features a house living room in an underground chamber; a Mediterranean restaurant; a 24-hour gym; and a rooftop bar, opening in October, with panoramic views over the square.

The hotel was previously operated by Hilton, without a brand, as The Trafalgar.

Commenting on the re-design and rebrand, Mark Nogal, global head of Curio Collection, said: "The Trafalgar St. James marks the consummate debut of Curio Collection by Hilton in the UK. The remarkable hotel is an ideal addition to our expanding global collection of distinctive hotels and resorts, providing travellers, residents and Hilton Honors members the opportunity to discover central London in a unique and memorable way."

Curio Collection, launched in 2014, is a global portfolio of more than 35 upscale hotels and resorts designed to have unique character and personality.