"The horror! The horror!"  When Joseph Conrad carved those words into his novella Heart of Darkness, he wasn't anticipating today's mania for pop-up installations of everything. Yet that may be some people's first reaction upon hearing that London has stuck a temporary, boat-shaped hotel on the rooftop of a Thames River arts complex in homage to the English novelist. 

With Jason Pomeranc’s Thompson brand having conquered virtually every corner of America, London seemed truly inevitable for one of the prime purveyors of post-Millennial chic. Belgraves, a Thompson Hotel in Blighty’s capital makes an appropriate home in trendy Belgravia, with posh Knightsbridge and Mayfair just around the corner.

With Gordon Ramsay now logging more television screen time than Spongebob Squarepants, it’s easy to forget that he’s actually a Michelin-starred chef. But what to do with all those new followers who don’t pepper their everyday conversations with words like “veloute” and “amuse bouche”? The casually cool Bread Street Kitchen, of course.

Low (Mayfair) - International DJs are on the decks at this hidden, boutique venue.

The Lucky Pig (Fitzrovia) - A top-shelf cocktail haven for Marylebone's posh shopowners and shopgoers. 

• Archer Street (Soho)- Bar with class; a rare find in Soho's theatreland.
• The Dorsia (South Kensington)- American Psycho's Patrick Bateman would covet this restaurant for its stand-out cocktails.
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• The Collection (South Kensington)- Southern European dishes accompanied by flashy drinks and a grandiose, loft-like atmosphere.

● The New York Times takes a look at the best deals in the Caribbean, where many five-star hotels are just a short flight away. [NYT] ● As budget airlines grow ever more profitable, it’s natural that they’d seek to expand their coverage—but is their product a good fit for every market? A survey of European travelers suggests that their budget airlines have a long way to go to convince business travelers that an airline they can put up with for an hour is one they’ll want to take for the long haul. [Travel Daily News]

You’re wrapped in a plush terry robe, reposing on thousand-thread-count sheets, listening to a custom-programmed iPod on the dock next to your bed, and feeling as though this is nothing more than the lifestyle you deserve. So who could blame you for wanting to take some of the accoutrements of your newfound bliss home from your luxury hotel? These are top three souvenirs we recommend you swipe.

You may have dreamed of the Saks Fifth Avenue Christmas windows or longed to feel posh carrying around a shiny Harrods bag, but these days, the retail outposts that stand for imagination and quality aren’t huge department stores—they’re legendary concept stores around the world that truly embody both their home cities and a certain international sophistication that’s common to all. We’ve showed you our favorite online showcases, but when you’re out on the road here are five that have long been on our hit list—and one we can’t wait to visit.