Review – The Hempel Hotel, Bayswater.

The Hempel is an inspiring example of how modern luxury can be presented. The brave, confident use of space and light creates a unique atmosphere – this boutique property will appeal to those seeking a holiday from showy richesse.

When The Hempel, designed by Anouska Hempel, opened in 1996 it set a new standard in style. The recent interior redesign and subsequent relaunch sees this fashionable boutique once again raise the bar, establishing the benchmark for sophisticated elegance and world-class service. Situated in Bayswater, the hushed, leafy location makes it easy to unwind but difficult to believe that the bustle of Notting Hill lies only five minutes around the corner. The beauty of establishments like The Hempel, and there aren’t many places like The Hempel, is that they coexist effortlessly with their metropolitan surroundings. There’s a satisfying counterpoint between the zen minimalism of this property and its convenient proximity to Hyde Park, Paddington Station and beyond.

You’ll enter via an extremely unusual doorway. The Stucco-fronted Georgian exterior makes sense as you approach, but it gives way to a quirky, almost ironic one way vision door, which slides open to reveal West London’s most unusual lobby. Space is abundant, the stunning Portland stone floor is interrupted only by two sleek, sunken seating areas to your left and right. To be so liberal with your space when you’re a boutique hotel in one of the most expensive cities in the World is a daring move, but one that rewards the guest with a distinct sense of place. The contrast between the relatively chilled out neighbourhood outside and the clean, widescreen symmetry and calm you get by entering the hotel is more marked than you’d ever expect. It’s a hotel with a distinct personality.

In the room, you will slow down and unwind. The ambiance has been so meticulously crafted, marrying honey-tones, birch wood, silk and limestone that you’ll feel obliged to take a moment to revel in it. You probably won’t notice the many high tech features until you need them. The bath and shower are both excellent.  The room continues the minimalism concept where the lobby left off. High ceilings, tactile fabrics on the wall and more Belgian limestone make it an easy place to be.

 
In The Hempel’s No. 35 Restaurant, the focus is on local produce and independent suppliers. Head chef Simon Aquilina’s expertly arranged seasonal menus offer an intriguing take on British cuisine, with subtle European influences in all the right places. His tasting menu at £48 is good value, with the quail salad being a notable element.
 
The private Zen Garden, just outside the hotel is a cute idea. During the Summer, it serves as an ornate venue for drinks and can hold 300 guests if you wanted to throw a party here. Otherwise it’s just a nice space to sit and think for five minutes. Again, The Hempel’s design concept flows seamlessly from lobby to garden, with muted tranquility being the net result.

 
The Hempel has it’s own art gallery, Art Work Space, the brain child of Naomi Murtagh. Whilst a lot of hotels hang pictures, The Hempel is an important player on the local art scene, with new exhibitions from the likes of up and coming Londoner Haslam Fox and photographer and film maker Niall O’Brien providing a bit of optional edginess to The Hempel experience. Exhibits rotate quite frequently and are a draw for collectors.
 
The typical Hempel clientele is a mix of savvy locals and international visitors who favour something a bit more low key. Many from West London visit The Hempel for a drink at No. 31 Bar courtesy of Head Barman Joel Miguel or dinner at No. 35. It’s an easy place to do business, but it’s an exceptional place to use as a base for a weekend in London. You’re in the right part of the city for a start, within easy reach of Westbourne Grove and Portobello Road.
 
The popularity of boutique hotels will always depend on current tastes, but iconic properties such as The Hempel and its sister hotel The Dylan in Amsterdam are rightfully exempt from such whims, retaining their status as the go to venue in their respective city for seasoned international visitors and locals as well.
 
Rooms – Superior – £179, Deluxe – £199, Suite – £599
Nearest Tube – Bayswater, Lancaster Gate or Paddington Underground
Events – Weddings (the Zen Garden being the place where Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts tied the knot in Notting Hill)
            Gallery
            Portland Room for meetings

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