A knobby row of Georgian townhouses faces a picturesque residential park in London's Bayswater. Not the most convenient location for enjoying the city's entertainment and hip nightlife venues, the hotel is close to several local parks and more-pedestrian shopping areas. The facade of the Hempel is hard to distinguish from any other of the houses on the block, if not for the giant H hanging on either side of its glossy black-door entryway. But that's where the distinguished English vibe ends, as the interior lobby area is a poetic tribute to sleek modernism with exposed gas fireplace and two symmetrical submerged lounge areas at either end of the reception area.

Anouska Hempel created the Hempel whose previous work at Blakes in South Kensington created a name synonymous with cutting-edge design. At the opposite end of the lobby is a tranquil bar catering to local media-types and guests resigned to lounge at the hotel verses the lengthy cab ride into nearby Notting Hill or Soho. Efficient staff dressed in mandarin-collar jackets and conservatively-coiffed hair attends a long wooden check-in counter with dramatic orchid arrangement. In the basement in a well-intended formal restaurant serving overpriced hotel food with an Asian-twist, don't miss the do-it-yourself sushi platter that is brilliantly delicious and fun for groups. Sadly, the dining room is free of windows and any natural light, but sparklingly decorated with oversize mirrors and candlelight. 

The Room:

Dual four-person stainless-steel elevators carry tightly packed loads of guests to the hotel’s thirty-five rooms, six suites and five private apartments. Dimly lit hallways feature room numbers projected onto the floor; opening to airy and bright rooms overflowing with creatively conceived design schemes. Rooms are either lavishly large or cruise-ship small. Beds are set on platforms or suspended from ceilings, surrounded by beige colored walls with abstract art objects. Each bed is tucked with entry-level Frette linens that are just now starting to show their age, ratted and worn on some edges. Furnishings and walls are also beginning to show their age, beginning to fade from years of use. Bathrooms feature floating plaster doors opening to bare wood floors and shower-bath combinations surrounded by glossy windows overlooking the neighboring skyline. Rooms feature gourmet noshing areas equipped with chilled house champagne, premium beers and selection of highbrow waters. There are also scented Diptyque candles, oxygen masks and a range of specialty cosmetics that are supposed to remedy everything from a facial blemish to morning hangover. Some rooms feature teak wood decks with small seating areas as well as larger outdoor terraces overlooking the adjacent park and formal garden.