The Hempel Hotel seems to have lost a bit of its edge and is clearly not regularly fully booked but so much the better if you are looking for a place with great design, central location (half way between the centre/Mayfair and Notting Hill, and walking distance to both Hyde Park and Paddington). There are some good deals available online so make sure you check them (min £150-180 per night). It’s close to my home so I use it regularly for quiet business breakfasts and the bar is also small and very cosy in an area where there are not so many places for drinks. In the summer their communal garden is great, so quiet and pretty, right in the middle of London. They also have good weekend package deals which are perfect for a “romantic” weekend in London.
The restaurant is too big and too minimalist to my taste, with average service recently, so I would stick to breakfast and a good hotel recommendation for friends looking for a design/boutique hotel in London.

What to make out of The Hempel?
10 years ago, it must have been really cutting edge. In 20 years time, it probably would be ultra cool. Now, the really good basic design is a bit worn and faded.

Once I was in my room, I enjoyed real 5 star feel in a very good contemporary design at a 3-4 star price, so I am tempted to give the hotel 5 stars. I could open the window.

The location is the best possible location for me: in a very quit street in Bayswater, right inbetween Hyde Park and Paddington station, both 8 minutes to walk.

So in theory, this should easily become my favourite hotel. However, the “feel good factor” really kick in.

I think it is the lobby, after all.
Too big in size, though window less.
Too much cream white. Too many candles. The air is stuffy because of the candles burning here day and night.
Too much music at 6 o clock in the morning.

Next time, I will just close my ears and eyes and nose until I am in my room. Maybe five stars then.