The Hempel

Foyer and restaurant / bar beautifully designed in a minimalist style. I stay in hotels around the world a fair bit and this was really different in a great way! Staff were all charming, attentive and helpful and the breakfast was first rate.

However, for all its minimalism and eye-catching design, the detail of the room (#109) was very disappointing. The view from the one tiny window was into a brick wall and another bedroom making the long bedroom very claustrophic. The lighting and plumbing were erratic and the air conditioning rattled all night. There were no coffee making facilities and the mini bar choice was very thin. The double bed was made of two singles bolted together with two single mattresses... and the jerry cans on the wardrobe.....?

Each room is apparently quite different from the next. However, my associate had similar comments on the state of his room - which also needed a refit. The rooms aren't awful - they just aren't as good as they should be - and as the hotel thinks is acceptable at this price! It is trading on the minimalist design and ambience, but not offering the quality of roomit to which it aspires.

Other London hotels will offer you better rooms for less.

Stayed for my Birthday - a deluxe room was booked and on arrival they upgraded us to an apartment in the opposite building. Althought this was impressive (with a huge sunken lounge and a fully fitted kitchen complete with washing machine) - the bedroom was small with a bathroom inside the wardrobe (seriously!) so we elected to go back to a very pleasant de luxe room which had a balcony to the back of the hotel.

The hotel gave me a chocolate cake and Birthday card - nice touches!

We spent a pleasant evening in the bar, enjoyed a leisurely bar meal and then a wonderful night sleep in this remarkably quiet and relaxing hotel. The hotel is designer minimalist so not for those who like traditional opulence - however it is a great destination for those who like a understated luxury in peaceful surroundings.

The Hempel is a minimalist treat which makes for a wonderfully unique experience when compared to the predictable design and layout of most hotels. An excellent location that makes you feel that you are living in London rather than simply passing through.

Service was very good and the staff helpful right through to looking after our bags once we had checked out. The rooms were very clean and comfortable with excellent facilities. Breakfast is particularly good! Tea making facilities in the room would have been preferred but it seems to be the norm nowadays!

A memorable weekend!