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nouska Hempel is perhaps best known to hotel connoisseurs as the proprietor of the eccentric, maximalist, Eastern-leaning Blakes, in Kensington. In the larger scheme of things, she’s got a pronounced rebellious streak — having gone from Bond girl to boutique hotelier, she’s not exactly followed the crowd. And now that the hoteliers of the world are falling over themselves chasing after the very same eclectic, well-traveled cool that is Blakes’ signature, Ms Hempel has with the advent of La Suite West, returned to the stark yet stylish monochrome minimalism that made such a sensation of The Hempel, her original (now sadly departed) boutique hotel.

To say that black and white dominate here as well would be something of an understatement. Fortunately the creature comforts are such that there’s little chance you’ll find it cold. There’s more than a touch of Zen about the place; throughout the hotel the contrast between the Victorian exterior and the Hempelian interior could scarcely be greater. Hard to believe this is Bayswater, with Hyde Park a short walk in one direction and Paddington Station not much farther in the other — which means, incidentally, that the Heathrow Express provides what is very nearly door-to-door service.

Please note: There’s no alcohol available for purchase at La Suite West, either at the restaurant or elsewhere on the premises. Guests are free to bring in alcohol purchased elsewhere. The hotel’s restaurant is open for breakfast only.