The Hempel hotel seeks new jobs for staff ahead of imminent closure
The five-star hotel, just north of Hyde Park, was designed and opened by Anouska Hempel in 1997 and has, over the years, been the hotel of choice for a number of celebrities including Michael Jackson.
However, following rumours of a possible sale of the property, BigHospitality has seen a copy of an email which has been circulated to fellow London hoteliers and the British Hospitality Association (BHA) suggesting the imminent closure of the hotel on 20 December.
Speaking to BigHospitality, general manager Gareth Banner confirmed a sale of the hotel had been agreed. He also confirmed the expected closure date.
Staff
Although the venue was sold to a consortium in 2005 and remained a hotel business, it is not known who the potential new owners are or what their plans may be for the property. However Banner revealed his team are currently arranging to hand over the venue and do not believe it will be continuing to operate as a hotel.
The general manager explained his top priority was now to secure new positions for his team members to avoid any redundancies - a situation he argued was easier in London than elsewhere- several employees have already had job offers.
Other hoteliers with vacancies that could enhance the careers of the team at The Hempel are advised to contact Yvonne Schauer at the hotel.
Transaction
The 35-bedroom luxury property famously featured in the closing scene of the British film Notting Hill and has succeeded in positioning itself as an exclusive venue - the whole property was booked out by a corporate client for the duration of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
If sold, The Hempel will be the latest in a series of hotels to change hands as a result of the dynamic transaction market in the capital - the city which dominates the European market.
Banner spoke at a Boutique Hotel Summit event at The Hempel earlier this year where he warned of a difficult trading period for the sector generally in the year ahead - however it is not believed the sale is a result of any drop in performance of the hotel.
