Irish consortium buys London's Hempel hotel
West London's stylish Hempel hotel has been sold to a consortium of private Irish investors for a cool £16.5m.
The 40-bedroom property is understood to have attracted considerable interest, but a deal was finally clinched by the Irish group led by hotelier Michael McBride.
McBride, formerly general manager of the Herbert Park hotel, Dublin, is now managing director of Hempel Hotels Ltd after the sale by O&H Properties.
"We are absolutely delighted to have taken on a stunning five-star international property and intend to make this hotel the home from home for the discerning traveller," said McBride.
O&H Holdings put the Hempel up for sale in December 2004 with a price tag of £12.5m. Six associated apartments nearby were also up for grabs for a further £4m.
The Hempel was originally opened in 1997 by designer Anouska Hempel. It was sold to O&H Properties in 2003.
Property agent Knight Frank handled the sale. McBride's consortium was represented by Millar Kitching.
by Jessica Gunn
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