Portobello hotel snapped up by A Curious Group of Hotels

The 21-bedroom Portobello hotel in Notting Hill, where Kate Moss and Johnny Depp allegedly filled a bath with Champagne, has been sold to A Curious Group of Hotels, for an undisclosed sum.

Founded in 1971 by Tim and Cathy Herring, the property has become the fourth hotel in a portfolio that includes Cowley Manor, near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire; L'Hotel in Paris; and the Canal House in Amsterdam.

The Curious Group of Hotels is owned by Peter and Jessica Frankopan. Jessica is the daughter of former Conservative MP Sir Timothy Sainsbury and great, great grand-daughter of the founder of the J Sainsbury supermarket chain.

James Semenowycz, director of marketing and sales at A Curious Group of Hotels, said that the Portobello hotel was "a perfect fit" in both location and style for the company.

"It is also the perfect size," he explained. "With 21 bedrooms, it sits very nicely alongside Cowley (30 bedrooms), L'Hotel (20) and the Canal House (23). We are now considering on how we will refurbish the hotel, while carefully retaining its history."

Located within two converted neo-classical mansions, the Portobello hotel has - for more than 40 years - been renowned for providing a base for guests from the music, show business and fashion industries. Its quirky design includes Moroccan and Japanese themed bedrooms and a four poster bed in one room which originates from Hampton Court Palace.

The Herrings continue to own Julie's restaurant in nearby Portland Road. Last year, Tim Herring told the London Evening Standard: "We want Julie's to continue for another 40 years at least."

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