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London's Hotels Are About to Get Arty

Where: 31-35 Craven Hill Gardens, London, United Kingdom, W2 3EA

We blame Andaz Liverpool Street. Since they started a reader in residence programme with the lush Damian Barr, London hotels have gone literary-tastic. We’ve got book clubs, we’ve got poetry readings, we’ve even got book concierges. And, if we’re being honest, it’s getting a bit enough already. So well done to The Hempel which is bucking the trend by launching an independent art gallery in what was, until this month, the hotel restaurant (the restaurant has moved upstairs).

It’s called Art Work Space and it launches tonight with an exhibition by local artist Haslam Fox called A Tale of Two Towers - a socially worthy exhibition based around a posh tower in the City and a gritty one in Stockwell, south of the river.

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Michael Jackson Caps Off Wacky Celeb Crowd at The Hempel Hotel

Where: 31 - 35 Craven Hill Gardens | Hempel Garden Square, London, United Kingdom, W2 3EA

The Hempel Hotel in London has had a bunch of wacky celeb guests in the past month.

Kicking it off was gossip blogger Perez Hilton, who also stayed there last spring. Then Posh Spice popped in sans Katie Holmes while in town for a book signing. And now Michael Jackson has taken over two floors of the hotel, spending nearly 75,000 pounds to do so, in his (failed) comeback attempt.

The eccentric singer is accompanied by a 25-strong entourage, including his three children, Paris, Prince Michael and Prince Michael II. Before moving into the hotel, Jackson, 48, demanded all candles be removed from his children's rooms so not to put them at risk of fire.

Jackson...also insisted that complimentary chocolates are not supplied because his family must not eat any junk food. Instead, the singer has asked for freshly squeezed fruit juices and
smoothies.

Despite all of Jackson's demands and his high-living lifestyle, the pop star has without a doubt lost his musical touch. While performing at the World Music Awards Jackson could hardly hit the high notes of his "We are the World" chorus. And if that's not scary enough, head over to Defamer for the scariest Michael Jackson pic ever.

Related Stories:
· Jackson Settles in at London Hotel [Tonight]
·  Michael Jackson's flawed comeback is no thriller [Reuters]
· Hempel Hotel reviews [TripAdvisor]

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Wedding Crasher at the Hempel

Where: 31-35 Craven Hill Gardens, Hempel Garden Square, London, United Kingdom, W2 3EA

Celeb blogger/Hilton sister-wannabe Perez Hilton has for some reason jetted across the pond to London where he will be staying at the Hempel Hotel near Hyde Park.

A very recent guest had nothing but good things to say about the large rooms and bathrooms, service and decor, turned out to be an accidental wedding crasher.

One afternoon, I took a little stroll to the hotel's private garden across the street, which is very well-manicured and, dare I say it, zen! Suddenly a waiter appeared with a tray of champagne flutes, and offered me one. I accepted and enjoyed it as I contemplated the garden. I believe I had unwittingly crashed a wedding reception, but was the first "guest" so no harm done. I thanked the waiter and left!

In othere words, Perez should fit in just fine. But the hotel's four star status makes us wonder how a blogging salary allows him to travel to London?

Related Stories:
· Hempel Hotel reviews [TripAdvisor]