Hotel News

On the rock ‘n’ roll richter scale, the West London district of Queensway may not resonate that loudly. The main rock activities of the day were evolving a half a mile up the road in the thriving counter-cultures of the Gate and the Grove, where all was indulgence and wild, wild behaviour.

The respectable Hyde Park Towers in Inverness Terrace, which still stands today, is situated just a stone’s throw from Hyde Park. Most tourists, even music fans, would walk past oblivious to its historical past. Yet if the truth were known, the hotel should today be recognised as one of rock’s most historical landmarks. Though rarely acknowledged by music aficionados, it was one of London’s leading hangouts for 60s pop stars and celebrities alike; a sort of music mecca.

Amongst the hotels colourful guests were Lulu, Cassius Clay, Sandie Shaw and when in town the controversial "black power leader" Malcolm X.

Bookings for pop groups were absolutely phenomenal and virtually every musical icon stayed there at some point: The Flirtations; Napoleon XIV. The Foundations; Supremes; Johnny Johnson & The Bandwagon; Paper Dolls; Dave Dee; Dozy; Beaky, Mick & Tich; PJ Proby; The Hollies and in particular, The Animals. They happily signed the guest book.

The Hollies were actually in residence when they soared to international stardom with House Of The Rising Sun. It was largely through this liaison that Animals bassist protégé, an unknown left-handed guitarist from Seattle who had played a bit with The Isley Brothers and Little Richard, and who had come to London in search of fame and fortune. Chas Chandler had flown James Marshall Hendrix over to the UK in 1966 for some make-or-break showcase gigs. The newly christened Jimi Hendrix Experience soon rivalled Cream as the hottest rock band in the world. His stay at the Hyde Park Towers has been documented in every single biography ever written about him.