Photos courtesy of Experimental Hotel Group. Credits: Patrick Locqueneux & Mr Tripper
With what feels like the first Bank Holiday in quite a while coming up (hopefully accompanied by some sunny skies), it’s the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to a stay in the city.
The Story behind Henrietta
A boutique hotel boasting 40 unique rooms, Henrietta Hotel is a design-led experience based in Covent Garden and is owned by the Experimental Group (Romée de Goriainoff, Pierre-Charles Cros, Olivier Bon and Xavier Padovani). The hotel is the Group’s first (and currently only) hotel in London, and along with its restaurant DA Henrietta, is a celebration of food, wine, cocktails and design.
The interiors – meticulously designed by Dorothée Meilichzon – Henrietta provides guests with a personalised, luxurious home away from home, right in the heart of London.
The Area
Based on Henrietta Street, the hotel is in a prime location around a 6 minute walk from Trafalgar Square (and consequently the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery) – and for my fellow beauty lovers, it’s a satisfyingly short walk to the Glossier Flagship Store.
While the Henrietta Hotel does have its own restaurant, there are also plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars in deliciously close proximity. My personal favourite places to go for a bite would be the ever popular Bancone, Mother Mash and Chill Since 93.
Travelling to the rest of the city is convenient, with Covent Garden Underground Station located just 5 minutes walk away, as well as being 10 minutes from Embankment Station and 6 minutes away from London Charing Cross.
Photos courtesy of Experimental Hotel Group. Credits: Patrick Locqueneux & Mr Tripper
A Tailored Experience
My journey to Henrietta was born out of a desperate desire to get away from regular life, no matter how short a time – as with all my best ideas, I talked my sister into coming with me. We arrived at the hotel at the later end of the afternoon after making the short walk from Charing Cross. If you know anything about Covent Garden, it’s that the streets are not exactly wheelie-bag friendly, so I highly recommend taking a carry-all/some sort of weekender bag for a short trip.
It’s important to understand something about the hotel – it occupies two buildings across the street from each other. There is a reception and restaurant, along with some rooms on the ‘older’ side (there is no significant difference at all, you really wouldn’t be able to tell) and the ‘newer’ building has just a reception and rooms. We didn’t quite understand how it worked before our arrival, but the receptionist was more than happy to explain this.
Speaking of, I really have to praise the hotel for the consideration of their staff, and the brilliant service they provided during our stay. When we struggled to find the newer building and returned to ask for directions, the (same) receptionist personally accompanied us to our room and insisted on helping us with our bags. She was also generally friendly and a huge help all the way through our stay ’til checkout. This attention to detail, customer-oriented attitude and personalisation was something all the staff at the hotel embodied, from the absolutely lovely housekeeping staff to the welcoming receptionists, the sweetest handwritten note in our room, and possibly the best waiting and kitchen staff I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.
On entry into our room, were were taken by how charming the room was – the gorgeous furniture, brass lamps and colourful accent wall, the double sinks, embroidered bathrobes, and the balcony that heralded fantasies of coffee dates on Parisian balconies – I couldn’t get enough of it. Spending time in our room was a joy, so much so that we’d return in between our activities in the city, just for a nap before we wandered out again.
Photos courtesy of Experimental Hotel Group. Credits: Patrick Locqueneux & Mr Tripper
When it came to meals, we didn’t have dinners at DA Henrietta (though I would love to have a go at their evening menu!) just because there are so many places to eat in the area. We did have breakfast with the hotel, and it was so worth it. Henrietta gives you the choice of an a la carte menu (featuring a full English with the best sausage I’ve ever had) OR a buffet including a wide variety of fruits and pastries, yoghurts (including vegan options), cheeses, and deli meats. We tried both during our stay, and I can confidently say whichever menu you go for, you’ll be plenty satisfied.
Is It Worth it?
With rooms ranging from £250 ~£460 (depending on when you book), Henrietta is not a budget stay. However, it’s plenty worth it if you want a personalised experience where your hotel is part of your holiday, not just a roof over your head.
Two things stuck with me during our time at Henrietta; first, their approach works. We overheard a man at breakfast sharing how he loves the hotel so much, he sometimes makes the trip down from Ireland just to stay there. And finally, that being at Henrietta is a holiday in itself; with the unique design and intimate atmosphere, there were a few times I zoned out and completely forgot I was even in England. On the occasions I knew exactly where I was, returning to Henrietta at the end of a day out fulfilled a fantasy I didn’t even know I had – of being able to live right in the middle of London.
If you’re looking for somewhere to make the most of an anniversary, some last-minute time off, or a long-awaited Bank Holiday weekend, give Henrietta Hotel a go.
Before you book
- Price: rooms start from £250 per night depending on time of booking
- Reserve your room: You can reserve your room on the website here, make an email enquiry at sleep@henriettahotel.com, and call on +44 203 794 5313
- Address: 14–15 Henrietta Street, London, WC2E 8QH. Further information on contacting the hotel can be found here.
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