Step into the Henrietta Hotel, a picturesque location in Covent Garden that will make you feel like you landed in a Wes Anderson film. “Henrietta is truly a home away from home. Each detail is important and makes the experience of staying with us that much more special.”
VISUALS & WORDS: Jasmine Perrier at Studio J•T•P
This feature is produced in collaboration with The HENRIETTA HOTEL, part of The Experimental Group
When you arrive at 14-15 Henrietta Street, where the original hotel has 18 bedrooms and its restaurant Da Henrietta, the Victorian townhouse stands out with a beautifully crafted floral doorway. “14 Henrietta was built in 1874-1875 under the designs of architect R.E. Worsley and 15 Henrietta was built in 1887-1888 under the designs of architect H.E. Pollard. This building is designed in the Anglo-Dutch Renaissance style in red brick with molded brick and terracotta. Both 14 and 15 Henrietta back onto Maiden Lane behind.” At the entrance, the reception sits in a small corner next to the restaurant, which you don’t necessarily notice at first sight. However, once you find it, you meet team members like George, Clémentine, or Andrea who will warmly greet you. “Today, it’s incredible to see people finding Henrietta for the first time. It was also incredible to be able to open across the road, double our size, and see people return to discover it all over again.”
What sets the Henrietta Hotel apart is its noteworthy and harmonious interior designed by Dorothée Meilichzon, which thoughtfully creates a visually pleasing experience. Inspired by the history surrounding the local area, each of the 40 bedrooms has a timeless elegance. It brings together eye-catching color combinations and graphic details that mimic the buildings outside, statement furniture pieces, and retro elements like the radio set which welcomes you with music when you first open the door. “Our designer found that [14-15 Henrietta Street] had once been the publishing house of Victor Gollancz, who published George Orwell and John Le Carré. She also knew the rich history of Covent Garden Market dating back hundreds of years, to when it sold fruit, vegetables, and flowers. Both themes are woven throughout, with murals on our restaurant ceilings, rich green fabrics, and natural wood detailing.”
We spent two delightful nights in a Saint Paul — Executive Room — one of Henrietta’s 22 rooms located in the extension right across the road, at 33 Henrietta Street. Away from the bustle of the restaurant, it is even more peaceful at night. During the day, it’s easy to hear whatever takes place around the Covent Garden Piazza, but it’s only part of the lively neighborhood’s identity. Overlooking the Diamond Jubilee Garden at St Paul’s Church on the third floor, the spacious and playful room comes with a remarkably comfortable king-size bed that you will love sinking into, and the striking geometric headboard reminiscent of the local architecture is a highlight. The soothing pastel blue and yellow tones with a hint of gold and various mirrors set a whimsical ambiance putting you on cloud nine. Because comfort is as important as the design at Henrietta, a surprisingly large ensuite bathroom with a spacious bathtub appears behind a narrow door, stocked with L:A Bruket products.
Breakfast takes place at Da Henrietta on the ground floor of the main house from 7AM to 10:30AM, where you find a traditional buffet including treats like homemade granola, pastries, or fresh fruit combos. Mouth-watering dishes like avocado toasts with poached eggs or scrambled eggs as well as additional options of coffee and tea can be ordered and prepared on demand. The team in charge of the service serves you with the greatest care so you can start the day in the most pleasant way. For the in-room experience, you can notify the hotel the day before by filling in the menu in your room, ticking your picks, and leaving it out on your door. There is an additional fee of £12 for the service but the following morning, your breakfast is delivered promptly at your preferred time and you can then enjoy it from the comfort of your room with a view.
Because of Henrietta’s dreamlike location, you are a stone’s throw from Stereo, the Experimental Group’s newly-opened underground live music and cocktail bar which found its home under Covent Garden Market. Behind two modest but mysterious large doors is hidden a multi-purpose venue and intimate setting tucked away from the crowd where you can dine, drink, and get a glimpse of London’s buzzing nightlife curated with New York and Paris influences. Open every evening from Tuesday to Friday, enjoy fresh and delicious cocktails along with a trendy selection of exquisite snacks and comfort food — all served up in a warm and jazzy atmosphere brought to you by the dusk lighting and tasteful live music like covers of Bill Withers’ hits. You can either sit and relax by the majestic central bar which provides a great view of the stage, have a quiet table in the back, or even play a game of pool with friends.
With stylishly refined properties across the world, the Experimental Group is a powerful force specializing in the unexpected and their London ventures like the Henrietta Hotel and Stereo are no exception. They are thoughtful in their approach to hosting memorable experiences that are singular to their guests, authentically capturing the buzz of the city while striving to create a one-of-a-kind cocoon. “We hope that Henrietta will be just one of the stops along the way for people as they discover the rest of our hotels in Paris, Venice, Verbier, Menorca, Ibiza, Biarritz and of course, the Cotswolds.”
Book your stay now
The Henrietta Hotel, 14-15 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8PS
Stereo Covent Garden, 35 The Piazza, London WC2E 8BE
Follow @hotelhenrietta | @stereocoventgardenlondon | @experimentalgroup
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