A LONDON STAYCATION AT HENRIETTA HOTEL, COVENT GARDEN
We were invited guests of the hotel but as always our thoughts and opinions are our own
IN ONE LINE
A boutique design-led hotel from Paris-based ‘Experimental Club’, set in the heart of London’s Covent Garden
SETTING THE SCENE
The first London outpost from Paris-based ‘Experimental Club’, Henrietta Hotel is in prime position for exploring Covent Garden. As one of our favourite neighbourhoods in the city we jumped at the chance to spend the weekend staycationing here for Jen’s recent birthday weekend. It turned out to be a great choice for a celebration thanks to it’s whimsical mood and impressive cocktail menu. We also found the general mood to be unpretentious and the staff friendly.
OUR ROOM
The hotel has 40 rooms split across two Victorian Townhouses, 18 in the floors above the restaurant, the rest in the new building across the street. We stayed in a “Grand Covent Garden- Deluxe Room” on the 4th floor of the new building, which came with views overlooking the 17th Century St Paul’s church and the rooftops of the surrounding area (our favourite part of the stay was enjoying said view from the comfort of our bed).
We’d describe the design as a little bit art deco, a little bit futuristic but definitely comfortable ( special mention for the soft robes and heavenly pillows). The bathroom was equally quirky in it’s design and our bath was lovely and big, less so the shower sadly which was a bit of an awkward squeeze. Speaking of squeezes, the bed seemed strangely on the short side with our feet hitting the sofa at the end. While we were pleased not to encounter any noise from fellow guests, unsurprisingly there is noise from the piazza and busy streets surrounding the hotel but for us this just added to the atmosphere of place and between 10pm and 10am things were quiet anyway, so we slept peacefully.
FOOD & DRINK
Last year the hotel’s restaurant reopened as “Da Henrietta” from Italian Supper Club founders Silvio Pezzana and Toto Dell'Aringaas. The menu is regional Italian and features plenty of fresh pasta (made on site) and a good wine selection. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal with the Experimental Group’s signature quirky decor hosting tourists and hotel guests alike.
The breakfast buffet is also served in the restaurant but wasn’t anything to write home about during our visit (we found the offering small and were disappointed that the tea and coffee is a make-it-youself kind of deal rather than table service) but guests can also order limited hot dishes for an additional cost.
THE AREA
Henrietta is in heart of Covent Garden, just moments from the bustling piazza and a plethora of shops and restaurants. This is the perfect spot to pretend to live like a local while having every imaginable food and entertainment options right on your doorstep.
Some of our favourites in the area include: Oystermen for (you guessed it) Oysters, The London Transport Museum for some quirky souvenirs, Abuello for Aussie coffee and brunch, Clos Maggiore for a romantic meal, Sushi Samba and the Royal Opera House for its bar with view over the Piazza. The river is also quite close by for a stroll and Somerset House is a good spot for fellow architecture lovers.
HIGHS & LOWS
H: It’s hard to beat the location for exploring the heart of Covent Garden and it was lovely to have a view over the rooftops in our room.
L: A lack of communal spaces or guest facilities did have us questioning value for money.
GOOD TO KNOW
Guest rooms are spread over two townhouses on opposite sides of Henrietta Street
In room safe, mini bar and tea and coffee making facilites
24 hour room service (hefty tray charge applies)
Children welcome (although we’d argue the hotel is better suited to adults)
The in-room TVs only had limited local channels with no app connection.
No communal areas (aside from the restaurant and bar)
GETTING THERE
The closest Tube station is Covent Garden (but this is best avoided due to crowds and slow elevators) nearby is also Leicester Square, Charing Cross and Temple.
