Vibrant London hotel with bold, colorful design and an air of the 1970s
The Henrietta Experimental / London / United Kingdom
Magnus, my husband, is not a huge fan of city hotels. If he could choose we would only stay at cozy hotels in the countryside like Breac House or Icaro but at the same time he likes cities. I know, it is an equation that is hard to solve. But every now and then I manage to track down those magical little gems that manages to win him over. The key is usually a small boutique hotel on a quiet side street with affable service and eclectic design. If I find one of those, I can usually ”persuade” him to stay (ok, he is not that difficult but you get me). And let me tell you, it was easy to make him fall for this one, the Henrietta Experimental.
The hotel is part of the creative Experimental Group, which was started by three friends, Olivier, Pierre-Charles and Romée. Their first venture was a cocktail bar in Paris and lucky for you and me, they eventually decided to branch into hotels and their fun, colorful and eclectic hotels oozing of style and that unique French chicness are popping up in unexpected places around Europe.
The Henrietta is located on Henrietta Street (logical) in the Covent Garden district which might be a turn off for some London aficionados, but they need to get over themselves. This street is lined with well-kept Georgian houses where the ground floor is occupied by restaurants and shops. The Henrietta is situated in two of these buildings, on opposite sides of the street, interestingly enough.
The Experimental group opened up this 40-key hotel back in 2017 but it still looks as fresh as daisies. The design that has been created by Dorothée Meilichzon made my knees wobbly, I love when designers dare to go there. And she has done exactly that with the Henrietta. There is a distinct air of the 1970s with dark wood and a warm palette based in terracotta hues. But it is not bland! There are pinks and blues that forms a contrast combined with patterned carpets and whimsical, botanical wallpaper. There is a kind of theatrical element to the design, which makes full sense considering this is the theatre district of London. Don’t know if this is a coincidence or not.
Our room was really spacious with tall ceilings and massive windows facing the back. The main feature of the room was the oversized headboard and the colorful carpet. And although the design takes a lot of space, it never feels too much, or gimmicky. On the contrary, the space feels warm and homely. Just like I, but especially my husband loves when I manage to convince him to come with me to stay at ”my” beloved city hotels.
Welcome to the Henrietta Experimental! Located in two separate Georgian buildings on Henrietta Street in the Covent Garden district of London.
This is the reception of the second building (where our room was located). I fell in love with the design from the get go. All the colors, prints and bespoke furniture made me salivate.
I am a huge fan of hotels with real, classic keys. Especially when they put them on display like they do here at the Henrietta.
Heading up to our room.
The staircase is a pure joy painted in pink and blue with printed carpets and whimsical, botanical wallpaper.
Our room with the huge, statement headboard, demanding your attention.
A handwritten note, a small gift (a stylish corduroy tote bag) and a bottle of wine to say welcome.
It is a smart move that they have the radio on in the room when you first arrive. It creates a kind of homely feeling.
The bathroom. No, not your average run of the mill en-suite.
Products from Swedish brand L:a Bruket, produced not too far from my hometown of Gothenburg.
One thing I always like to do when in London is to go for a run in Hyde Park early in the morning and pretend I live in the city.
After a run, nothing tastes better than breakfast at my favorite place, Granger & Co. We discovered this place in Sydney on our honeymoon many years ago and were so chuffed when they opened up in London.
I know, to recommend a coffee place in London is almost no point since you can't throw a stone in this town without hitting three artisan coffee bars. This one, that serves great coffee, is LIFT COFFEE in Shoreditch.
RG inside info
This place is perfect if you…
…are going to London and want to stay in the middle of the action, but want to stay in a boutique hotel where you can escape the energy and noise. And if you also like colorful, unique design with a twist, you are going to really love the Henrietta Experiemental.
My favorite thing about this place…
…is how the design by DM has been taken to the edge but without feeling gimmicky. There is some true ”fingerspitzgefühl” in her ability to push the boundaries with unique color combinations and oversized features that still feel harmonious.
What not to miss when staying here…
…is difficult to say. I always struggle with this question when I post a London hotel. I mean, what to suggest? One thing I always tend to end up doing when in London (if the weather permits) is to walk along the Themes, especially if I am here during the Summer months. The city opens up and it is always a bit easier to breathe here. And you can always pop into Borough Market for a mid-walk treat.
If you like this hotel you might also like…
Il Palazzo Experimental, Venice, Italy
Redchurch Townhouse, London, UK
Hotel Amour, Nice, France
