Henrietta Experimental

"In what might just be the very heart of central London, the Henrietta Hotel makes up two townhouses. One was the home of Victor Gollancz Ltd., publisher of George Orwell and John Le Carré. Here Experimental again tapped Dorothée Meilichzon to create an interior space that’s at once classic and contemporary. With just 18 rooms there’s a certain intimacy about it, and a residential vibe which is hard to come by in this part of London." - Mark Fedeli

"The vibe: French chic Location: Covent Garden Top amenities: In-room cocktail recipes Best for:  A girls' night out Looking for somewhere to carouse in style? This is the place for you. Henrietta is part of the Experimental Group, which started out with a craft cocktail bar in Paris, and then opened the speakeasy-style Experimental Cocktail Club in London’s Chinatown, a quick trot away from the hotel. Not that you need to make the journey if you’re staying with Henrietta—2021 saw the opening of restaurant Da Henrietta, run by the Italian Supper Club and featuring regional dishes and small-producer wines from Italy’s Tyrrhenian coast. As for the 40 spacious rooms, they’re light, whimsical, and irreverently French, continuing the spring shades and splashes of leopard print in the lobby. Unusual details include marble skirting boards, terrazzo print carpet, rose-pink velvet chairs, and statement headboards. There is, of course, a bulging mini bar, as well as a cocktail recipe book by the bed, should you feel inspired." - Julia Buckley

"Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe?Although Henrietta is run by bartenders—the hotel is owned by the Experimental Group, which runs the speakeasy-style Experimental Cocktail Bar in Chinatown—it doesn’t feel built for the night. The interiors, rather, are light, whimsical, and irreverently French. What's the backstory?This hotel is as much about the restaurant and bar as it is the rooms. The entrance is discreet but not hidden; in fact, there are zero gimmicks here, just chic French staff serving perfect drinks and an airy, unpretentious vibe. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book?The lobby's spring shades and splashes of leopard print continue upstairs in the 18 spacious rooms, which are interesting without being over-the-top. Unusual details include marble skirting boards, terrazzo print carpet, rose-pink velvet chairs, and statement headboards. The mini bar is extensive, and there’s a cocktail recipe book by the bed—should you feel inspired. Bathrooms have pink walls, black-and-white tiles, double showers, and twin sinks. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? And how is the quality?It's free and fast. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at?The food at Henrietta restaurant is just like the rooms: unusual but not overwrought. Try salmon tataki with mandarin and sumac and the addictive chips with truffle and Ossau Iraty cheese. What type of travelers will you find here?Chic and informed without trying too hard. What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene?Covent Garden is central but not overrun. Independent shops, restaurants, and theaters are all minutes away. Bottom line: Worth it? Why?The Henrietta is a fair-priced boutique hotel in a positively dreamlike location." - Laura Goulden