London had changed. As it always does.
London has the best and widest variety of boutique hotels. The Henrietta, by the Experimental Group, was a delightful surprise. I took a chance, especially since my significant other had never been to London and a good hotel room is crucial. I had not been since 2019.
The toilet was broken upon our arrival, but the staff stepped in, specifically Christina, and proved that good hotels, especially boutiques, are not just about what they do to seem great, but how they handle problems.
Within hours, our bags were moved across the street to their newer property. The room had a plush deep red window seat. It was on the 3rd floor — which given Henrietta Street is now a pedestrian street, is good for eliminating noise. The room was much larger than one I had stayed at in 2019 at the nearby Charlotte Street Hotel. The Nespresso was appreciated, though go down to Bedford Street, and a ton of coffee/croissant places are there. The soaps, towels, sheets, all the sensual kinetics, were all of a very high quality. The soap products were so good we ordered them.
The street itself is central to everything but not overwhelmed by its touristy surroundings. Eating on the street was a delight. Oysterman might be some of the best fish I have ever eaten.
Seabream ceviche. Sole to perfection. The oysters from Loch Fyne, Scotland, were like small pieces of meaty butter.I will let the menu tell the whole story. It speaks for itself.
Frenchie (https://www.frenchiecoventgarden.com/)was very good, and easily recommended. The ceviche appetizer was superb.
Even Henrietta’s own Italian restaurant was worthy of not having to go blocks for food. The chef had a thing for pepper flakes, which cuts both ways.
Avobar was a truly great breakfast with wonderful people. And yes, a lot of avocado. Seeing so much green in the morning is soothing. The bacon gave it proper decadence.
A boutique hotel is intimate so you have to interact with the same staff repeatedly; the folks at The Henrietta (https://www.henriettahotel.com/hotel) were genuine and highly professional.
Thank you, Christina.
Outspoken Traveler 