The Independent Hotel Show team had a great visit to Henrietta Hotel,  a blend of charming Georgian buildings reflecting Covent Garden's storied past. The ambiance infused with vintage elegance and modern comfort, offer a unique and luxurious atmosphere that echoes the area's architectural heritage. It was great to recieve a tour of the beautfiful hotel and interview Joanna Tutak, Hotel Manager.

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Tell us about yourself and your experience in the hospitality industry.

I started working in hotels in 2013, where I began as a receptionist. I fell in love with the intricate workings of hospitality and the face pace, and from there, I quickly moved departments, spending a year in reservations and then as head of revenue. My passion continued to flourish, and I wanted to explore the operational side of hotels and spend time client-side.

What made you choose to pursue a career in hospitality?

I’ve always found joy in working and interacting with people, and hospitality gave me the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on guest experiences. On a more practical level, I found that hospitality has a very clear pathway for career advancement, and I felt that over time, I could excel in an area where I was most passionate and skilled. On a day to day basis, I thoroughly enjoy the problem-solving aspect of the job that requires a certain amount of practical thinking and swift decision-making.

What’s your favourite part of your job?

Every day, I get to meet new people and this is what I find so incredibly interesting. There are so many fascinating people that walk through our doors, from big families and business people, to artists, musicians and creatives.  Not one day is the same, and I never tire of it.

What piece of advice would you give someone looking to start a career in the hotel sector?

Working in hotel is a commitment. Be prepared for a hard work but work that is very rewarding. Develop good communication skills and hone the art of listening. This will help you to connect with the guests and help to build the team.

Boutique hotels often carve out a unique niche. What sets Henrietta Hotel apart from the other incredible independent hotels in London?

Henrietta is a little gem tucked away in Covent Garden. We truly take every detail into consideration, from what we put in each room when the guest arrives, to the food, drinks and music downstairs. Experimental Group, the hospitality group behind Henrietta, embraces the local history for each property in its portfolio, and Henrietta is no exception. The interiors echo the architecture outside, and we’ve taken historic details and added nuanced touches of those throughout. We also have an excellent restaurant right under our roof and we operate three bars within walking distance of the hotel. That said, London is rife with incredible hotels and it would be silly not to explore all of them!

How does Henrietta Hotel compare to the other hotels across Experimental Group?

All the hotels in Experimental Group are unique, so rather than create a one hotel concept and plop it in any location, the designers and owners truly look at where the hotel is, the clientele and the history and create a bespoke design, offering and concept for each of its hotels. A keen eye may see similarities between the hotels, but none of the hotels are replicas of any other hotel in the group. We find this is why people are excited to discover what we do next – they know they can expect something great, but the design, food and concept will always be new.

Henri opens this week, what can guests expect from this new culinary offering?

Celebrated British chef Jackson Boxer is at the helm, and for this restaurant, he’s taken inspiration from the food served at Parisian bistros seen and enjoyed through a British lens. The food is locally sourced and seasonal, and like all of Jackson’s food, there is a certain element of whimsy and playfulness.

How important is hospitality tech to your business – and are there any investments you’ve made that you think have been transformative for your hotel?

Investing in hospitality technology is essential for staying competitive in today’s market. Last year we have connected with Namastay payment platform that gives the guests better booking experience and we use Lighthouse to inform our pricing strategy. We also use CRM systems to help ensure the best guest experience possible for our repeat clientele.

What is your approach to recruitment and retention of staff?

It’s essential to create a positive work environment that keeps employees happy and motivated. We work closely alongside our HR department to find the right people, and often, we recruit from within and promote staff internally from our other hotels. On a day to day basis, it’s crucial that we spend time training each team members so the they feels confident doing their job.

Do you attend the Independent Hotel Show? If so, what do you value about the show?

Yes, I will be. It’s a great show and I’ll be there networking and discovering new technologies, and learning about new trends

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