Haute Hotelier: Steven Collins Of Henry’s Townhouse London

Calling all the romantics at heart, Henry’ Townhouse is the hotel for you.

An oh-so-opulent boutique hotel that sits in the heart of Marylebone, London, it is the former residence of Jane Austen’s favourite brother Henry. And this stately era proves to be an influence on the aesthetics of this establishment, cue antique four-poster beds, fine artworks, and a dose of gold gilt for good measure.

Steven Collins is the Founder of Henry’s Townhouse and he tells us about his boutique hotel, it’s USP, and the its special guest experience like no other.

Steven discusses the guest experience, the cornerstones of the hotel, and its USP.

Felicity Carter: How would you sum up the hotel for anyone who hasn’t stayed at Henry’s Townhouse?

Steven Collins: As a business we are championing the huge growth in popularity of exclusive use stays that we have seen via our sister property in the Cotswolds, Temple Guiting Manor and Barns and bringing this to the city. Henry’s is a private Townhouse where the bedrooms in particular have been designed to offer the normal experience of a luxury, boutique hotel but the added advantage of having it to yourself whether it be families, corporates or celebratory parties. All our clients have specific requirements which we ensure is adapted to each stay.

FC: What local experiences would you recommend to your guests? 

SC: We have a personal fondness of Marylebone as my wife and I live here ourselves. It is amazingly well located to all the key attractions and events but still retains the charm of a village with many independent retailers and fantastic restaurants of which we would recommend the best to our clients. You are situated between Hyde Park and Regent’s Park, walking distance of Mayfair, Knightsbridge and Soho. 

FC: What are the cornerstones of your company?

SC: The strong foundations of our company is that we offer original, special exclusive use experiences where no design is the same. We very much inject our personal style and tastes into all of our properties so guests feel they are staying somewhere special yet homely. Guests have a private small hotel experience but with all the comforts of being at home.

FC: What is the hotel’s USP?

SC: Henry’s gives guests the chance to experience a unique and elegant Regency inspired stay with historical links to author, Jane Austen’s family all to oneself.

FC: Tell us about the architecture and decor of the establishment, and your personal decor highlights?

SC: My wife and I are avid art collectors and this project gave us every opportunity to showcase not only our art collection but also source interesting furnishings and beautiful fabrics from around the world. We have injected some humour into the project through items like our bespoke keys inspired by the characters within our art that represent Henry Austen’s family.

FC: How would you describe your guest experience?

SC: Guests are looked after by their own house manager who can tend to all their needs and create a personalised experience from the moment of arrival. A chef is available as required and for consistency throughout our properties mod cons ensure rooms are filled with organic bath amenities, mini bars with the best of British products and Dyson hairdryers to ensure guests feel right at home. 

FC: How would you like your guests to leave feeling?

SC: We would like them to feel like they have experienced a part of London that perhaps in some ways doesn’t exist anymore. We don’t follow any design rules and what shines through is our personality as we have been able to indulge ourselves, creating something that incorporates our own travel experiences and tastes. You won’t find anything like it.

See more on henrystownhouse.co.uk.