You know what caught me off guard about Sonder The Henry? It’s tucked into this gorgeous white Georgian terrace on Leinster Gardens that looks like it should house some fancy diplomat, not a boutique hotel. I mean, Westminster Borough isn’t exactly known for its cozy neighborhood feel, but this little pocket actually has some character to it – you’re literally a stone’s throw from Hyde Park’s northeast corner, and honestly, that morning walk through the park before the tourists wake up is worth the stay alone.
The thing about Sonder properties is they’re sort of apartment-hotel hybrids, and The Henry nails this concept. Your room feels like you’re crashing at a well-connected London friend’s place – there’s actually a proper kitchenette with a real fridge (not one of those mini bar things), and the living spaces don’t feel cramped like most London hotels. The design hits that sweet spot between Instagram-worthy and actually livable. I was surprised by how quiet it stays at night considering you’re in central London, though you’ll definitely hear some street noise if you’re facing Leinster Gardens directly. The check-in process is refreshingly straightforward – they text you a code, you walk in, no awkward lobby small talk required.
What really sets this place apart is the location knowledge you gain just by staying here. You’re basically equidistant from Paddington and Lancaster Gate stations, which sounds boring until you realize this gives you incredible flexibility for getting around the city. Plus, and this is something I only figured out after walking around for a day, you’re in this weird geographic sweet spot where you can walk to Oxford Street for shopping (about 15 minutes if you cut through the park), but retreat back to an area that feels almost residential. There’s this little cafe called Gail’s just around the corner on Westbourne Grove – locals line up there every morning, and it became my regular spot. The 8.2 rating makes perfect sense when you experience it; it’s not trying to be the Ritz, but it delivers on everything it promises without the pretense. My only real gripe was that the water pressure in the shower was a bit inconsistent, and parking is basically impossible unless you want to pay through the nose for nearby spaces. But honestly, if you’re driving in this part of London, you’re doing it wrong anyway.