Yootel announces central London opening

The boutique hotel, housed in a Victorian Mansion, is the latest acquisition by Kirkwood Collection. 

Prior to the lockdown, plans were already in place for a full-scale refurbishment. When the pandemic struck, the hotel staff volunteered to pivot from their day-to-day jobs and become integrated into the design team.

Led by Michell McCLory, design director for Kirkwood Collection, the renovation ran over the course of three-and-a-half months.

President and Kirkwood Collection, Alex Kirkwood, said: “When we first brought this idea to the team at Garden Street Inn, the entire staff enthusiastically agreed. What at first was a simple paint and flooring change, turned into a labour of love full design refresh of the entire property’s interior, with COVID specific modifications like plexiglass dividers at check-in, sanitising stations and socially distanced seating and dining areas in the lobby.”

Inspiration for the interiors were drawn from the history of old Victorian garden courtyards. McClory added: “We wanted the finished space to feel fresh, inspired and hopeful. There is a certain comfort derived from being in nature and this renovation provided the perfect opportunity to create a sanctuary for people to experience the splendour of nature and its powers of renewal and revitalisation. We hope it serves as a love letter to brighter days ahead.”

Kirkwood continued: “I am extremely proud of what the team was able to accomplish in the middle of a pandemic, they kept true to the property’s history while enhancing safety of operations for guests and staff during these unprecedented times. As a historic bed and breakfast, we have found it challenging to provide the formal cooked-to-order breakfast service we are known for with the COVID guidelines changing so frequently. Our management team came up with the brilliant idea to deliver gourmet breakfast in a mason jar to each room every morning.” 

The reopening of the hotel is scheduled for 4 September 2020.

Kirkwood Collection is a family-owned and operated luxury hotel brand with a portfolio of boutique hotels in destinations across California, including Santa Barbara, Palm Springs and San Luis Obispo.