New lifestyle hospitality brand the Other House to launch two London properties

A new brand of all-suite hotels, made up of what is described as residents’ clubs, is to launch with two London properties in South Kensington and Covent Garden.

The Other House, which has been created by the Portfolio Club, launched in 2019 as a joint Anglo-Dutch venture between real estate investment advisory company London Central Portfolio (LCP) and Netherlands-based pension provider APG.

It will provide the moniker for two buildings acquired by the partnership over the past 18 months: the 200-bedroom Harrington Hall hotel in South Kensington and the Wellington Block (pictured), comprising six properties in Covent Garden.

Both buildings will undergo significant redevelopment before opening under the Other House brand in spring 2022. Harrington Hall was acquired for an undisclosed sum, while Wellington Block exchanged hands for £76.5m.

Following their transformation, each property will offer around 200 suites or “club flats”, which will each comprise one bedroom, living area and kitchen. Two, three or four-bedroom suites can be created by connecting a number of suites together.

Naomi Heaton, chief executive of the Other House, said that the concept of the brand paves the way for a new era of smart travellers.

“The Other House caters to consumers looking for flexibility, style and greater personalisation and who embrace responsibility and slow travel," she explained. "Our mission is to create spaces that enhance the overall guest experience and completely reinvent how people stay, providing a renewed sense of space, place, ownership and engagement.”

The Other House will differ from serviced apartments in that guests will not be restricted to stays of up to 90 days, but will be able to book a suite for one night or for an unrestricted extended stay.

A full range of hotel-style services, including cleaning, will be available, alongside a bar, bistro-style restaurant, and spa with fitness studio. There will be no large-scale banqueting and conference facilities, but there will be private dining rooms, meeting rooms and screening rooms.

Guests will be able to control their stay at the Other House properties through an app, which will enable checking in and room entry, as well as organising room cleaning, laundry, restaurant bookings and messaging.

The look of the Other House is being created by architects Falconer Chester Hall and interior designer Bergman Design House, who has worked with Hilton and Accor hotels.

The two London properties are expected to provide the launchpad for the global expansion of the Other House.