Suites with a Story

At The Goodenough Hotel in Bloomsbury, our suites are more than just a place to stay — they are a celebration of the women whose creativity, intellect, and determination shaped London’s cultural and intellectual life. Each of our four named suites connects you to an inspiring figure whose legacy lives on, right here in Mecklenburgh Square.

Virginia Woolf & Helena Normanton – Pioneers of Literature and Law

Our Superior Suites honour Virginia Woolf (1882–1941), the world-renowned author and central member of the Bloomsbury Group, and Helena Normanton (1882–1957), the first woman to practise as a barrister in England.

The Virginia Woolf Suite offers a tranquil space inspired by her literary genius. Woolf herself once lived in Mecklenburgh Square, before her home was tragically destroyed in the Blitz — a reminder of both the fragility and endurance of Bloomsbury’s history.

The Helena Normanton Suite reflects the strength and progress of one of Britain’s legal trailblazers. Guests can see her legacy honoured just steps away at 22 Mecklenburgh Square, where a blue plaque commemorates her remarkable career and achievements.

Together, these suites immerse guests in the creative and pioneering spirit that makes Bloomsbury so distinctive.

Eileen Power & Dorothy L. Sayers – Scholarship and Storytelling

Our other signature suites are named after Eileen Power (1889–1940), a respected historian of medieval society, and Dorothy L. Sayers (1893–1957), one of Britain’s best-loved novelists and playwrights.

The Eileen Power Suite embodies calm and thoughtful design, reflecting her scholarly dedication, while the Dorothy L. Sayers Suite captures wit, energy, and creativity.

Sayers’ connection to Bloomsbury runs especially deep. Her most popular detective novel, Gaudy Night, famously begins with a scene right here in Mecklenburgh Square:

“Harriet Vane sat at her writing-table and stared out into Mecklenburgh Square. The late tulips made a brave show in the Square garden…”

Guests staying in the Dorothy L. Sayers Suite can look out across the same historic square that inspired one of English literature’s most iconic mysteries.

A Stay That Blends Luxury with Heritage

By naming our suites after these remarkable women, we honour Bloomsbury’s tradition of creativity, scholarship, and progress. Whether you stay in the Virginia Woolf Suite, the Helena Normanton Suite, the Eileen Power Suite, or the Dorothy L. Sayers Suite, you’ll experience more than luxury accommodation — you’ll be part of a living story set in one of London’s most historic and picturesque garden squares.