Firmdale Hotels was founded in London, in 1985 by husband and wife team, Tim and Kit Kemp, opening their first hotel, Dorset Square Hotel in Marylebone. Today, Firmdale has expanded to include 10 hotels and 2 private residences across London, New York and Barbados as well as restaurants, bars, spas, an online store and interior design firm. Each hotel has been meticulously designed by Kit, infusing playful, bright interiors and bespoke detailing, creating a fresh modern approach on traditional English style. Dorset Square Hotel in Marylebone opened in 1985, followed by Covent Garden Hotel in 1996, Charlotte Street Hotel and Number Sixteen in 2000 and Knightsbridge Hotel in 2002. The Soho Hotel was next in the collection to open in 2004, followed by Haymarket Hotel in 2007 and Ham Yard Hotel in 2014. Crosby Street Hotel was the first New York opening in 2009 followed by The Whitby Hotel in 2017.