The Imperial Bloomsbury hotel review

A hotel with a history, the Imperial Bloomsbury first opened in 1905, and over the course of more than a century has seen many famous faces come through its doors. From Ingrid Bergman to Margaret Thatcher, and the iconic Barbara Windsor winning the "Rear of the Year" contest hosted at the hotel in 1976, the Imperial Bloomsbury has set the scene for many tales. If only these walls could talk.

The Imperial Bloomsbury, London. Image courtesy of Imperial Bloomsbury.

The original building was designed by architect Charles Fitzroy Doll; after it was demolished in the 1960s, it was replaced by the modernist building that stands today. Many Londoners have probably walked past its bold Brutalist concrete exterior without realising the hotel’s rich and storied past, but with its recent reopening The Imperial Bloomsbury is already making a great impression, marking an exciting third chapter while at the same time reconnecting with its long history in Bloomsbury.  

The Imperial Bloomsbury, London. Image courtesy of Imperial Bloomsbury.

To celebrate the hotel’s reopening, The Imperial Bloomsbury is partnering with the Château La Carelle estate to offer an exclusive Crémant de Bordeaux as the house pour. Enjoy a flute upon check in, or at Arcus, the hotel’s 10th Floor rooftop terrace and restaurant – which, like the seventh-generation family-owned vineyard is run by the seventh generation of its family owners. A natural pairing and a memorable toast to two enduring family legacies.  

Stay

Following its transformation, the hotel now has 357 rooms and suites, ranging from the dreamy Hideaway Suites, with private terraces and luxurious outdoor bathtubs, to The Nest, one of the hotel’s largest suites, which includes a mezzanine level designed for cinema nights. The bright and contemporary Bay Rooms feature the building’s characteristic angular windows, overlooking Russell Square.

Hideaway Suites, The Imperial Bloomsbury, London. Image courtesy of Tani Burns

While it was architects at Cube Design who retained the hotel’s striking façade and restored many of its original features, the interiors have been reimagined by Trevillion Interiors and Keane Brands. In perfect contrast with the building’s inherent strong geometry is the curved furniture and organic forms throughout its rooms.

Outdoor bathtub at The Imperial Bloomsbury, London. Image courtesy of Tani Burns

Staying in one of the beautiful Hideaway Suites was such a treat. High ceilings, full length windows and French doors out on to your private bathtub terrace make for a light and airy aesthetic, complimented by natural timber, upholstery and textured fabrics including the stunning embroidered headboard. The only downside is that the enormous mattress, Dyson hair tools and two types of bath robe are all luxuries I could far too easily get used to.

Do

It’s a downfall of a Central London hotel to not consider the common areas that make a guest want to just have a night in sometimes. From multiple chill out zones to private lounges you could easily hot desk from, The Imperial has it covered. The gym is well equipped and well sized, with beautifully designed with murals to help your mind wander while you sneak in a few more reps. After your session, head out to the Wellness Terrace to quieten the mind amid the sound of rushing fountains.

Gym, The Imperial Bloomsbury, London. Image courtesy of Imperial Bloomsbury.

PGuests staying in premium rooms and suits also have access to the Bell Lounge and Terrace. During the day, complimentary soft drinks and snacks; in the evening, canapés and drinks. If you prefer to keep your room your temple, the Bell Lounge is also a great place to work for an hour or so, and is full of inspiring artworks and photographs from the hotel’s grand history. The adjoining terrace is named after the five bells which line its edge – a feature of the hotel since it opened over a century ago.

The Imperial Bloomsbury, London. Image courtesy of Tani Burns

Eat & Drink

On the 10th Floor, Arcus is Bloomsbury's first and only rooftop bar and restaurant with near-360-degree views across London. With a menu of cocktails and seasonal small plates, this is your all-rounder venue for dates, family catch ups and friendly gossips. Try the Crescendo –a negroni with a cherry twist. Highlights of the small plates menu were the 8-Day Himalayan Salt Chamber Dry-Aged Seared British Beef and the Yellowfin Tuna Tartare.

The Imperial Bloomsbury, London. Image courtesy of Tani Burns

The Arcus is also the hotel’s spot for breakfast, and it’s lovely to wake up in the fresh glow of a sunny London morning here. Abundant breads, pastries, fruits, juices and continental items can be enjoyed alongside a choice of a la carte, from your classic Full English or Eggs Florentine / Royale / Benedict to Turkish Eggs. What is great about breakfast here is that you can also choose to sleep in and make it brunch, all included in your stay. Guests can enjoy their morning at leisure, with brunch and the same spectacular views with served until 1pm. 

The Imperial Bloomsbury, London. Image courtesy of Tani Burns

Explore

If you are lucky / organized enough to have a ticket to see the Bayeaux Tapestry, the British Museum is just on your doorstep (in fact, you can see from the Arcus rooftop). If not, the Imperial sits on Russell Square, so Bloomsbury's cultural highlights are mostly a short walk away. There’s the Charles Dickens Museum on Doughty Street, the Foundling Museum by Brunswick Square, and the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology at UCL. Sir John Soane's Museum in Holborn makes addition to the itinerary.

Sir John Soane's Museum in Holborn. Image credit MTotoe. Image courtesy of FLO London,

Getting there

The nearest underground station is Russell Square (Piccadilly Line), with Tottenham Court Road (Elizabeth, Central, Northern Lines) and Goodge Street (Northern) nearby. London Euston and King’s Cross are also within walking distance for national rail travel, as well as St Pancras for the Eurostar.

Price

Room rates start from £299 per night. Hideaway suites, including access to the executive lounge, Bell Room & Terrace, from £485 per night. Book now

The Imperial Bloomsbury, 61-66 Russell Square, London, WC1B 5BB. For more information visit imperialhotels.co.uk

By Tani Burns