Modernist Bloomsbury stage
Sculptural terrazzo, warm timber panelling, and mid-century lines bring a confident modernist rhythm to the edge of Russell Square.
What it’s good at
Notable
Sculptural terrazzo, warm timber panelling, and geometric bay windows celebrate the building's restored nineteen-seventies brutalist architecture.
Notable
A panoramic tenth-floor rooftop bar, counter seating at Bancone, and an all-day lounge welcoming neighborhood coffee catchups.
Listed
Preserved artifacts from the original nineteen-hundreds building, including historic bells and a clock, furnish the Bell Room.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Russell Square gardens sit directly out front, and the British Museum is only a two-minute walk down the street.
The rooms
Geometric bay windows look across the square, while select suites feature private garden terraces with outdoor freestanding soaking tubs.
The gym
The 24-hour gym looks onto a sheltered courtyard, and complimentary Raleigh Chopper bikes are available for exploring Bloomsbury.
Restaurant
Arcus
The tenth-floor rooftop restaurant and terrace look out across the London skyline toward St Paul's Cathedral.
At the table
Downstairs, Bancone serves hand-rolled pasta at the counter, and Edit Bar and Lounge pours drinks through the evening.
How it began
Charles Fitzroy Doll's ornate 1904 hotel was replaced in the late 1960s, creating this concrete modernist landmark facing Russell Square.
Stay here
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London
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.