Breathing fresh life into an archaic icon with 357 beautiful rooms and suites, here’s everything you need to know about The Imperial hotel in Bloomsbury
Credited with producing the voices that challenge the norm and inspire divergent thinking, Bloomsbury has long been a place where perspectives aren’t just celebrated, but encouraged. That’s why the return of The Imperial this summer feels particularly apt, as it presents a fresh take on years of history.
A defining landmark of Russell Square for over 100 years, the reimagined property is influenced by the writers, thinkers, painters and reformers that bestowed the neighbourhood its creative spirit. Drawing on moments from its own story, the hotel’s once-in-a-generation refurbishment has created a space in which history and modernity thoughtfully coexist.
Originally opened in 1905 with a building designed by Charles Fitzroy Doll, it was adorned with ornate turrets, tiles, and gargoyles and became known for its grand ballrooms, expansive winter gardens, and Turkish Baths. Replaced with a striking modernist structure in the sixties, the hotel used clean lines and confident angles to offer a bold reflection of the era. As it steps into this next chapter, the same attitude is its foundation.
Anchored by the strength and integrity of its modernist architecture, bold interior design choices highlight the expressive energy of the 1960s through a contemporary lens. Think distinctive wood panelling, sculptural lighting, and terrazzo that turns up in unexpected places are balanced with tactile textures and the silhouettes of mid-century furniture, creating familiarity in somewhere new.
The same principles extend into each of the 357 rooms and suites. Most feature the hotel’s iconic geometric windows, while Hideaway rooms offer private gardens that come with outdoor bathtubs and wellness bags. Considered experiences allow guests to shape their own stays, while the hotel’s Wellness Terrace allows them to find moments of calm away from the bustle of the city.
Small details such as in-room GPO Audrey phones, complimentary Chopper Bike hire, and collections of design-led board games, books, and magazines curated by local collaborators are scattered throughout the building, creating a thoughtful dialogue between past and present. Over 500 original prints by Adam Ellis are also proudly displayed in guest rooms and within public spaces, treated not as an accent but as a unifying feature that pays homage to the rebellious flare of the sixties.
Dining plays a key role here too. The Imperial is home to three distinct spaces. Rooftop bar and restaurant Arcus offers a bold, modernist destination where design, culture, and skyline views converge with signature cocktails and seasonal dishes, while the Bell Room & Terrace is a space where playful interactions come to life, overlooking features from the original Victorian building. All-day dining space The Edit offers the perfect spot for in-between moments, be it a quiet coffee, an impromptu drink, or post-dinner pour.
Make to happen
Wallet: Bay Rooms start from £319 per night. For more information, visit imperialhotels.co.uk
When: Opening summer 2026
