There's something so special about staying overnight in London. The Big Smoke feels otherworldly at times, especially when you choose a hotel that blends a good dose of nostalgia with fresh excitement. And that is the exact vibe you'll find at the newly reopened The Imperial. Located on the east edge of Bloomsbury’s Russell Square, its refurb has made it London’s best example of mid-century modernity.
The Imperial first opened in 1905, designed by Charles Fitzroy Doll with ornate turrets, tiles and gargoyles, and grand ballrooms, with a winter garden and Turkish baths added shortly after. In 1966, it was replaced with the striking, angular Modernist structure that stands today. Fast forward to 2026, and it's charting a new stylistic course that draws on moments from its own story to create a hotel where history and modernity live happily together.
The Vibe
The Imperial has beautifully bold interiors. Shape, pattern and geometry dictate the walls, floors and ceilings. And where colour is concerned, original design elements of the hotel (such as tiles discovered on the mezzanine floor during renovations) inspire the warm palette that floods the hotel.
Plus, original prints by coveted artist Adam Ellis, an expert in colourful maximalism and immersiveness, are displayed throughout guest rooms and the common spaces, a unifying feature that pays homage to both the hotel’s striking architecture and the rebellious flare of the Bloomsbury Group, while still honouring The Imperial’s take on modern interior design.
The Rooms
In the rooms, you’ll find wood panelling, sculptural lighting and terrazzo balanced with soft textures, silhouettes and mid-century furniture. There are several options, including Bay Rooms with the historic building’s iconic geometric windows and Hideaway rooms with private terraces that have outdoor bathtubs.
The pièce de résistance is the Nest. This is a spacious suite with soaring ceilings and a mezzanine level. Downstairs, you’ll find a generous sleeping area with space to stretch out aplenty. Upstairs, a relaxed lounge awaits with an 86" screen and a plush green L-shaped sofa.
The Food & Drink
The Imperial is home to Arcus, Bloomsbury’s first rooftop bar and restaurant. According to the brains behind the eatery, it is a "bold destination where design, culture and skyline views converge". Most bold is the inspiration behind its design: London’s weather, with the 330-seat layout built to the path of the sun to create an as-yet-undiscovered vista of London. On the menu is carefully mixed cocktails and a seasonally-inspired menu of small plates.
Alongside Arcus, there’s also Edit Bar & Lounge, an all-day dining space, and The Bell Room & Terrace, which is a private space for guests staying in premium rooms, serving all-day grazing, pre-dinner aperitifs, and an outdoor terrace that can be enjoyed all year round. Bancone, the award-winning Italian restaurant loved by Londoners, has opened a 140-cover restaurant on the ground floor of the hotel.
Reservations at The Imperial are open; Bay Rooms start at £319 per night. To book a stay, visit imperialhotels.co.uk.
