Does a legendary London hotel by any other name still smell as sweet? From 1900 until 2018, this Bloomsbury grand dame was known as the Hotel Russell, thanks to its plumb position on the edge of Russell Square. Designed by architect Charles Fitzroy Doll, it was built as a tribute to a Renaissance chateau just outside of Paris, and remains one of the most imposing buildings in London. Kimpton’s revamping of the hotel was long overdue, and the stately hotel has been restored to something of its former glory. If we haven’t convinced you yet, the hotel also boasts a resident dragon, Lucky George, a bronze sculpture which you’ll find halfway up the majestic marble staircase. There was another, less-than-lucky George, which sank with the Titanic in 1912 (Fitzroy Doll was also behind the first class spaces on the doomed ocean liner).
Why stay at Kimpton Fitzroy London?
When it comes to locations, they don’t get much more convenient than that of the Kimpton Fitzroy. You’re right in the middle of London, but a million miles away from the hectic hustle and bustle of Soho, Covent Garden or Mayfair. As neighbourhoods go, the always-classy Bloomsbury is a beauty, and though this sprawling hotel might be massive – there are 334 guest rooms and suites and it takes up an entire city block – it still feels intimate. The entrance is flanked by Henry Charles Fehr’s original sculptures of Queens Elizabeth I, Mary II, Anne and Victoria on the Grade** listed Doulton thè-au-lait terracotta facade, which leads to a seriously lush lobby, perhaps the most impressive hotel foyer in town. Look down and enjoy the mystical mosaic of the Zodiac (perfect for anyone with a passing interest in the occult), while the gleaming red marble staircase is always candlelit, gaining extra goth points - prepare to have your breath scooped away the first time you see it.
What are the rooms like at Kimpton Fitzroy London?
The 334 rooms range from ‘snug’ single bed rooms at a cosy 16sqm to the epic four room Fitzroy Suite with a roll-top bath, four-poster bed and dreamy views of Russell Square. Classy in-room extras are available, including yoga matts on request, 19-69 toiletries, Ruark Bluetooth speakers, Smart TVs, Nespresso machines, an electric hot water kettle for colder months, bottled water, popcorn, biscuits and crisps.. All rooms are pet-friendly for no extra charge (and no matter the size or breed) with dog-walking and doggy day-care available on request. When it was built, it was the first London hotel to have en suites with every room. Our modern-styled room came with old school touches, such as a roll-top bath, glossy white marble bathroom, four-poster bed with high thread count sheets and plenty of flourishing pot plants. Other design features might veer a little too millennial coded for some: furniture came in muted shades of grey, and interior doors are painted in Farrow & Ball’s omnipotent Stiffkey Blue, which seems to have had interior designers in a chokehold for the past decade.
What is the food like at Kimpton Fitzroy London?
Fitz’s Brasserie is well worth a visit, if only to see what’s left of the ornate columns and lavish ceiling which inspired the Titanic’s onboard first class restaurant. The food is solid; British classics that will sate tourists’ need for fish and chips and chicken pie, but with fancy touches such as oysters and caviar for big spenders. Fitz’s Bar is also one of London’s best regarded cocktail spots, combining jazz age decadent with disco-era sass, and the lobby level cafe is currently under renovation and set to open as a stand-alone restaurant in 2026. During the summer months there’s also The Terrace, a shielded outdoor space for sunlit cocktails, wine and aperitivo.
What is the service like at Kimpton Fitzroy London?
Staff are friendly and quick to help. The connecting door to the next suite was unlocked when we got to our room, but a call was made down to reception and within five minutes a staff member had come to the rescue, full of apologies and clutching a large set of keys to lock up.
What is the gym and spa like at Kimpton Fitzroy London?
Things are a little limited in this respect. There isn’t a pool or a spa, but there is a Technogym-equipped fitness centre if you want to get stuck into a workout.
What’s the area like around Kimpton Fitzroy London?
Absolutely lovely. Bloomsbury is centrally located but still has a laidback appeal. Thanks to its universities and museums, it’s long had a reputation as one of London’s most bookish and bohemian neighbourhoods. Check out masterpieces at the British Museum and saunter past the former home of Virginia Woolfe, or visit cult bakeries like Fortitude, indie cinemas such as The Nickel, eat at some of the best restaurants in London; Master Wei, Cafe Deco and Noble Rot, and drink at some of the best pubs; The Duke, The Lamb and The Dolphin.
Why should you book a stay at Kimpton Fitzroy London?
Would it be strange to book a hotel based on the sheer grandeur of the entrance lobby alone? Maybe, but it’s so damn spectacular that we might insist upon it. There are plenty of plush five star hotels in London, but the Kimpton Fitzroy boasts an unmatched gothic splendor.