The hype
Travelers adore the decor, the staff, and the location, but frequently mention the rooms feel smaller than they appear in photos.
The Bloomsbury
$300-550/ night
Book this if You want a highly Instagrammable, literary-themed base near the British Museum and don't mind sacrificing square footage for style.
Why People Love It
- The Coral Room and Dalloway Terrace are legitimate London hotspots
- Unbeatable location steps from the British Museum and Covent Garden
- Literary history vibe with a modern, colorful twist
Quick Take: A stunning lobby and bar scene that compensates for entry-level rooms so small you'll be tripping over your suitcase.
Reviewed by @conciergekate: I absolutely loved my stay at The Bloomsbury. The red decor is so bold and cozy, especially by the fire. Having breakfast in that massive king bed was a highlight, and the afternoon tea was delicious. It’s the perfect spot for a stylish London escape.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You are paying for the address and the common areas; the standard rooms are functional crash pads, not lounging suites.
- You care about having a cool hotel bar to start/end your night
- You plan to spend most of your time exploring Central London
- You appreciate Lutyens architecture and bold interior design
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9
- Housekeeping: Daily and thorough. Turndown service is a nice touch often mentioned.
- Bathroom hygiene: Immaculate marble bathrooms. Very few complaints about mold or grime.
- Maintenance: Generally excellent condition, though some wear and tear in high-traffic corridors.
- Linens & towels: High-thread-count linens and fluffy towels; feels properly luxurious.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells expensive (signature scent); no recurring musty complaints.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Nearby construction/scaffolding works
- Dalloway Terrace chatter/music
- Street noise on Great Russell Street
Before you book
Good to know
- The 'Third Space' gym access mentioned in some older reviews is not a standard free perk; expect to use the small on-site gym.
- Breakfast is pricey (~£29-32) but excellent; plenty of cheaper cafes nearby.
- The Coral Room is walk-in friendly but gets packed; Dalloway Terrace requires booking weeks in advance.
What to pack
- Earplugs (just in case of street/construction noise)
- A smaller suitcase (space is at a premium)
- Smart-casual outfits for the hotel bars (the crowd is well-dressed)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Deluxe King (28sqm) for a livable amount of space
- Luxury Studio Suites for the full 'Bloomsbury' aesthetic and space
- Courtyard-facing rooms for the best chance of quiet
Rooms to avoid
- Cosy Rooms (16sqm) — only for solo travelers with carry-ons
- Rooms on lower floors directly overlooking Dalloway Terrace (noise)
- Street-facing rooms on the Southampton Row side during construction
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am traveling for a special occasion and would love a quiet room facing the inner courtyard to avoid any street or terrace noise. Please ensure I am not assigned a room with a view obstructed by scaffolding.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a pool?
No. There is a small 24-hour fitness center on-site, but no pool. Access to the nearby Third Space club is not standard.
Is it noisy?
It can be. Street-facing rooms and those above the terrace get ambient noise. Ask for a courtyard room.
How much is breakfast?
Around £29-£32 per person for the full buffet/à la carte options.
Are the rooms really that small?
Yes. The 'Cosy' rooms are 16sqm. You need to book a 'Deluxe' or higher to get a US-standard hotel room size.
Is there a resort fee?
No hidden 'resort fee', but a discretionary service charge is often added to food and drink bills.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, it is pet-friendly for a fee of approx £50 per stay.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The Bloomsbury Club Bar (downstairs) often has live jazz and is less crowded than the Coral Room.
- ✨
There is a 'secluded' outdoor terrace area in the back of the Bloomsbury Club Bar that feels like a secret garden.
- ✨
Check the 'offers' page on their direct site; they sometimes bundle breakfast or late checkout which is worth it given the food prices.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'scaffolding' issue is real for some rooms due to nearby development — check before you accept your key.
💡The lift can be slow during peak check-out times.
💡The 'Cosy' room bathrooms are surprisingly high-end (marble, heated floors) even if the bedroom is tiny.
💡You can hear the tube rumble faintly in the basement bar (adds to the vibe, honestly).
💡The library area is a genuinely quiet spot to work if your room desk is too small.
Local Playbook
Map
See where The Bloomsbury is located and what's nearby.