A deluxe four-star hotel, the Hotel Russell stands out like a jewel among pebbles, a grand nine storey building with ornate terracotta façade, gleaming brass and marble steps.

Once inside, a lobby surrounded by columns of many-hued Sicilian marble, and dominated by a huge chandelier, hides cosy snugs, and a floor inlaid with an original marble mosaic.  As part of the refurbishment works, this has been lovingly restored at a cost of £60,000.  Sweeping away from the lobby, the grand staircase completes this most elegant of visual welcomes.

The greeting from the reception staff is equally welcoming, and despite some initial confusion over our booking, this was quickly and professionally dealt with and we were handed the key (electronic version) to our traditional room on the sixth floor.

The Hotel Russell offers 367 bedrooms, in two very different styles.  All rooms come with trouser-press and iron, tea and coffee making facilities with Suchards hot chocolate for a night-time treat, and all are fully air-conditioned via the room's own climate-control panel.

Traditional rooms, as ours was, are elegant in an understated way, with a yellow, red and blue colour scheme.  Crisp white linens on comfortable beds are accompanied by good quality pillows and cosy duvets.  Surprisingly spacious, particularly for London where rooms are often bijou, there was plenty of space to move around the bed, sit at the workdesk or take a seat at the table by the window.

A bright, beautifully lit bathroom came with one of the best baths I've seen in a long time, one best described as a real "man-sized" bath.  Unlike conventional British baths which are somewhat restrictive around the shoulders, this one had more space, despite being no larger overall than a normal bath.
 
The hotel's 33 contemporary rooms have a more sleek, modern feel and are decorated in brighter, trendier colours with high-tech facilities such as a wide-screen plasma TV.  These newly built rooms have a separate sitting area, refrigerator and a choice of single, queen or king beds.

For even greater space and comfort, the Hotel Russell also has 30 executive/ambassador rooms and one suite.

Dining and drinking

The Russell has several dining options, from a snack lunch in the elegant "gentlemens' club" style Kings Bar with its high-backed leather chairs to the Virginia Woolf Lounge and Restaurant, named after the famous writer who, as part of the "Bloomsbury Set" was once a regular for afternoon tea.  Here, the restaurant has a more contemporary setting than the Kings Bar, and international cuisine is served.

For sheer elegance however, the Fitzroy Doll restaurant takes diners back to the age of steam ships.  Although the hotel has been recently refurbished, the main restaurant retains the decadence of the architect's original design, which is said to closely resemble the first class restaurant aboard the ill-fated Titanic, with which Doll was also closely associated.

The marble columns and fireplace, chandeliers, tables decked in crisp white linen, and attentive serving staff all add a special touch of class to guests' dining experience.

Breakfast is served in the Fitzroy Doll restaurant, with a choice of either full English or continental, served buffet-style.  Top-quality and delicious whichever you choose, guests who have booked room and continental breakfast can upgrade to the full English for a few extra pounds.

Nearby

The Hotel Russell is close to the British Museum on Great Russell Street, and at only 200m from Russell Square tube station, is handily located for most London attractions.  Shopaholics will find the Piccadilly line calls at Covent Garden, Knightsbridge for Harrods, Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square, while a change at Holborn to the Central Line will soon see you in Oxford, Regent and Bond Streets.

Book your stay at The Hotel Russell

Russell Hotel Russell Square
Bloomsbury
London
WC1B 5BE
United Kingdom

The hotel is 200m from Russell Square tube station, which is on the Piccadilly Line.  This line runs direct to Heathrow Airport.