There are London hotels that feel like part of the city’s story, and then there are those that make you feel as though you have stepped directly into it. Kimpton Fitzroy London belongs firmly in the latter category. Overlooking Russell Square in Bloomsbury, this landmark hotel pairs the grandeur of an Edwardian-era building with contemporary design, lively dining spaces and the kind of character that makes you want to linger long after checking .
From the first glimpse of its ornate terracotta façade to the marble-rich interiors, the hotel makes a memorable impression. Yet it isn't simply a monument to another age. There is a playful, sociable energy here, with thoughtful modern touches and spaces designed for everything from a leisurely afternoon tea to a late-night cocktail.
A London landmark with a story to tell
Designed by architect Charles Fitzroy Doll in 1898, the building opened as the Hotel Russell in 1900. Its elaborate terracotta exterior, decorative detailing and imposing presence on Russell Square give it the look of a grand European residence rather than a conventional city hotel. Today, its historic architecture remains central to the experience, complemented by refreshed interiors from design studios Tara Bernerd & Partners and Russell Sage Studio.
Kimpton Fitzroy Hotel
Inside, original features provide much of the atmosphere. Marble surfaces, a striking Zodiac mosaic on the lobby floor and period details reward a closer look. The result feels less like a hotel that has been frozen in time and more like a historic London address that has learned how to live comfortably in the present.
The setting is equally appealing. Russell Square's leafy garden offers a welcome pause from the traffic and movement of central London, while Bloomsbury's literary and academic heritage gives the surrounding streets a distinctive character.
Rooms with personality
With 334 rooms and suites, Kimpton Fitzroy offers a range of stays, from compact city rooms to spacious suites overlooking Russell Square. The interiors take cues from the building’s history without feeling overly formal. Soft, neutral tones, commissioned artwork and carefully chosen furnishings create rooms that feel restful after a full day exploring the capital.
Kimpton Fitzroy London
There are thoughtful details, too. Guests will find Nespresso coffee machines, Bluetooth speakers and yoga mats, alongside playful touches that reflect the Kimpton personality. Some rooms feature Penguin clothbound classics, a fitting nod to Bloomsbury’s literary connections and the writers who helped shape its reputation.
Kimpton Fitzroy London
For a longer stay or a special occasion, the suites offer more room to settle in. The Fitzroy Suite, in particular, has distinct living and dining areas, an ornamental original fireplace and views across the garden square. It feels less like a place to sleep between sightseeing stops and more like a private London residence.
Kimpton Fitzroy London
Dining, afternoon tea and a very good cocktail
Food and drink are an important part of the hotel’s appeal, with several spaces offering different reasons to stay in for the evening.
At Fitz’s Brasserie, British favourites meet a contemporary approach, with seasonal ingredients and menus that move comfortably from breakfast to dinner. The atmosphere suits a relaxed lunch, a celebratory meal or a long dinner with a good bottle of wine. Afternoon tea adds a more traditional note, with delicate pastries and an elegant setting that feels especially appropriate in a building with such a storied past.
Kimpton Fitzroy London
For something more theatrical, head to Fitz’s Bar. Behind a discreet entrance, the bar reveals a richly decorated interior with a mirrorball, eclectic curiosities and a mood made for cocktails that stretch into the evening. It has a sense of occasion without requiring one, whether you're meeting friends or simply looking for a memorable nightcap. The adjoining Fitz’s Parlour offers a more relaxed place for coffee, an aperitif or a final drink.
Kimpton Fitzroy London
There is also The Terrace, a seasonal outdoor space inspired by the Italian Riviera, where Italian-influenced dishes and spritzes bring a sunnier mood to Russell Square. Meanwhile, the Lobby Café makes an easy stop for a coffee between outings or a quiet moment before heading back into the city.
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Bloomsbury on your doorstep
One of the hotel's strongest assets is its address. Kimpton Fitzroy sits directly beside Russell Square Gardens, placing guests in a part of London where cultural landmarks, university buildings, bookshops and independent cafés are woven into everyday neighbourhood life.
Kimpton Fitzroy London
The British Museum is close enough to make a spontaneous visit easy, while Lamb’s Conduit Street rewards a slower wander through independent shops and small places to eat. Covent Garden and the West End are within reach for shopping, theatre and evenings out, but Bloomsbury itself offers plenty of reasons not to rush away. It’s a neighbourhood best enjoyed on foot, with time for a museum, a coffee and an unplanned detour.
After hours of sightseeing, returning to Russell Square feels like coming back to a quieter side of central London. The hotel gives you a grand address without separating you from the everyday rhythm of the city.
Kimpton Fitzroy London succeeds because it understands that a historic hotel should offer more than beautiful architecture. Its original details give the building a sense of occasion, while the modern rooms, welcoming food and drink spaces, and lively public areas keep it from feeling like a museum.
It is an especially appealing choice for travellers who enjoy design and history but still want a hotel with a relaxed, sociable spirit. Couples can make a weekend of afternoon tea and cocktails; culture-minded visitors have Bloomsbury’s museums and literary landmarks close by; and anyone spending a few days in London will appreciate having a leafy square to return to at the end of a busy day.
Kimpton Fitzroy London is a hotel with a strong sense of place: grand in appearance, full of character inside, and wonderfully well placed for discovering the many sides of the capital.
Official website: www.kimptonfitzroylondon.com
