You’ve seen the photos of the massive terracotta "palace" on the edge of Russell Square. It looks like the kind of place where you’d need a three-piece suit just to check in. But honestly? The reality of staying at kimpton hotels london england—specifically the flagship Kimpton Fitzroy—is a lot weirder, cooler, and more relaxed than the imposing Victorian facade suggests.
Most people see the ornate statues of British queens guarding the entrance and assume it's another stuffy, "pinky-up" London institution. It’s not.
The Titanic Connection Nobody Mentions
Here is a bit of trivia that usually makes people double-check their room key: the architect of this building, Charles Fitzroy Doll, also designed the first-class dining room on the RMS Titanic. If you walk into the Palm Court or look at the heavy marble work in the lobby, you’re basically seeing a "dry land" version of the most famous ship in history.
But don't expect ghosts or tragic vibes.
The hotel, originally the Hotel Russell (built in 1898), underwent a massive £85 million renovation a few years back to become the Kimpton Fitzroy. They kept the "the-au-lait" (tea with milk) colored terracotta on the outside but went absolutely wild with the interiors. We’re talking about a 19th-century "Grande Dame" that decided to put on a leather jacket and start a podcast.
The Resident Dragon
You’ll see a bronze dragon named "Lucky George" perched on the stairs. He’s a replica of one that actually went down with the Titanic. Guests rub his nose for luck. It’s a small, quirky detail, but it’s exactly why kimpton hotels london england stand out from the cookie-cutter Hiltons or Marriotts nearby.
Why the Location is Kind of a Genius Move
If you’re a first-timer in London, you probably want to stay in Covent Garden or Soho. Those places are great until it’s 2:00 AM and a stag do is screaming under your window.
Bloomsbury is different. It’s the "intellectual heart" of the city. You’ve got the British Museum just a seven-minute walk away. You’re surrounded by leafy squares where Virginia Woolf and the rest of the Bloomsbury Group used to argue about art and philosophy.
- Pro Tip: If you book a "City Single" room, be aware they are actually small. Like, 172 square feet small. Great for solo travelers on a budget, but if you’re claustrophobic, aim for the "Queen Premium Park View."
- The View: The rooms overlooking Russell Square give you that "I live in a Mary Poppins movie" feeling.
The "Social Hour" and Other Kimpton Habits
Kimpton has this thing called "Social Hour." Every evening, usually around 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM, they serve complimentary wine or beer in the lobby or Palm Court. It’s not just a cheap drink; it’s actually a chance to talk to the staff or other travelers. In a city like London, which can feel a bit cold and anonymous, this is a massive win.
They are also famously pet-friendly. Their policy is basically "if it fits through the door and in the elevator, it’s welcome." No extra fees. No "dogs only" rules. I’ve heard of people bringing hedgehogs and birds.
🔗 Read more: Capitola to Santa Cruz: How to Handle the Six-Mile Stretch Without Losing Your Mind
What's in the Room?
You won't find those generic white plastic kettles here.
- Yoga Mats: Every room has one.
- The "Tuck Box": A curated box of British snacks (not just Snickers bars).
- Ruark Speakers: Because the sound quality on your phone is terrible.
- Bicycles: You can borrow a custom Raleigh bike to cycle around the square.
Eating and Drinking (Where the Locals Actually Go)
The food scene at kimpton hotels london england is surprisingly legit. They don't just rely on "hotel food."
Fitz’s Bar is a mood. It looks like a Victorian gentleman’s club that got hit by a glitter bomb. There’s a giant disco ball hanging under an original 19th-century ceiling. The cocktail menu, called "SPECTRUM," is based on synaesthesia—where you "taste" colors. It sounds pretentious, but the drinks are incredible.
Then there’s Galvin Bar & Grill. It’s run by the Galvin brothers (Chris and Jeff), who are Michelin-starred legends in the UK. The dining room has these high, arched ceilings that make you feel like you’re eating in a cathedral, but the vibe is "modern British brasserie." Try the Yorkshire rhubarb Eton mess if it’s on the menu.
The Reality Check: Is it Worth It?
Let’s be real. It’s not the cheapest stay in London. You’re paying for the architecture and the vibe.
Some guests find the maze-like hallways of a converted 19th-century building a bit confusing. Others might find the "modern art meets Victorian marble" aesthetic a bit jarring. If you want a minimalist, glass-and-steel skyscraper, this isn't it.
But if you want a hotel that feels like it has a soul—and a dragon—then it’s hard to beat.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
If you’re planning to book a stay at one of the kimpton hotels london england, keep these specifics in mind to get the most out of the experience:
- Join IHG One Rewards: Even if you don't care about points, members often get better Wi-Fi speeds and late checkout options.
- Ask for a "High Floor" Queen: The street noise in Bloomsbury is quiet for London, but the higher you go, the better the light.
- Don't skip the Palm Court: Even if you aren't staying there, go for afternoon tea. The glass ceiling lets in the "gray" London light in a way that’s actually quite beautiful.
- Check the "Secret" Events: The Kimpton often hosts "Inner Circle" events or pop-up workshops (like flower arranging or gin tasting) that aren't always blast-advertised on the main site. Check their Instagram a week before you arrive.
- Use the Raleigh Bikes: Russell Square is great, but cycle five minutes north to Lamb’s Conduit Street. It’s a "hidden" pedestrian street with some of the best independent shops and cafes in London.