The Imperial Hotel in London is set to reopen in August, offering a unique blend of mid-century modernity and historical charm. This iconic hotel, located in the heart of Bloomsbury's Russell Square, has undergone a transformative refurbishment, creating a space that is both timeless and contemporary. What makes this renovation truly special is its ability to capture the essence of the 1960s while infusing it with a fresh and chic aesthetic. Personally, I think this is a brilliant example of how hotels can pay homage to their past while still offering guests a modern and exciting experience. The result is a space that feels both nostalgic and innovative, a perfect blend of history and modernity.
A Bold and Beautiful Interior
The reimagined Imperial Hotel boasts beautifully bold interiors that are both striking and inviting. Shape, pattern, and geometry are key elements in the design, with walls, floors, and ceilings featuring bold and geometric designs. The warm palette, inspired by the original design elements of the hotel, creates a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. What makes this particularly fascinating is the use of original prints by artist Adam Ellis, known for his colourful maximalism and immersive style. These prints, displayed throughout the guest rooms and common spaces, add a touch of rebellion and creativity, paying homage to the Bloomsbury Group while still honouring the hotel's modern interior design.
Rooms with a View
The rooms at The Imperial offer a variety of options, each with its own unique charm. The Bay Rooms feature the historic building's iconic geometric windows, while the Hideaway rooms offer private terraces with outdoor bathtubs. However, the pièce de résistance is the Nest suite, a spacious and luxurious space with soaring ceilings and a mezzanine level. Downstairs, there's a generous sleeping area with ample space to stretch out, while upstairs, a relaxed lounge awaits with an 86" screen and a plush green L-shaped sofa. This attention to detail and focus on creating a comfortable and inviting space is what makes The Imperial a truly special place to stay.
A Rooftop Destination
The Imperial is also home to Arcus, Bloomsbury's first rooftop bar and restaurant. According to the brains behind the eatery, it is a bold destination where design, culture, and skyline views converge. The design is inspired by London's weather, with the 330-seat layout built to the path of the sun to create an as-yet-undiscovered vista of the city. The menu features carefully mixed cocktails and a seasonally inspired menu of small plates. Alongside Arcus, there's also Edit Bar & Lounge, an all-day dining space, and The Bell Room & Terrace, a private space for guests staying in premium rooms. Bancone, the award-winning Italian restaurant loved by Londoners, will also open a 140-cover restaurant on the ground floor of the hotel.
A New Stylistic Course
The Imperial's reopening marks a new stylistic course for the hotel, one that draws on moments from its own story to create a space where history and modernity thoughtfully coexist. What makes this particularly interesting is the way the hotel has managed to preserve its historical charm while still offering guests a modern and exciting experience. The result is a space that feels both timeless and contemporary, a perfect blend of the past and the present.
A Must-Visit Destination
The Imperial Hotel is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a unique and exciting experience in London. With its beautifully bold interiors, luxurious rooms, and rooftop destination, it offers a space that is both comfortable and exciting. The hotel's ability to blend history and modernity thoughtfully is what makes it truly special, and I can't wait to see how it continues to evolve and inspire in the years to come. From my perspective, The Imperial is a shining example of how hotels can pay homage to their past while still offering guests a modern and exciting experience.
