The Radisson Edwardian Blu Bloomsbury Street Hotel is situated within walking distance of pretty much all that central London has to offer. Oxford Street, Soho, Covent Garden and the West end theatres are all close by and within 5 minutes you can be at the British Museum.
Reception / Lobby
Upon entering the bright, airy lobby, your attention is immediately taken by the site of a giant red stag in the middle of the lobby area. This bold piece of art is just one of many striking pieces dotted throughout the building that gives the hotel a thoroughly modern feel.
The Hotel is a local landmark and has a strong historical association with the infamous ‘Bloomsbury Set’ (a group of influential writers and artists during the first part of the last century) and in particular, Virginia Woolf.
Her most famous literary work, ‘Mrs Dalloway’ is on display behind the reception desk; the pages of which have been delicately placed on the entire wall make for a striking and unusual backdrop. Along with the large pieces of art, sculptures and the central staircase, the lobby feels grand yet contemporary. The well-stocked confectionary sweet tray with a sign saying ’eat me’ was particularly welcoming.
The staff at reception were professional courteous and unfussy. We were efficiently booked in and advised on the general information of the hotel, breakfast times, etc. As an early riser (around 5 am) I was particularly impressed that I could obtain a fresh morning coffee from reception prior to the restaurant being open.
Standard Twin Room
Walking out of the lift to our floor, the light dramatically changed to a much darker lobby with two corridors leading to the 1st-floor rooms – this change of light seemed to be purposeful as walking to the room felt warm and cosy and almost like you had to be wary of waking other guests up – a reminder to be quiet and respectful.
The sun was out and as a result, our room was bright and airy, being on the corner plot of the hotel. The proximity to the constant traffic outside was an initial worry but this was soon availed after having a very comfortable nights sleep. The thoroughly modern and considered layout of the bathroom, furnished in Italian marble, added to the luxury feeling.
Bathroom
Lunch
As the afternoon drew in, we opted to have a drink at the bar prior to our lunch reservation at the Steak And Lobster restaurant. The open plan design of the lobby, Bar and Steak and Lobster Restaurant gives a real buzzy yet unobtrusive feel to the place, even when returning later in the evening when the restaurant was much busier. Not paying much more than a standard price for a beer at the bar was also very welcome. The bold choice of fabric in the various seating areas perfectly complimented the modern yet classic style of the hotel.
Breakfast
Arriving at the restaurant area an hour before breakfast was served, I was warmly welcomed by the staff and a rich morning coffee duly served.
The breakfast buffet was very well stocked with the usual (bacon, eggs, sausage) as well as a very good selection of healthier options such as granola, yoghurt fresh Juices, Smoothies, etc. Pretty much all tastes were covered and the food looked fresh and delectable.
I opted for the a la cart menu and chose the Eggs Benedict. The egg was cooked to perfection and the Benedict sauce was delicately flavoured and slightly moose like in consistency, with a citrus tang to the taste buds. The first cut in to the egg revealed a perfectly cooked example – soft in the middle and slightly runny. Using the last morsel of freshly baked sourdough toast to mop up the remaining sauce and eggy mixture was a particular delight.
Conclusion
The vibrancy of the atmosphere in the lobby/bar/restaurant area as well as the intimacy and privacy of the bedrooms and the friendly and courteous staff pretty much ticked all the boxes for what a traveller needs when staying in central London.
Details
- Room reviewed: Standard Twin Room From £150
- Website: www.radissonblu-edwardian.com/london-hotel-gb-wc1b-3qd/gbmarlbo
- Address: 9-13 Bloomsbury St, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3QD, UK
- Phone: +44 (0)20 7636 5601
This review was made possible with the help of Visit London – the official London travel guide.
