Occupying number 1-8 Russell Square, the Kimpton Fitzroy London is the epitome of a landmark hotel, right in the heart of the beautiful Bloomsbury neighbourhood. Opened in 1900 (as the Hotel Russell), the hotel reopened in 2018 as the UK’s first Kimpton, whilst still remaining try to its ornate architecture by Charles Fitzroy Doll, the very same designer of the dining room on the RMS Titanic.

But what truly charmed me about this hotel when I had the opportunity to stay is how it manages to offer a sense of contemporary luxury whilst remaining true to its old-world history and its commitment to sustainability. The hotel achieved the prestigious Green Key certificate (the leading standard for excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry) in June 2024. Whilst it doesn’t claim to be perfect, having spoken to the hotel’s General Manager, it is clear from their practices, policies and openness to learn and change that they are always striving to be better, for both people and planet.

So let’s take a look about what you can expect from a stay at the Kimpton Fitzroy Hotel:

Decor: Timeless Grandeur with Modern Flourishes

The hotel’s decor really speaks volumes about its dual identity – the building’s stunning terracotta façade draws you into a world where old-world charm reigns supreme, but as I am met at the entrance by the friendliest doorman and whisked inside, it’s clear there is a beautiful mix of historical elegance and modern design awaiting.

The lobby retains much of its Victorian grandeur, with marble pillars, intricate mosaic floors, and a sweeping staircase. This is a hotel that honours its roots, but contemporary art pieces, sleek furniture, and soft lighting breathe new life into the space.

The hotel’s commitment to minimising its carbon footprint is apparent in its thoughtful use of materials, from reclaimed wood accents in the furniture to the LED lighting illuminating the ornate ceilings. Light fittings have been updated to give them a contemporary feel, such as the grand chandeliers in the public areas that were previously installed in the 1980s. Rather than installing new ones, the originals have been cleaned, restored and updated to meet sustainability regulations, and rehung – proving that upcycling furnishings can be both chic while environmentally conscious.

The grandeur of the marble staircase and Art Deco influences are also tastefully preserved, and it is in these thoughtful details that the Kimpton Fitzroy London pays homage to its past while remaining firmly anchored in the present, appealing to both lovers of classic design and those who appreciate contemporary sophistication.

Rooms: Heritage Meets Luxurious Comfort

Boasting 334 rooms and suites, I was lucky enough to spend the night in one of their suites. Upon entering I was met not only with beautiful interiors, but a bottle of wine, some wellness goodies and chocolate truffles from the hotel staff – personalised touches to show how they care for their guests. They had even brought my bike to the suite for the evening, without any hesitation (this is often not a ‘given’ in such top end hotels) – Kimpton are ‘wheely’ impressive when it comes to adapting to the growing demand for eco-friendly travel of their guests. So much so that there are even bikes on offer at reception to use – a great way to avoid the stuffy tube or taxi, there’s no better way to see the beauty of Bloomsbury than by bike or foot.

High ceilings, original architectural details, and large sash windows create a sense of grandeur, but the interiors are chic and streamlined with all the comforts a modern traveller could desire. The colour palette is soothing and refined, with muted tones, luxe textiles, and bespoke furnishings that evoke a sense of timeless elegance. All rooms are fitted with smart, user-triggered, and energy-efficient power (in fact, the hotel is run 100% on green energy), heating, and ventilation systems. LED lighting is installed, and secondary glazing has been fitted to the original windows to help improve the thermal efficiency of the building.

My favourite part? The bathroom – I could have spent all evening soaking in the stand-alone bath, complete with rubber ducks and bath salts, or the rainfall shower with the cosiest Kimpton dressing down and slippers; my very own spa-like experience directly in my room. The beautiful marble-clad interiors come hand-in-hand with modern touches such as heated floors and deluxe toiletries, which are also refillable. The faucets, shower heads and toilets utilise low flow water systems to help conserve water usage in a further nod to the hotel’s focus on sustainability.

Something I loved are the additional notes to guests in the hotel rooms – guests are invited to order a ‘Plant Pal’ – a quick call to reception (on your classic London red rotary phone) to request your plant pal, and before you know it, a small potted plant is delivered to your room for the duration of your stay. Not only does this add a welcome touch of greenery and serenity to the space, bringing nature indoors, but it also aligns with the hotel’s commitment to the environment – for every guest who orders a plant pal to their room, Kimpton will plant a tree. Whether you’re a plant lover or just seeking a calming companion, the plant pal adds a refreshing, homey vibe to your luxurious hotel experience. It’s a small but delightful way to make your stay feel more personalised and cosy.

Knowing their guests all too well, Kimpton also includes a note in the rooms with all the additional accessories you can ask for. It’s all too often we forget at least one thing when travelling (guilty as charged) and so it’s reassuring to know Kimpton has you covered for everything you could possibly need.

Dining: Tradition with a Contemporary Twist

There are a few dining options at the hotel, but one thing that is consistent throughout is the commitment to source ingredients from nearby farms where possible, to reduce carbon emissions of long-haul transportation and to champion seasonality.

At the heart of the building is the elegant, glass-ceilinged oasis – Palm Court, the perfect place for partaking in the classic British tradition of afternoon tea. Complete with an external seating area, the room is flooded with natural light and greenery, bringing the outdoor garden inside. This is also often the venus for external events, and it’s great to see how the hotel only partners with suppliers that share their vision in reducing their carbon footprint for events held at the hotel in line with the long-term goal to be net-carbon by 2030

Fitz’s at the Kimpton boasts three separate spaces – from the bar that takes its inspiration from the flamboyant glitz and glamour of the gilded jazz age, to the Parlour and sophisticated eater. Fitz’s bar offers a selection of organic wines and sustainably crafted cocktails, using herbs and garnishes grown in-house. Even small details like biodegradable straws and the use of recycled materials in the bar’s design demonstrate the hotel’s commitment to reducing waste.

Fitz’s Brasserie blends old with new, marrying seasonal British produce with contemporary cooking techniques. The interior design was inspired by the grand dining room of the RMS Titanic (Designed by Charles Fitzroy Doll) and crafted from Sarrancolin limestone, exuding grandeur the moment you enter. I had lunch here and loved sinking into the laid-back atmosphere whilst devouring some delectable dishes – I’m still drooling over their flavoursome wild mushroom truffle risotto and apple and blackberry crumble.

Service: Attentive, Welcoming, and Forward-Thinking

From the moment the doorman welcomed me into the world of the Kimpton, to the moment he waved me goodbye, everything about the service during my stay was exceptional. Staff are genuine and friendly, taking the time to get to know each guest that visits the grand hotel from every corner of the world.

The hotel’s concierge is particularly adept at offering insider knowledge of London and the surrounding Bloomsbury area. With an emphasis on genuine hospitality, the Kimpton Fitzroy staff strikes the perfect balance between traditional service excellence and modern, attentive care.

What I truly appreciated is also the strong emphasis placed on ensuring the happiness and professional development of its staff. The hotel fosters a truly supportive and inclusive work culture, where the team are provided with opportunities to grow and remain passionable and knowledgeable about the hotel, its sustainability practices and to make sure these are upheld.

The hotel and their staff also go above and beyond. Every Thursday the Kimpton family litter picks in Russell Square, proving the care they place not only on the hotel itself but also the beautiful Bloomsbury neighbourhood, for all to be able to enjoy. The hotel has also partnered with Coran, UK’s oldest children’s charity to support children in care. Through this collaboration, the hotel aims to raise awareness and funds for the charity’s essential services, which provide education, advocacy and care for children who have been placed in care.

Unique Bonus: Time to Tarot?

The Kimpton Fitzroy London adds a mystical touch to its guest experience with an intriguing offering: tarot readings. This was something I was completely unaware of until I learnt a bit more about the hotel.

While hotel architect Charles Fitzroy Doll was drawing up plans for the grant hotel, fashionable ladies and gentlemen in the finest drawing rooms in Victorian London spent their evenings laying tarot cards. The hotel pays homage to this history in different ways – from the 12 zodiac signs that take centre stage on the floor of the hotel lobby, to the chance for guests to explore the art of tart directly at the hotel.

Tarot offers a chance to reconnect with your inner self and share stories, much like the history of any hotel – as paths cross along each guest life journey. Guests can request a personal session with their reader in partnership with renowned occult bookshop and cultural hub, Treadwell’s.

The hotel has even commissioned its own bespoke tarot deck, which are perfectly glamorous and historic, much like the building itself – Cards come in the reinterpreted “Major Arcana” tarot deck (representing life lessons, karmic influences and archetypal themes influencing people’s destiny) – include the Emperor, who comes in the form of suffrage leader Emmeline Pankhurst, whose former home is now part of the hotel at 8 Russell Square.

Held in the serene setting of the hotel’s grand Palm Court, this experience is both relaxing and enlightening, blending spiritual exploration with the luxury of a five-star setting.

Overall thoughts?

Bloomsbury is a must visit for locals and tourists alike. But rather than rushing through, take some time to truly explore this beautiful and exciting area. And do it whilst resting your feet at the end of the day in one of the Kimpton Fitzroy suites.

Whether you’re a history buff eager to soak in the grandeur of a bygone era or a traveller looking for a luxurious stay with all the modern amenities, the Kimpton Fitzroy offers the best of both worlds. It’s a hotel that celebrates its past while moving seamlessly into the future, making it an ideal destination for anyone looking to experience the elegance of London’s Bloomsbury in style.

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Tel:+442075201800

Written by Emma Blunt for Luxuria Lifestyle International