The Imperial Hotel in London is set to reopen its doors in August, and it's doing so with a bang. This iconic hotel, located in the heart of Bloomsbury's Russell Square, has undergone a remarkable transformation, blending its rich history with a bold, modern aesthetic. The result? A space that's both a nod to the past and a forward-thinking vision of hospitality.
What makes this renovation truly special is the way it embraces the hotel's own history. The Imperial first opened its doors in 1905, designed by Charles Fitzroy Doll with ornate turrets, tiles, and gargoyles. Fast forward to 1966, and the hotel was replaced with a striking, angular Modernist structure. Now, in 2026, the hotel is charting a new stylistic course, drawing on these moments from its own story to create a space where history and modernity thoughtfully coexist.
The vibe at The Imperial is beautifully bold. Shape, pattern, and geometry dictate the walls, floors, and ceilings, with a warm palette inspired by original design elements discovered during renovations. Original prints by artist Adam Ellis, an expert in colourful maximalism, are displayed throughout guest rooms and common spaces, paying homage to the hotel's striking architecture and the rebellious flair of the Bloomsbury Group.
The rooms themselves are a delightful blend of mid-century furniture, soft textures, and sculptural lighting. There are several options, including Bay Rooms with iconic geometric windows and Hideaway rooms with private terraces and outdoor bathtubs. The pièce de résistance is the Nest suite, a spacious haven with soaring ceilings, a mezzanine level, and a relaxed lounge with an 86" screen and a plush green L-shaped sofa.
The food and drink scene at The Imperial is equally impressive. Arcus, Bloomsbury's first rooftop bar and restaurant, is a bold destination where design, culture, and skyline views converge. The menu features carefully mixed cocktails and a seasonally inspired menu of small plates, with a layout built to the path of the sun to create an as-yet-undiscovered vista of London. Alongside Arcus, there's Edit Bar & Lounge, an all-day dining space, and The Bell Room & Terrace, a private space for premium guests.
Bancone, the award-winning Italian restaurant loved by Londoners, will also open a 140-cover restaurant on the ground floor of the hotel. Opening this summer, Bay Rooms start at £319 per night. To book a stay at The Imperial, visit imperialhotels.co.uk.
Personally, I think The Imperial's renovation is a testament to the power of blending history and modernity. What makes this particularly fascinating is the way the hotel has embraced its own past to create a space that feels both timeless and fresh. From my perspective, this is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the best of London's hospitality scene. One thing that immediately stands out is the attention to detail, from the original design elements to the carefully curated art. What many people don't realize is that this renovation is not just about aesthetics; it's about creating an immersive experience that transports guests back in time, while still offering the latest in modern comfort and convenience. If you take a step back and think about it, this is a true example of how a hotel can evolve while still honoring its rich history. This raises a deeper question: How can we as a society strike a balance between preserving our past and embracing the future? A detail that I find especially interesting is the way the hotel has incorporated the weather into its design, with the rooftop bar and restaurant built to the path of the sun. What this really suggests is that even in the heart of a bustling city, there's room for innovation and creativity. In my opinion, The Imperial is setting a new standard for hospitality, and I can't wait to see how it continues to evolve and inspire.
