Finding a place to crash in Central London that doesn't cost a literal organ is getting harder. Seriously. You’ve probably spent hours scrolling through sleek, soulless "lifestyle" hotels that look great on Instagram but feel like staying in a high-end refrigerator. If you're tired of the corporate gloss, there's a weird, wonderful little spot called the Celtic Hotel London Bloomsbury that you probably haven't heard of—unless you're part of the cult following of Rick Steves or EuroCheapo.
It’s tucked away on Guilford Street, just a few steps from the Russell Square tube station. Honestly, it’s one of those "if you know, you know" places. While the rest of London is turning into one giant glass-and-steel lobby, the Celtic is a defiant holdout. It’s family-run, slightly eccentric, and feels like stepping back into a version of London that actually cares about hospitality over "optimization."
What Exactly Is the Celtic Hotel?
Basically, it’s a B&B-style hotel occupying a set of Georgian townhouses. The Marazzi family runs the show. They used to own the legendary St. Margaret’s Hotel nearby, which they ran for something like 60 years before moving operations here. When they moved, their entire staff basically followed them. That tells you a lot right there.
You’ve got 35 rooms here. Some are tiny singles, others are "middle-of-the-road" doubles. The thing that trips people up is the bathroom situation. Not every room has a private toilet and shower. In the cheapest rooms, you get a sink in your room but share the "facilities" down the hall.
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The shared bathrooms are famously spotless. Like, cleaner than most private bathrooms in 4-star hotels. But if you’re the type of person who can’t imagine walking ten feet in a robe to pee, you’ll want to book the ensuite rooms specifically.
The Breakdown of What You Actually Get
- Location: 61-63 Guilford Street. It’s stupidly central. You can walk to the British Museum in six minutes.
- The Food: Breakfast is included. And it’s not just a sad croissant in plastic wrap. It’s a full, cooked-to-order English breakfast. The Marazzis are known for encouraging you to eat as much as you want.
- The Tech (or lack thereof): There are no elevators. If you’re on the top floor, prepare for a workout. Also, don't expect 50-inch smart TVs. Some rooms don't even have phones. You get free Wi-Fi, though, so you aren't totally off the grid.
- Vibe: It’s homey. There are two lounges with comfortable, mishmash furniture and traditional fireplaces. It’s the kind of place where you actually end up chatting with other travelers.
The Celtic Hotel London Bloomsbury Booking "Secret"
Here is the thing about the Celtic Hotel London Bloomsbury that drives some people crazy: you can’t really book it on the big aggregator sites like Expedia or Booking.com most of the time. They prefer the old-school way. You usually have to email them or—heaven forbid—call them.
"It was a secret supposedly that I found in one of Rick Steves' old books... it is a treasure," says Janice, a regular who has been returning since 2012.
Because they don't pay massive commissions to the big booking engines, they keep their rates low. We’re talking prices that are often 40% cheaper than the chain hotels around the corner. In 2026, finding a clean room in Zone 1 for these rates is basically a miracle.
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Why Bloomsbury Matters
If you stay at the Celtic, you aren't just getting a bed; you’re getting the neighborhood. Bloomsbury is the literary heart of London. You’ve got the leafy Russell Square gardens right across the street. It’s quiet enough to sleep but close enough that you can walk to Soho or Covent Garden in about 20 minutes.
If you're coming from Heathrow, it's a breeze. The Piccadilly Line goes straight to Russell Square. No transfers, no dragging luggage through five different stations. Just get off the train, walk two minutes, and you're at the door.
Real Talk: The Pros and Cons
Let's be real. This place isn't for everyone. If you need a gym, a 24-hour business center, and a pillow menu, you will hate it here.
The Good:
The hospitality is unmatched. Mrs. Marazzi and her team treat you like a human being, not a booking number. The breakfast is a genuine highlight—try the banana yogurt, trust me. It’s incredibly safe and clean. For solo travelers on a budget, it’s one of the few places in London that doesn't feel sketchy.
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The Not-So-Good:
The stairs are a killer. If you have mobility issues, you must request one of the ground-floor rooms. There’s no air conditioning. London doesn't usually get "hot," but when it does, those Georgian windows only do so much. They’ll give you a fan, but it’s still an old building.
How to Get the Best Stay
If you’re planning to book the Celtic Hotel London Bloomsbury, do it early. Like, months in advance. Because of the loyal fanbase, they sell out constantly.
- Email them directly. Don't just look at a third-party site and assume they are full.
- Confirm the bathroom. If you want a private shower, ask for an "ensuite." If you want to save £20 a night, go for the shared bath.
- Check the floor. Ask if your room is on a lower floor if you hate stairs.
- Explore the "Friend at Hand." It’s a pub just around the corner that is perfect for a pint after a day at the museums.
The Celtic is a defiant middle finger to the corporatization of travel. It’s simple, it’s clean, and it has a soul. In a city as expensive and fast-paced as London, that’s worth its weight in gold. Honestly, if you can handle a few stairs and a slightly "basic" room, you won't find a better value in the city.
Next Steps for Your London Trip:
- Check Availability: Email celtichotel@celtichotel.com with your dates to see if they have an opening.
- Map Your Route: Look up the walk from Russell Square Station to 61 Guilford St—it's less than 200 meters.
- Compare Rooms: Decide if you really need a private bathroom or if you'd rather spend that extra cash on a West End show.