Finding a hotel in Central London that doesn't feel like a tourist trap is actually pretty hard. Honestly, most people just book the first big-name chain they see near a tube station and hope for the best. But if you’ve ever wandered down the quieter side of the British Museum, you’ve probably walked right past the Radisson Blu Edwardian Bloomsbury Street Hotel. It sits there, looking all stately and refined, while the chaos of Tottenham Court Road rages just a few blocks away. It's a weirdly perfect spot.
You’ve got the literary history of the Bloomsbury Set literally under your feet. It isn't just a marketing gimmick; the neighborhood actually feels different. It’s smarter. Quieter. The hotel itself manages to capture that vibe without being stuffy.
What Actually Sets the Radisson Blu Edwardian Bloomsbury Street Hotel Apart?
Most high-end London hotels fall into one of two camps: they are either incredibly old-fashioned with creaky floorboards and dusty curtains, or they are soulless glass boxes that could be in any city in the world. The Radisson Blu Edwardian Bloomsbury Street Hotel occupies this middle ground. It’s a historic building, sure, but the interior is surprisingly sharp.
They did a massive renovation a while back that stripped away the "grandma's house" feel. Now, you get these massive windows that let in that grey, moody London light, paired with wrought-iron details and very plush, velvet-heavy furniture. It’s moody. It’s cozy. It feels like a place where you’d actually want to sit and write a book, which is fitting given the area's history.
I’ve noticed that people often confuse this property with its sister hotel, the Kenilworth, which is right across the street. Don't make that mistake. While both are great, the Bloomsbury Street property feels a bit more "boutique" despite being part of a larger brand. It has fewer rooms, which means the staff actually remembers your face. That’s a rarity in a city where front desk agents usually treat you like a number in a queue.
The Location: Why You Aren't Staying in Soho
Let's be real. Soho is loud. Covent Garden is packed with people holding selfie sticks. Bloomsbury is where you go when you want to actually sleep. The Radisson Blu Edwardian Bloomsbury Street Hotel is basically the backyard of the British Museum.
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- You can walk to the museum in roughly three minutes.
- The West End theaters are a ten-minute stroll away.
- You are close enough to the Elizabeth Line at Tottenham Court Road to get to Heathrow in about 40 minutes.
It’s the ultimate "Goldilocks" location. Not too busy, not too far.
The Rooms: Style vs. Substance
London hotel rooms are notoriously tiny. It’s just the nature of old buildings. However, the rooms here are surprisingly decent in terms of square footage. You aren't going to be doing cartwheels, but you won't be hitting your shins on the bed frame either.
The design is heavy on the "Edwardian" but with a modern twist. Think crisp white linens, leather headboards, and marble bathrooms that actually have decent water pressure. If you can, try to snag a room on the higher floors. The view of the London skyline—especially looking towards the Shard or the museum—is worth the extra bit of cash.
One thing that genuinely matters: the beds. They use these bespoke mattresses that are dangerously comfortable. You’ll plan to be at the museum by 9:00 AM and find yourself still under the duvet at 10:30 AM. It happens.
Dining at Bloomsbury Street Kitchen
A lot of hotel restaurants are an afterthought. They serve a sad club sandwich and overpriced fries. But the Bloomsbury Street Kitchen is a different beast entirely. It’s a fusion of Japanese and Mediterranean flavors.
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It sounds like it shouldn't work. Raw slices of yellowtail with serrano chili followed by baked binchotan lamb chops? It’s a lot. But somehow, the kitchen pulls it off. The decor is all white marble and greenery, making it a very popular spot for locals, not just hotel guests. That is always a good sign. If the locals are eating there, the food is actually good.
- The Breakfast Spread: It’s a mix of a massive buffet and a la carte options. The smoked salmon is actually high quality, not the slimy stuff you get at cheaper chains.
- The Bar: They make a killer Negroni. It’s the kind of place where the bartenders actually know how to use a jigger and don't just "free pour" into a warm glass.
Addressing the "Corporate" Stigma
Because "Radisson" is in the name, some travelers assume this is a boring business hotel. It isn't. While you will definitely see people in suits in the lobby, the Radisson Blu Edwardian Bloomsbury Street Hotel has too much character to be labeled "corporate."
The art on the walls is curated. The lighting is dim and atmospheric. It feels more like a private members' club than a transit hub. The staff also lacks that robotic, scripted politeness. They are professional, but they’ll actually chat with you about the best coffee shops in the area (go to Store Street Espresso, by the way) rather than just handing you a map and pointing.
The Sustainability Factor
In 2026, we have to talk about the footprint. The hotel has been pretty vocal about its Green Key certification. They’ve moved away from those tiny plastic shampoo bottles that everyone hates and have implemented some serious energy-saving tech behind the scenes. It’s nice to stay somewhere that isn't actively trying to destroy the planet while you sleep.
Real World Tips for Your Stay
Don't just book the cheapest "Standard" room if you can help it. The "Business Collection" rooms or the Suites give you a lot more breathing room and usually come with extra perks like late check-out.
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Also, use the concierge. They have some weirdly good connections for theater tickets that "sold out" weeks ago. It’s worth asking.
Avoiding the Crowds
The British Museum gets insanely crowded. Since you’re staying right there, go as soon as they open or about 90 minutes before they close. You’ll have the Rosetta Stone mostly to yourself. Then, walk back to the hotel, grab a drink at the bar, and watch the tourists struggle to find a taxi. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
If you’re planning to book the Radisson Blu Edwardian Bloomsbury Street Hotel, do these things to get the most out of it:
- Join the Radisson Rewards program before you book. Even the lowest tier usually gets you a discount and sometimes a free room upgrade if the hotel isn't at 100% capacity.
- Request a room away from the elevators. The hallways are carpeted, but the older architecture means sound can travel. A room at the end of the hall is your best bet for total silence.
- Explore Store Street. It’s just behind the hotel. It’s full of independent shops, local cafes, and zero "big brand" clutter.
- Check the "Kitchen" menus online first. They change seasonally, and they often have a "Pre-Theatre" set menu that is a total steal compared to the standard prices.
- Use the "Digital Check-In." If you're arriving at a peak time (like 3:00 PM), the lobby can get a bit congested. Doing it on your phone saves you twenty minutes of standing around.
Bloomsbury is a neighborhood that rewards people who take it slow. This hotel is the perfect base for that. You aren't just staying in a room; you're staying in a piece of London's literary heart, with a really good espresso martini waiting for you downstairs.