- The Imperial has officially reopened following a once-in-a-generation refurbishment
- The restored hotel features 357 thoughtfully designed rooms and suites, and Bloomsbury’s first and only rooftop bar, Arcus
Following a decade-long transformation, The Imperial has officially opened its doors, marking the beginning of its third chapter and the debut of Imperial London Hotels’ first lifestyle property.
First opened in 1905, the hotel has long been part of the fabric of Bloomsbury, welcoming guests for over 120 years. A careful and considered restoration reveals and breathes new life into the property, ensuring it continues to feel relevant to a new generation whilst remaining true to its heritage.
The 357 guest rooms and suites range from Hideaway Suites, with private terraces and outdoor bathtubs, to the Nest, one of the hotel’s largest suites featuring a mezzanine level kitted out for cinema nights. The Bay Rooms make the most of the hotel’s iconic angular windows, framing beautiful views across leafy Russell Square.
For guests staying in the hotel’s premium rooms, The Bell Room and Terrace offer a more private retreat, providing a space to reflect on the hotel’s history. Guests can enjoy complimentary all-day grazing and pre-dinner aperitifs, while the outdoor terrace offers a peaceful setting to relax and unwind.
At the top of the hotel, Arcus, Bloomsbury’s first – and only – rooftop bar and restaurant, offers guests near 360 views of London. A bold, modernist destination where design, culture and skyline views converge, the lookout is inspired by the sky and will offer a carefully curated collection of cocktails and seasonal small plates.
The hotel’s Edit Bar & Lounge is a day-to-night space providing the perfect backdrop for everything from working in the lounge to catching up with friends over a coffee, welcoming both hotel guests and those from the surrounding area.
The opening was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Cherie Anne Stephenson, whose own journey mirrors the hotel’s remarkable story. Having joined as a receptionist in 1981, Cherie progressed to a Group-wide position in Central Reservations and has seen each part of the renovation come to life first-hand.
Beautifully restored and ready to welcome a new generation of guests, The Imperial returns not simply as a place to stay, but as a restored piece of London’s history – reclaiming its place at the heart of Bloomsbury for the next 120 years.
For more information and to book, visit: www.imperialhotels.co.uk/hotels/the-imperial.