The Imperial has long stood with striking presence in Bloomsbury. Originally built in 1905 by the architect Charles Fitzroy Doll, it was once an icon of Edwardian neo-gothic grandeur with turrets, tiles, a grand ballroom, and an elegant winter garden. In 1913, the addition of Turkish Baths finished in glistening mosaic added to its stature. By the late 1950s, the Galleon weathervane perched high above would go on to inspire the logo of the wider Imperial London Hotels group.
But progress redefined the landscape and in the 1970s, the original hotel was replaced with a modernist structure, reflective of the architectural mood of the time. It was expressive and unapologetically bold.
A Modern Mid-Century Painting on a Brutalist Canvas
After more than a decade in the making, its most ambitious transformation yet brings the hotel into a new era: one that honours its historical past while confidently stepping into the future - a 357-room, sensory-rich lifestyle hotel.
The new design will see the modernist architecture retained and celebrated, yet softened and elevated through the lens of mid-century modern furniture and lighting. Designed to prioritise quality where it matters most, high-end touches have been selectively incorporated adding a touch of luxury for those looking to stay, sip and slow down in the heart of London. Here, you’ll find that in the communal spaces energy will rise, and in quieter corners there’s space to pause.
With the aesthetic drawing from its past and the distinct, energetic styles of both the 60s and 70s, pockets of character and charm will be found through organic shapes and raw, stripped back finishes, with bold accents of colour throughout, adding timeless pops of personality to the environment.
Throughout the carefully curated rooms - a collection of social and dining spaces, a rooftop bar, and a gym - you’ll find it's a hotel full of stories. Old ones, new ones, and the ones about to be created.
A Rooftop Revelation
Not only offering an extensive range of beautiful bedrooms and spaces; The Imperial will also play host to a 374-seat rooftop bar, perched high on the tenth floor, boasting sweeping views across the full vista of Bloomsbury and beyond. Continuing the marriage of beauty and modernism, this space will also be peppered with mid-century modern colour and texture. A beacon of Bloomsbury where indoor meets outdoor to create an all-day dining and drinking spot, fit for a breakfast at dawn or a cocktail at dusk.