London’s The Imperial Bloomsbury officially reopened this year following a major transformation more than a decade in the making. The reopening marks the beginning of what Imperial London Hotels describes as the property’s third chapter, and introduces the family-owned group’s first lifestyle hotel.

Overlooking Russell Square, the redesigned hotel comprises 357 guestrooms and suites as well as new food and beverage, wellness, and guest spaces. The Imperial’s history in Bloomsbury dates back to 1905, when the original neo-Gothic hotel was designed by architect Charles Fitzroy Doll.

That original building was demolished in 1966 before The Imperial returned in its current Modernist form around 1969–70, designed by Charles Lovett Gill. The 2026 transformation retains elements of that architectural identity while repositioning the property for a new generation of guests.

Accommodations range from Bay rooms, characterized by the building’s angular windows and views across Russell Square, to Hideaway rooms with private outdoor terraces and standalone bathtubs.

The Nest is among the hotel’s largest accommodation options and includes a mezzanine lounge with an 86-inch screen and L-shaped sofa. Premium room guests also have access to The Bell Room & Terrace, a dedicated space incorporating all-day refreshments and outdoor seating. The hotel’s wider public areas include Edit Bar & Lounge, positioned as an all-day space for dining, drinking, meetings and informal socializing.

On the 10^th floor, Arcus forms one of the principal additions to the transformed property. The 324-seat rooftop bar and restaurant offer panoramic views across London and have been developed around a season-led food and drinks offer. A private dining area is also incorporated into the venue.

The hotel’s reopening follows a wider effort to retain references to the property’s past throughout its new interiors. The color palette draws inspiration from stained glass used in the original 1905 building, while five historic bells remain in the courtyard. Artwork throughout the hotel also references the Modernist period associated with its late-1960s reconstruction.

The transformation represents the latest stage in Imperial London Hotels’ long association with Bloomsbury. The family-owned business has operated in the neighborhood since the 19th century and today has a portfolio of hotels including Royal National, President, Bedford, Tavistock, Morton and City Sleeper, alongside The Imperial.

The reopening of The Imperial Bloomsbury follows the appointment of a new leadership team led by general manager Remus Obertelli, and a hotel team who will handle operations, food and beverage, sales, staff, and culinary leadership.