A

A
decorative “thé-au-lait” (tea with milk) terracotta facade
sets the tone for a heritage stay at this 19th-century landmark
building that stands proud along the entirety of one side of
Russell Square.

Part of a new breed of “affordable”
five-star hotels (no room is more than £500) springing up in the
capital, Kimpton Fitzroy London’s
palatial exterior continues within, where designers Tara Bernerd
and Russell Sage have made the most of original cathedral-esque
features including vertiginously high ceilings and a sweeping
Pyrean marble staircase.

Dark wood, mosaic floors, architectural chandeliers and jade
pillars all licked with gilt ooze venerable opulence, but several
restaurants, a seductive bar and bright, spacious bedrooms make
this grand dame fit for cosmopolitan royalty.

Rooms

A total of 334 rooms range from 172-square-foot singles up to a
mammoth 915-square-foot suite offering a setup to accommodate every
type of traveller. Sophisticated and comfortable, four-poster beds
join sinkable sofas, inviting armchairs and soft carpets in a
neutral colour palette. Fresh flowers, a fruit bowl and sunlight
streaming the large bay windows make for a wonderfully homely
experience. Generously proportioned bathrooms are all glossy white
tiles with freestanding baths in some suites, with a “Forgot it? We
got it” menu offering guests anything from lip balm to hair
tongs.

What’s for breakfast?

Head to the restaurant, Neptune, where an a la carte menu serves
the usuals alongside buttermilk pancakes and smoked-haddock
kedgeree. They also have an all-day café, Burr & Co., modelled
on a traditional Victorian coffeehouse and suited to those looking
to grab and go. For afternoon tea, head to Palm Court, an Instagrammable
indoor conservatory full of greenery and an idyllic spot for
scones.

How about lunch and dinner?

Neptune is trussed up in a way that is said to be almost
identical to the RMS Titanic’s dining room, which Fitzroy also
designed. Australian chef Brett Redman tells a fishy tale with a
daily oyster happy hour at 6-7pm and a selection of glorious
seafood platters – those not so seafood inclined can look to the
wood grill. A destination restaurant as well as part of the hotel,
it’s always buzzy and manned by competent, friendly staff.

Is there a bar?

Yes, popular among both guests and Londoners, head to cocktail
den Fitz’s and order a Negroni. Sip it under the mammoth disco ball
while making up salacious stories about your fellow imbibers – you
never know who’s going to be sitting next to you.

Amenities

Complimentary WiFi, fitness centre, nightly hosted social hour
in the living room 5-6pm.

Things I should know…

Look out for “Lucky George”, a bronze dragon perched on the
banister on the second-floor. An identical copy was on the Titanic
– rub your hand on his back and make a wish.

Within a short walk I can find…

Literary London is on your doorstep. Alternatively head to
Lamb’s Conduit Street for independent boutiques and dinner at Noble
Rot, a Parisian-style wine bar and one of the best spots in
town.