From past experiences of Hotels labelling themselves as ‘Boutique’, I’ve learned you can never be quiet sure what you’re going to get. Often, it can just mean ‘expensive’ or worse, ‘bad and expensive’. Thankfully this is not the case at the four-star myhotel Bloomsbury. This is ‘Boutique’ in the real sense of the word.
Situated on Bayley Street, a quiet inlet from fast flowing Tottenham Court Road (and only 2 mins from the tube) the Hotel is in a prime location from which to explore central London. If it’s shopping you’re after, Oxford Street is less than 5 minutes walk, Theatreland, Shaftesbury Avenue and Soho are all on the doorstep and the British Musuem is just round the corner too. If you can buy it or do it, you can buy it or do it close to this Hotel.
Billed as “where Freddie Mercury meets the Maharishi”, a big part of myhotel Bloomsbury’s appeal is its mix of plush designer furniture and lighthearted spiritual ambience . There is a playfulness to the decoration and you get the impression the owners want guests to feel relaxed, energised and have fun staying here. I was surprised to learn the Hotel had 78 Bedrooms as it feels really cosy, apparently each room is unique and some at the top have balconies with views over Bedford Square.
In my room (room 101) above the fridge is a spectacular crystal agate, presumably sending out positive energy waves as I sleep. For those not wanting to leave modern day behind there is also a 3D TV with movies, and a shiny new iMac in the corner connected to free Wi-Fi. Egyptian cotton sheets envelope the bed, which is too comfy by far and big enough for at least two more people. Meanwhile the bathroom is modern and immaculate, I like the eco traffic light pod er, ‘thing’ that glows different colours to remind you to save water and not stay in the shower all day. It might be lost on most people, but I noticed it, so maybe others do too.
The spirituality message spreads down to the dedicated treatment suite at the bottom of the building, inspired by the ancient Japanese religion of Shinto. Here guests can enjoy a Jinja wellbeing couple massage (£90 for 100mins) or any number of pampering treatments to, wax, rub or sooth the city streets from your mind, body (and feet). Meanwhile after a good nights sleep, Bib Gourmand-winning Gail’s Kitchen does a spectacularly good continental breakfast (try GAIL’s gorgeous granola with yoghurt and sourdough toast). If you fancy a nibble, the room service menu is pretty tasty too. Recommended are the Squid, chickpeas, herbs, labneh and grilled bread for £7.50. They also serve Meantime Beer, a favourite of mine from my days living in Greenwich.
myhotel Bloomsbury is a friendly, unpretentious oasis of calm in a bustling part of central London that ticks all the right boxes then adds a few more just for good measure.
Check out their website www.myhotels.com for the latest deals, I saw a £170 per night offer including breakfast and a special VIP Shopping Pass for 10-20% off in various stores at Westfield Shepherds Bush.
11-13 Bayley St
Bedford Square, London
020 3004 6000