Kimpton Fitzroy London

Kimpton Fitzroy London: A Grand Dame Blending History with Contemporary Luxury

The Kimpton Fitzroy London, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently earns high praise for its stunning architecture, exceptional service, and prime location. Housed in a landmark 1898 terracotta building on Russell Square, this hotel seamlessly blends its rich history with modern comforts, offering a luxurious and memorable stay in the heart of Bloomsbury.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Kimpton Fitzroy London is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as "exceptional" and "superb." Review platforms show impressive overall ratings, often around 9.1 or 9.2 out of 10, indicating a high level of guest satisfaction. The hotel is lauded for exceeding expectations and providing a truly exceptional experience.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several standout features:

• Design & Ambiance: The hotel's grand lobby, spectacular multi-hued marble staircase, and beautifully appointed public spaces are frequently highlighted for their dramatic and luxurious aesthetic. The building itself is considered stunning and impressive.
• Service: The staff are repeatedly praised for being excellent, very helpful, friendly, and responsive to requests.
• Location: Its position directly on Russell Square, with immediate access to the Underground station, is a significant draw, offering convenience and a central yet quieter feel.
• Amenities: Complimentary in-room snacks and daily replenished bottled water, a popular daily social hour with free wine and beer, a well-equipped 24-hour gym, and available loaner bikes are highly appreciated perks.

3. Room Quality

Rooms at the Kimpton Fitzroy London are generally described as beautifully appointed, clean, and comfortable, with high ceilings and often large windows allowing for natural light. Key features include:

• Comfort: Beds are frequently highlighted as incredibly comfortable, with plush linens and duvets contributing to a good night's sleep.
• Design: Rooms showcase varied textures, warm colors, and intentional, polished design, avoiding random abstract art. Many bathrooms are luxurious, featuring gleaming marble tiling, spacious vanities with dual basins, and excellent rainfall showers. Some suites boast freestanding tubs overlooking Russell Square.
• In-Room Amenities: Guests can expect high-end toiletries, robes and slippers, flat-screen TVs, Nespresso machines, and tea-making facilities. The complimentary "tuck box" with savory and sweet treats is a delightful touch. While standard rooms can be on the smaller side, larger deluxe rooms and suites offer generous space.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel offers a variety of dining options, generally well-received:

• Breakfast: Breakfast, often served in two restaurants including the Galvin Bar & Grill, is considered good with a hot and cold buffet, and eggs made to order. Some guests find it luxurious and excellent. However, there have been varied experiences, with some finding the quality of certain dishes underwhelming and coffee inconsistent.
• Restaurants & Bars: The Kimpton Fitzroy boasts several dining and drinking venues. Galvin Bar & Grill, run by Michelin-starred brothers Chris and Jeff Galvin, offers a modern take on British cuisine with a focus on ethically sourced produce. Fitz's Bar is described as a glamorous, flamboyant, and comfortable cocktail lounge. Burr & Co. functions as a coffee house by day and a wine bar by night. The Palm Court, with its soaring glass ceiling, is a popular spot for afternoon tea or drinks, though it has been noted as occasionally closed to house guests.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback on service and staff is overwhelmingly positive. Staff members are consistently described as polite, friendly, helpful, welcoming, and very responsive to requests. Many guests feel that nothing is too much trouble and that the staff seem genuinely delighted to assist. The concierge desk is noted for proactively offering help to guests.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Kimpton Fitzroy London enjoys an "excellent" and "fantastic" central location on Russell Square in the Bloomsbury neighborhood.

• Proximity to Attractions: It's a short walk to the British Museum and within easy reach of the West End.
• Transport Links: Russell Square Underground station on the Piccadilly line is literally steps away, offering convenient access to other parts of London. Major train stations like St. Pancras are also a short walk away.
• Neighborhood: Bloomsbury is appreciated for being central yet quiet, and for its intellectual charm.

7. Value & Pricing

The hotel is often considered a luxury option offering good value for money, with some guests praising its "luxurious accommodations and top-notch amenities at a reasonable price." Paid rates can vary, and it's recognized as one of the more expensive Kimpton properties, particularly when using points, which can range from 70,000 to over 100,000 points per night. Sales and loyalty programs can influence the actual cost, with benefits like a fourth night free for IHG Premier Business cardholders.

8. Common Complaints

While generally highly rated, some recurring criticisms include:

• Room Size: Base rooms can be perceived as small by some guests, and room layouts in some deluxe rooms have been noted as inefficient, leading to "dead space."
• Elite Upgrades: Some IHG Diamond Elite members have reported not receiving room upgrades to suites even when they appeared available for sale.
• Public Space Availability: The Palm Court and Burr & Co. have occasionally been closed or crowded with non-guests, limiting available public spaces for hotel guests to relax.
• Bar Closing Times: One of the hotel bars has been noted to close relatively early (around 9 PM or 11 PM), which can be unexpected for a five-star hotel in London.
• Minor Room Issues: Isolated reports mention worn carpet in some rooms, inconsistent air conditioning effectiveness (slow to cool), and water leaking from shower doors. Noise from traffic can also be an issue for some rooms.
• Service Fees: A "new" optional 5% "staff service fee" at check-in has been a point of contention for some guests, especially when not transparently advertised at the time of booking.

Sources

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