The Doyle Collection was thrilled to hear that The Bloomsbury has been awarded ‘Best Urban Hotel’ by Condé Nast Johansens at their 35th annual Awards for Excellence this month. The Awards are based on responses from online voting, guest feedback, and Local Expert reports drawn from the hotels featured in Condé Nast Johansens' most recent Guides. And the reason for the fantastic accolade? Well, Condé Nast Johansens has said that it's the fantastic location, hidden terrace bar and sumptuous rooms, plus having The British Museum is just around the corner that makes The Bloomsbury stand out. But we thought we’d share a few more reasons why we love the hotel.

The Bloomsbury is surrounded by culture in every direction

 1. Location, location, location

Historical and beautiful, Bloomsbury is recognised world-wide for having some of London’s most prestigious and culturally rich buildings. A stroll around the area’s squares will see you take in The British Museum, several of The University of London’s college buildings, Bloomsbury Publishers – the people responsible for Harry Potter’s fame – and The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), who's alumni includes the likes of Alan Rickman and David Tennant. If theatre is your thing, you’re just moments from the West End’s best shows, while those with a sartorial eye will love the many shops nearby Store Street has to offer.

Lutyen's Neo-Georgian architecture has been restored

2. A rich heritage

Lauded as Lutyens' finest neo-Georgian building in London, The Bloomsbury’s elegant façade fits its surroundings perfectly. The building’s history dates back to 1929 when it was originally an outpost for the Young Women’s Christian Association and saw a regal beginning with Queen Mary laying the foundation stone. Lutyens’ legacy lives on in the likes of the striking Corinthian pilasters flanking The Bloomsbury’s doorways, replicas of his furniture created by his granddaughter’s company and the original windows.

Our family teepees make bedtime an adventure

 3. Everyone is welcome

Finding fantastic hotels that manage to balance looking after the kids and pleasing the parents is no mean feat but The Bloomsbury has got it sussed, genuinely going out of its way to keep every member of the family happy. Whether you’re visiting for a romantic mini break for two or have the whole tribe in tow, our team knows what you need. A teepee tent to sleep in, milk and cookies waiting for you before bed, a free meal for under-fives and a personal children’s concierge – if that doesn’t make your little prince/princess feel like royalty we don’t know what will. And as for the adults, make the most of our babysitting services and head down to The Bloomsbury Club for a night of cocktails and music.

Dalloway Terrace's winter wonderland

 4. Alfresco dining

Whether it’s because of its highly instagrammable interiors (currently it’s as if Narnia has arrived at this winter wonderland) or down to the delicious British menu and fabulous cocktails, Dalloway Terrace frequently sits on the top of every list naming London’s best terraces. The alfresco space hosts cinema screenings, gin pop-ups and music nights, come winter the hot toddies flow freely, afternoon tea is a firm favourite and visitors wrap themselves in chic sheepskin rugs.

Art deco splendour at The Bloomsbury Club

 5. Underground cocktails

The Bloomsbury’s atmospheric speakeasy inspired by the 1920s and 30s is split into two. A handsome mahogany panelled library bar serving cocktails inspired by The Bloomsbury Group and a twinkling covered verandah full of romantic nooks. Head bar man Brian Calleja has concocted a list of cocktails in ode to The Bloomsbury Group. For Virgina Woolf there’s Clover Club (No.3 Gin, Lemon, Raspberry Shrub, Cochi Americano, Egg White), while E.M Forster inspired High Society (Haymans Old Tom Gin, Plymouth Sloe Gin, Orange). What's more, The Bloomsbury Club has been hosting a series of pop-up events, hosting the world's best bars such as Athens' The Clumsies and will be welcoming New York's BlackTail in the New Year. 

The Juicery's signature blends

 6. Hip and healthy

It’s not all cocktails and cakes at The Bloomsbury, we know what’s good for us too and The Juicery menu will keep you on the straight at narrow. From superfood smoothies to Welleco’s menu containing organic supplements co-created by The Body herself Elle MacPherson, there’s something to make you feel very virtuous indeed.

The Seamus Heaney Library ready for a Christmas feast

7. Meetings with a difference

There’s not a beige conference room nor stark strip light in sight at The Bloomsbury, instead our meeting rooms are packed full of character and colour. Take The Seamus Heaney Library, for example, the space is named after the Nobel Prize-winning Irish poet, playwright and translator, who was a regular guest at the hotel and sees the walls lined with hardbacks and Chesterfield arm chairs adding a cosy feel. Then there’s the Queen Mary Hall dripping with chandeliers and the old Chapel a spectacular Lutyens-designed hall with double-height ceilings and original architectural features. This Christmas choose one of the spaces for your office party to remember.