Hotel Russell London

I don't know much about hotel prices in London, but the bossman told me that this would be a two on a scale from one to five.

The rooms were great, very spacious, and the staff were very helpful in putting in extra beds for those who wanted to be threee people in one room.
The fridge in our room was also very useful for keeping our beer and jäger cold, and the safe was very easy to use.

The bathroom was small, like hotel bathrooms often are, but not cramped. And the shower could easily fit two. Not that I tried, the colleague I shared the room with is married... ;)

The hotel itself looks like a very fancy old building, and the reception area is very impressive with huge stone pillars and stuff. Add this to the highly modern, newly renovated bathrooms on the ground floor, and the overall impression of the hotel was modern yet classy.

The breakfast is also wonderful, it has practically anything you'd want. And the coffee is great :)

For me, who is used to camping and cramped hostel dorms, this was pure luxury. So i guess i don't really have much to compare it to. But the ladies I was travelling with also said that this hotel was amazing. And situated on Russel Square, it's really just a short walk from most things touristy in London.

The Russell Hotel London (now known as Le Meridien Russell Hotel) is a 4-star hotel, located in front of Russell Square in the historic area of Bloomsbury, minutes' walk from the British Museum (about 5 blocks), Covent Garden, and Oxford Street. Only 1 block from the Underground Station of Russell Square.

Be impressed as you see the hotel from the outside with its magnificent Victorian Renaissance architecture founded in 1898, overlooking the picturesque gardens of Russell Square. Designed by Charles Fitzroy Doll, this Victorian Renaissance revival building is filled with architectural details from the main front entrance with the four life-size statues of British Queens, by the sculptor Henry Charles Fehr, to the four busts of British Prime Ministers adorn the Guilford street side of the building.

The main lobby is jaw-dropping with Italian rose marble and solid marble staircase on the right - don't forget to look down and figure out the marble design on the lobby floor. The hallways and carpet needed some paint touch up but you can see on the ceiling trim and border details, the character and age of the building. The hotel recently undergone a GBP 20 million removation.

The Russell Hotel features 300+ guestrooms with Economy Budget, Deluxe or Ambassador rooms.

For 3 nights and 4 days on May 10-13, 2008, I stayed at an economy budget (standard single) room for $100 per night for 3 nights! A steal in terms of location, transportation access, and the quality of the rooms and the hotel as a whole!

The room was small by American standards but average for European standard. It was clean with dark furniture and modern design. The bed was small, but very comfortable and soft! The bathroom was surprisingly spacious and very clean! There was a heating towel rack and toiletries are available.

A wired internet connection (USB) is provided for a fee of GBP 20.00 per 24 hours. Each room has 24 hour room service, hairdryer, color TV with wake up and bill view, message service on television, tea and coffee making facilities, complimentary toiletries & towel, bottle of mineral water.

There is a bar, The Tempus Bar, where Matt (matrilla) and I have spent all 3 nights during our stay prior to retiring, concierge desk and restaurant/hall on the ground floor of the hotel.

Tip: If you don't stay here, take the chance to visit the hotel just to see the exterior architectural details and lobby, and enjoy a drink at the Tempus Bar.