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The Imperial Bloomsbury to reopen this summer following major refurb

The Imperial Bloomsbury to reopen this summer following major refurb

Modernist landmark on Russell Square returns with 357 rooms and district’s first rooftop bar after extensive redesign

In this episode we speak to Andrew Richardson, managing director of private members’ club Home House. Andrew reflects on his background as a chef, and what he learned working across international luxury hospitality markets, how Home House preserves its exclusivity whilst being inclusive, the evolution of the private members' club model and how versatility and adaptability are key to conquering this sector.

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The Imperial Bloomsbury will reopen its doors this summer, marking the return of the 1960s modernist landmark following a “once-in-a-generation” renovation.

The 357-key hotel, which overlooks Russell Square, is being led by general manager Remus Obertelli. 

The project has introduced several new facilities, including a 327.1m2 rooftop bar and restaurant on the 10th floor, the first such venue in the Bloomsbury area.

Interiors for the property have been reimagined to pay homage to mid-century design, featuring wood panelling, sculptural lighting, and terrazzo. 

The hotel also incorporates preserved elements from the original Victorian building on the site, such as a turret galleon and the historic clock and bell.

Accommodation options include rooms and suites with geometric windows, while select rooms feature private gardens and outdoor bathtubs. 

Retro amenities such as GPO Audrey phones and Chopper bike hire have been introduced alongside a collection of 500 original prints by Adam Ellis Studio Art House.

The hotel will host a programme of cultural and wellness events, including listening sessions and breath rituals. Dining options include an all-day dining space and a ground-floor restaurant in addition to the new rooftop lookout.

Rates for the property’s Bay Rooms start at £319 per night. The hotel is currently accepting reservations ahead of its official opening date later this year.

Obertelli said: “We are delighted to soon be welcoming the first guests to experience a new era of The Imperial. This redesign reflects the expressive spirit of the sixties through its archetypal use of shape, pattern, and geometry.

“During the process, we discovered original design elements – such as burnt orange glass tiles housed in the mezzanine floor – which went on to influence the warm tones that feature throughout.”

Imperial Bloomsbury prepares for summer reopening

News Analysis

The impending reopening of the Imperial Bloomsbury this summer is a culmination of a refurbishment touted by the hotel group as a “once-in-a-generation” event, echoing similar ambitions expressed in June 2024 when the company announced the extensive renovation plans for the site via an announcement about its major refurb. The hotel’s incorporation of mid-century design elements and a rooftop bar aims to position it as a stylish addition to Bloomsbury’s hospitality landscape, but such grand aspirations often require navigating both heritage and modern tastes.

Considering the historical context, the choice to invoke a 1960s aesthetic resonates with previous attempts to revive the area, such as the introduction of modern amenities and services to the Holiday Inn Bloomsbury, which unveiled a redesign in October 2025 aimed at enhancing visitor experience highlighted in industry discussions. Fluctuations in design trends have exhibited a cyclical return to nostalgia, suggesting that the Imperial’s ‘reimagining’ may indeed be a well-timed bid to capture a demographic seeking both comfort and character.

The presence of Remus Obertelli as general manager hints at a strategic push to refine offerings amid rising competition in London’s dynamic market. His past leadership roles provide a backdrop to expectations for high service standards as outlined in the hotel’s managerial transition. However, with increased investment comes the challenge of differentiation, making it imperative for the Imperial to not simply blend in among a landscape increasingly filled with thematic entries.

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