City Sleeper at Royal National Hotel

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first walked up to the City Sleeper at Royal National Hotel on Bedford Way, I wasn’t expecting much. The building’s got that classic London hotel facade that could go either way, you know? But once you step inside, there’s actually something pretty charming about the whole setup. The lobby has this understated elegance that feels more genuine than flashy, and the staff – well, they actually seem to know what they’re doing rather than just going through the motions.

What really won me over though was the location. I mean, you’re literally a two-minute walk from Russell Square tube station, which sounds convenient but doesn’t really capture how perfect this spot is. You’ve got the British Museum practically on your doorstep – I’m talking a genuine five-minute stroll through those lovely Georgian squares that make you feel like you’re in a period drama. And here’s something the guidebooks don’t tell you: there’s this brilliant little coffee shop called Katsute 100 just around the corner on Lamb’s Conduit Street that locals actually use, not just tourists. The whole Bloomsbury area has this intellectual, slightly bohemian vibe that’s refreshing after dealing with the crowds in Leicester Square or Oxford Circus.

The rooms themselves are what I’d call sensibly sized for London – which means they’re not huge, but they’re thoughtfully laid out so you don’t feel like you’re living in a shoebox. The beds are actually comfortable (not always a given in this price range), and the bathrooms are surprisingly modern. There’s decent soundproofing too, which matters because Bedford Way can get a bit lively with students from UCL wandering about, especially during term time. I stayed during a particularly busy weekend in October and barely heard a peep after 11 PM. One small thing that impressed me – the Wi-Fi actually works properly throughout the building, even in the lift, which honestly puts it ahead of some much pricier places I’ve stayed. The 4-star rating feels about right; it’s not trying to be something it’s not, but everything works well and feels clean and well-maintained. For the money, especially given you’re staying in Zone 1 and can walk to half of central London’s major attractions, it’s actually pretty solid value.

Rooms

• Standard Double Room with 1 double bed for 2 adults
• Standard Twin Room with 2 single beds for 2 adults
• Standard Single Room with 1 single bed for 1 adult

Facilities