You know what struck me first about the Ambassadors Bloomsbury? It’s that classic Georgian facade that actually delivers on the promise – none of that “looks grand from outside, disappointing lobby” situation you get with some London hotels. Walking up to 12 Upper Woburn Place, you’re right in that sweet spot of Bloomsbury where you feel properly central but not totally overwhelmed by tourist chaos.
The location is honestly brilliant if you know London even a little bit. You’re literally a two-minute walk from Russell Square tube station – and I mean a proper two minutes, not hotel-website-two-minutes which usually means five. The British Museum is practically on your doorstep, which sounds touristy but it’s actually handy because the whole area around there has fantastic pubs and proper local spots that most visitors miss. Plus you can cut through the quieter Bloomsbury squares for a peaceful walk to King’s Cross or even Covent Garden if you don’t mind a stroll. The neighborhood has that intellectual, slightly bookish vibe – lots of publishing houses and university buildings – so it never feels too rowdy even on weekends.
Inside, it’s what I’d call comfortably traditional without being stuffy. The rooms are a decent size by London standards (which admittedly isn’t saying much, but still), and they’ve clearly put thought into the details that actually matter when you’re traveling. The beds are genuinely comfortable – I’m talking about waking up refreshed, not just “well, it’s fine” comfortable. Bathrooms are properly modern, good water pressure, none of that tiny European shower situation. The staff knows the area well too, which sounds basic but you’d be surprised how many hotel front desks can’t tell you anything beyond the nearest Starbucks. They pointed me toward a brilliant gastropub on Lamb’s Conduit Street that I never would have found otherwise.
Honestly, it’s a solid four-star that knows what it is – not trying to be ultra-luxe or trendy, just doing the classics well. The kind of place where business travelers and tourists both feel comfortable, probably because it strikes that balance between proper service and not being intimidatingly posh. Breakfast is better than expected (actual variety, not just continental basics), and the common areas feel lived-in rather than showroom perfect. If I had one small complaint, it’d be that some of the rooms facing Upper Woburn Place can get a bit of traffic noise in the early morning, but honestly, you’re in central London – complete silence isn’t really on the menu anywhere unless you’re paying serious money in Mayfair.