Radisson Blu Hotel, London Euston Square – formerly Grafton

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about the Radisson Blu on Tottenham Court Road? It’s got this sort of understated confidence that I really appreciate – not trying too hard to impress, but doing the important stuff really well. The building itself has that classic London feel, though honestly, you’d walk right past it if you weren’t looking for it, which is actually kind of nice in this part of town where everything’s competing for your attention.

The location is honestly brilliant if you know London at all. You’re right in the thick of Camden, which means you’ve got the energy of the area without being stuck in the absolute chaos of somewhere like Leicester Square. Warren Street tube is literally around the corner – I mean, we’re talking a two-minute walk – and you can get pretty much anywhere from there. What I love is that you’re close enough to Oxford Street for shopping (though let’s be honest, who enjoys that madness), but far enough away that you don’t hear the tourist crowds at night. The whole Fitzrovia area has really come into its own lately, and there are some genuinely good restaurants tucked away on the side streets that most visitors never find.

The rooms are… well, they’re what you’d expect from a solid four-star, but there’s attention to detail that surprised me. The beds are actually comfortable – not just hotel-brochure comfortable, but properly supportive. The bathrooms have decent water pressure, which you can’t take for granted in London, and the soundproofing is better than you’d think given how busy Tottenham Court Road gets during the day. I stayed on the fifth floor and barely heard the street noise, though I’d probably avoid the lower floors if you’re a light sleeper. The decor feels modern without being cold – sort of Scandinavian-influenced, which makes sense given it’s a Radisson property.

What really won me over was the staff, actually. Check-in was smooth (they held my bags for hours before my room was ready without any fuss), and the front desk folks genuinely seemed to know the neighborhood. When I asked about a decent pub that wasn’t full of tourists, the guy recommended The Fitzroy Tavern on Charlotte Street – proper local spot, great beer, exactly what I was after. That kind of local knowledge makes such a difference when you’re trying to get beyond the obvious London experience.

The breakfast is solid without being spectacular – good coffee, proper bacon, fresh fruit that doesn’t look like it’s been sitting around for days. It gets busy around 8:30, so either go early or wait until after 9:30 if you want to actually enjoy it rather than queue for everything. And here’s something practical – they’ve got a small gym that’s actually usable (not just a couple of broken treadmills in a basement), and the business center has a proper printer if you need to sort out boarding passes or whatever.

I mean, it’s not going to blow your mind or anything, but it’s exactly what a good London hotel should be – comfortable, well-located, and run by people who actually care about doing their job properly. For the price point, especially in this part of London, it’s honestly pretty solid value.

Rooms

• Standard Double or Twin Room with 1 double bed and 2 single beds for 2 adults, 1 child
• Superior Single Room with 1 single bed for 1 adult
• Premium Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Junior Suite with 1 sofa bed and 1 large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Single Room with 1 single bed for 1 adult
• Family Room with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 3 children

Facilities