Radisson Blu Hotel, London Tottenham Court Road – formerly Kenilworth

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about the Radisson Blu on Great Russell Street? It’s got this quiet confidence about it – tucked right into Bloomsbury without trying too hard to announce itself. I mean, you’re literally a two-minute walk from the British Museum’s main entrance, which honestly makes the tourist chaos work in your favor since you can duck back to your room between the crowds.

The building itself has that classic London thing going on where it looks properly historical from the street but surprises you inside. They’ve done this renovation that actually works – keeping the Georgian bones but adding these clean, modern touches that don’t feel forced. The lobby’s got this warm lighting that makes you want to linger with a coffee, and the staff seem to genuinely know the neighborhood (I had someone give me walking directions to avoid the Russell Square construction mess that was happening when I stayed). The rooms are what I’d call “properly sized” for London – not enormous, but cleverly laid out so you’re not tripping over your suitcase. The beds are actually comfortable, which… well, you never know with chain hotels, do you?

Here’s the thing about the location that the booking sites don’t really capture – you’re in this sweet spot where you can walk to Covent Garden or Oxford Street without the noise keeping you up at night. Charlotte Street’s restaurant scene is right there, and if you head toward Fitzrovia, you’ll find those little pubs that still feel like secrets. The Tottenham Court Road tube station is close enough to be convenient but far enough that you’re not dealing with that constant underground rumble. I found myself walking everywhere because honestly, central London just opens up from this spot. The 7.8 rating feels about right – it’s solidly good without being flashy about it. There were small things that could be better (the air conditioning was a bit temperamental, and breakfast felt slightly overpriced even for London standards), but nothing that would stop me from booking again. It’s the kind of place where business travelers and tourists mix without either group feeling out of place, and the bar downstairs has this relaxed vibe in the evenings where you might actually want to have a drink instead of immediately escaping to find somewhere else.

Rooms

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

Facilities