The Royal National Hotel at 38–51 Bedford Way in Bloomsbury is one of the largest hotels in Western Europe, with 1,630 rooms operated by Imperial Hotels. This guide answers the most common questions guests ask—about location, rooms, breakfast, pricing, and transport—using data from the hotel’s operator, major booking platforms, and review sites. The aim is to give you a clear, fact-based picture before you book.
Last checked: 2026-09-14
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Address: Located in Bloomsbury, near Russell Square (Bedford Way area) · Nearest tube: Russell Square (4-minute walk), also near Euston and King’s Cross · Room types: Includes family rooms with private bathrooms · Amenities: Tea/coffee maker, free toiletries, flat-screen TV, closet · Breakfast: Buffet, Full English/Irish, vegetarian options · Guest rating: Not explicitly provided in inputs; use neutral review platform average when available
How we researched this guide
Last checked: 2026-09-14.
Sources reviewed: Official hotel website (Imperial Hotels), Booking.com, Tripadvisor, Expedia, Hotels.com, KAYAK, Klook, Travel Weekly, LondonNet.
We did not make an on-site visit, interview staff, or independently verify prices for every date. All rates and policy details are drawn from the sources cited and should be confirmed at the time of booking.
Key facts at a glance
- Bloomsbury, central London (Imperial Hotels)
- 1,630 rooms (Imperial Hotels; also confirmed by Tripadvisor)
- Tripadvisor: 3.3/5 (≈14,936 reviews) (Tripadvisor)
- Booking.com: 7.6/10 (4,175 reviews) (Booking.com)
- Check-in from 14:00, check-out until 11:00 (Booking.com; also Klook)
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Address | 38–51 Bedford Way, London WC1H 0DG (Bloomsbury) |
| Nearest tube | Russell Square (≈4-minute walk); also near Euston & King’s Cross |
| Room types | Double, Twin, Triple, Family, Quad (all with private bathroom) |
| Amenities | Free Wi‑Fi, tea/coffee maker, flat‑screen TV, free toiletries, closet, 24‑hour front desk |
| Breakfast | Buffet, Full English/Irish, and vegetarian options (fee applies) |
| Guest rating (indicative) | Tripadvisor 3.3/5 · Booking.com 7.6/10 (scores vary by platform) |
Is the Royal National Hotel a good hotel?
The answer depends on what you value. The hotel’s enormous scale—1,630 rooms—makes it a budget-oriented, high‑volume property rather than a boutique or luxury stay. According to operator Imperial Hotels, it opened in 1998 and underwent a renovation in 2024 (Travel Weekly).
Guest reviews
On Tripadvisor, the hotel earns 3.3 out of 5 from nearly 15,000 reviews. On Booking.com the score is higher at 7.6 out of 10 from over 4,000 reviews. The most consistent praise across both platforms is for the location—right in Bloomsbury, a short walk from the British Museum and Russell Square station. The most frequent criticism is noise: street‑facing rooms are described as loud, and internal corridors can echo given the building’s size. Several reviewers note that value for money is decent for central London, but the experience is decidedly no‑frills.
Room quality
Rooms include a private bathroom, flat‑screen TV, tea/coffee maker, and free toiletries, according to multiple booking platforms (Booking.com, Expedia). Families can book rooms that sleep up to four. The quality is functional but basic; many reviewers mention worn carpet or dated décor in some wings, though the 2024 renovation may have improved consistency.
Breakfast experience
Breakfast is offered as a buffet with Full English/Irish and vegetarian options. Expedia and Klook both list the cost at £17.50 per adult and child. Reviews are mixed: some guests appreciate the variety, others find the breakfast room crowded during peak hours.
The bottom line: The Royal National Hotel delivers a clean, central base for budget‑conscious travellers. It is not a luxury property, but its location and sheer room availability make it a pragmatic choice for groups and first‑time visitors who plan to spend most of their time out.
What tube station is near Royal National Hotel?
Russell Square Station
The hotel’s operator states it is just a minute from Russell Square station (Imperial Hotels). Multiple guest reviews confirm the walk takes about 4 minutes. Russell Square is on the Piccadilly line, which provides direct service to Heathrow Airport—a clear advantage for arriving visitors.
Euston and King’s Cross proximity
Imperial Hotels also notes that major train stations such as Euston and King’s Cross St Pancras are about 15 minutes away on foot. This makes the hotel convenient for rail connections to other parts of the UK and for the Eurostar at St Pancras International.
What area of London is the Royal National Hotel in?
Bloomsbury
The Royal National Hotel is firmly in Bloomsbury, the intellectual and literary district of London known for its garden squares, university buildings, and the British Museum. The address is 38–51 Bedford Way, a street that runs parallel to Russell Square Gardens. This is a well‑connected, central neighbourhood that puts Covent Garden, the West End, and the City within a 15–25 minute walk.
Russell Square
The hotel occupies a large site right next to Russell Square itself. The square is a large green space with a central fountain, and the hotel’s immediate surroundings include cafes, pubs, and the university campus of University College London (UCL). Many guests highlight the convenience of stepping out into a calm, leafy area while being minutes from the busier parts of central London.
The pattern: The location is the hotel’s strongest asset. It offers a quiet pocket of London with excellent transport links, making it a practical hub for sightseeing and business alike.
What are the prices for rooms at the Royal National Hotel?
Room rates vary widely by season, demand, and lead time. Tripadvisor listings show a typical range between AU$151 and AU$398 per night. When converted and rounded from that source, nightly rates in GBP are approximately £80–£200, though actual prices at booking may differ. The hotel is often categorised as budget‑to‑midscale by third‑party sites like LondonNet.
Factors that affect price include the type of room (double, twin, family), how far in advance you book, and whether you choose a refundable or non‑refundable rate. Breakfast is not included in most standard rates; it adds £17.50 per person.
How much is breakfast at Royal National Hotel?
Breakfast is available daily from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM at a cost of £17.50 per person, according to both Expedia and Klook. The same fee applies to adults and children. Options include a buffet with cooked items (Full English/Irish) and vegetarian alternatives. Some reviews note that the breakfast can feel hectic when the hotel is full, but the quality is generally considered acceptable for the price.
What time is check-in at the Royal National Hotel London?
Standard check-in begins at 14:00 (2:00 PM), and check-out is until 11:00 (11:00 AM). This is confirmed by Booking.com, Klook, and several other booking platforms. The hotel operates a 24‑hour front desk, so late arrivals are accommodated. If you need early check‑in or late check‑out, it is best to contact the hotel directly in advance, as availability and fees are not consistently published across sources.
Pros and Cons of the Royal National Hotel
Pros
- Prime Bloomsbury location a short walk from Russell Square tube and the British Museum
- Very large room inventory means availability is usually good even at short notice
- Family rooms and group bookings (e.g., Contiki tours) are well‑handled
- Free Wi‑Fi and 24‑hour front desk
- On‑site restaurants (Blooms Cafe, London Pub) offer casual dining
Cons
- Noise can be an issue, especially in street‑facing rooms
- Décor and furnishings are basic; some areas feel dated despite the 2024 renovation
- Breakfast is not included in the room rate and costs £17.50 per person
- Review scores are moderate (Tripadvisor 3.3/5) compared to other central London hotels
- Parking is paid and limited (£24/day via Klook)
The trade-off: You trade luxury and quiet for unbeatable location and budget‑friendly rates. The Royal National works best for travellers who prioritise being in the centre over premium accommodation.
Who is the Royal National Hotel best for?
- Budget travellers: Rates are consistently among the most affordable for a central London location with private bathrooms.
- Groups (e.g., Contiki tours): The hotel regularly hosts tour groups and has the capacity to handle large bookings.
- Families: Family rooms sleep up to four, and the proximity to Russell Square and the British Museum provides free, nearby entertainment.
- Solo travellers on a budget: Single rooms (double occupancy) are available, and the 24‑hour front desk adds security.
Pricing band: budget to midscale
The Royal National Hotel is best described as budget‑to‑midscale for central London. Based on the indicated nightly range of roughly £80–£200 (converted from Tripadvisor data), it occupies the lower end of three‑star pricing. It competes with other large, no‑frills hotels like the nearby Imperial Hotels siblings and the Goodenough Hotel. For those seeking more upscale amenities (spa, fine dining, quiet rooms), the price point will reflect a different category.
Location and getting there
The hotel’s address is 38–51 Bedford Way, London WC1H 0DG. The closest Underground station is Russell Square (Piccadilly line), about 4 minutes on foot. From there you can reach Heathrow in roughly 50 minutes without changing trains. Euston and King’s Cross stations are a 15‑minute walk, offering connections to national rail and the Eurostar. Several bus routes stop on nearby Southampton Row and Woburn Place.
For drivers, on‑site parking is available but limited and paid (around £24 per day according to Klook). The area is within the London Congestion Charge zone, so driving into central London should be factored into your budget.
Alternatives to consider
If the Royal National’s scale or review scores give you pause, consider other options in Bloomsbury:
- The Goodenough Hotel London – a quieter, smaller property in the same neighbourhood (see our Goodenough Hotel London Review).
- Other Imperial Hotels properties – the group also operates the nearby President Hotel and the Morgan Hotel, which share a similar price range and location.
Our pick: who should book here?
We recommend the Royal National Hotel for first‑time London visitors who want a central base without overspending, and for budget‑conscious groups (including tour‑group participants) who need a large block of rooms. The hotel is less suited to couples or business travellers seeking a quiet, modern environment. If you fit the profile of a location‑first, luxury‑second traveller, this hotel delivers on its core promise.
Related reading: The Goodenough Hotel London Review: Quiet Bloomsbury Stay · National Hotel Australia: Locations and Amenities Guide
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Royal National Hotel in Bloomsbury?
Yes. The hotel’s address is 38–51 Bedford Way, which lies in the heart of the Bloomsbury district of central London, as stated by its operator Imperial Hotels.
What is the address of the Royal National Hotel London?
38–51 Bedford Way, London WC1H 0DG, England. This is consistently listed across the official website, Tripadvisor, Booking.com, and Expedia.
What is the nearest tube to the Royal National Hotel?
Russell Square station (Piccadilly line) is approximately 4 minutes away on foot. The hotel’s operator says it is just a minute away; guest reviews typically report a short walk.
What is the price range for a night at the Royal National Hotel?
Tripadvisor listings show a typical range of AU$151–AU$398 per night (approximately £80–£200 when converted). Actual rates depend on season and room type.
Does the Royal National Hotel offer family rooms?
Yes. Booking.com and other platforms list family rooms that accommodate up to four guests, all with private bathrooms, tea/coffee makers, and free toiletries.
What breakfast options are available at the Royal National Hotel?
A buffet breakfast is served daily from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM. Options include a Full English/Irish cooked selection and vegetarian items. The cost is £17.50 per person (adult or child) according to Expedia and Klook.