Hotel Review: Bertrand’s Townhouse, Bloomsbury

Bloomsbury is London’s cultural and intellectual district, so from a neighbourhood hotel one expects an elevated boutique feel, elegance, smart design and just a touch of whimsy. Bertrand’s Townhouse – inspired by philosopher Bertrand Russell – really delivers. The area is undergoing something of a boom this year, with several new hotels invigorating the neighbourhood, and there’s enough charm in this chic townhouse to make it a new local favourite. Rebecca Cox checks in to check it out. 

Set on Bloomsbury’s Bedford Place, Bertrand’s Townhouse combines three Georgian townhouses into a smart 43-bedroom luxury boutique hotel. Designed by Studio Moren, there’s a heritage-led feel that references Bloomsbury’s literary and artistic past. Design details include original cornicing, decorative fireplaces, warm colours and prints, natural wood, brass furnishings, and an eclectic art collection. Rooms temper old with new, the entry-level ‘classic’ rooms are quite snug with neutral palettes, with ‘deluxe’ rooms adding rich maroon colour palettes and the occasional one-of-a-kind fireplace. All feature delightful rainfall showers and (the always welcome addition of) Diptyque toiletries.  The contents of the Smeg mini fridges and mini bar is included in the room rate, as is use of the well-stocked Nespresso bar.  

The devil’s in the detail; look at this gorgeous wardrobe

We scored the pick of the dwellings for the night – the Philosopher’s Quarters (pictured top), with corniced high ceilings, rich rust-coloured walls, Cubist artwork, Adam-style fireplace and herringbone parquet floors. There’s a writing desk ready for you to start work on your next best-seller, and beneath the huge sash windows sits a claw-foot bathtub in case a long soak is needed to get the creative juices flowing. The giant king-size bed is enormously comfortable and there’s a his and hers /his and his /hers and hers shower in the bathroom – though checking into this suite solo and keeping it all to yourself is an extremely appealing option, too. 

Downstairs, Ottie’s Salon is the heart of the hotel, an intimate speakeasy-cum-salon inspired by Bloomsbury’s legendary gatherings. Just round the corner from The British Museum it’s sure to become a neighbourhood hotspot for guests, locals and visitors, with the moody atmosphere and colourful character bringing plenty of charm; though not as much as the staff, who are always – discreetly – on hand for service, a recommendation, or just a chat. Ottie’s Salon is also home to an already popular cigar lounge and a pretty outdoor garden terrace that will come into its own this summer, hosting garden BBQs and offering an alfresco dining option for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The bar snacks menu is small but perfectly formed; don’t miss the mushroom ravioli. 

Ottie’s Salon

C&TH Key Notes

– Drink to order: French 75

– The dish to ask for: mushroom ravioli

– The best breakfast: Scottish smoked salmon on rye with cream cheese and capers

– Room to request: Philosopher’s Quarters

– Perfect for: literary lovers, writers, philosophers, clever-clogs, purveyors of good taste

The Last Word

A Bloomsbury boutique bolthole where comfort and charm come in equal measure, and Ottie’s Salon is set to be a new local go-to for those in the know. 

BOOK

Rooms start at £300 per night on a B&B basis | bertrandstownhouse.co.uk