Imperial Hotel

On the plus side the rooms were clean and functional, if a little basic. The staff were friendly and helpful and doing a good job in what is a sub-standard hotel. The location is excellent but don't get a room overlooking Russell Square - while the view from upper floors is great, the noise from traffic is unbearable. Windows are very draughty and the heating has two settings - off and cremate. My room showed signs of forced entry, which doesn't inspire. The wireless network was broken and the tv had limited channels and was a bit small. Breakfast was a bit poor. I'd personally not stay again but I guess, at a push, it is ok for one night.

Very good for a budget stay in central London. Here's the bottom line:

Location - Right across from Russell Square, a block from the British Museum, and around the corner from the tube station. It's on the Picadilly Line, so you can get here directly from Heathrow in about an hour.

The Hotel - Dated, spartan common areas. Hasn't been updated since the days of Austin Powers, and he wouldn't have stayed here even then. Mediocre institutional English breakfast that seemed to tickle the fancy of the middle aged Continental tourist groups here.

Room - Surprisingly good for a single. And I do mean a single - imagine a standard European hotel room, and then cut it in half. A little stark, but decently appointed, with IKEAish furniture and a small flat screen. A small single bed, which probably wouldnt be too comfortable if you were over 6 feet. New bathroom with a real shower and full tub with real water pressure (yes). The hotel fronts on a busy street, but the back of the hotel looks over a courtyard of sorts, which serves as the parking lot and front of a 24 hour casino. That's sounds worse than it is, but if you have a room on that side, it is relatively quiet at night.

Price - This is one of those "the price is the price" places - They have them posted on a permanent plastic sign in front of the hotel. So if they want to change the price, they have to order a new sign. (I think it was about 78 pounds for a single). I booked from their website and they even threw in a voucher for a free dinner the first night. (You get what you pay for, but it saved a few quid....) Not as cheap as many of the places on Gower Street, but I think a decent value for a high price low value hotel city.

Some reviewers on this site have complained that the hotel does not meet expectations as a business hotel, and I would agree with that assessment. All in all, I would stay here again, but I wouldn't bring the wife.

As a frequent visitor for over 40 years, London has never failed to disappoint with shabby, outdated and often unclean hotel rooms in the value price range. So the Imperial was a pleasant surprise! Clean recently updated rooms with full bath, pleasant and helpful staff, and a fun bar/restaurant with late hours for after the theatre. I agree with others that the included breakfast needs help! For the price and location, the Imperial offers good value and is a solid choice. I would stay here again which I have never said about any London hotel before!!