Kids want to go camping but you prefer the glamour of a hotel? Look no further as Stylenest try camping in the capital at the only Lutyens designed hotel in England.
Kids love camping…generally us adults don’t! So when The Bloomsbury Hotel asked if we would like to try an alternative style of accommodation we were more than tempted. All geared up for little campers visiting the capital, the hotel offers tepee beds for the kids and luxury beds for the adults-literally the best of both worlds.
The hotel itself has an amazing history- originally commissioned in 1928 as The Central Club for the YWCA as a meeting place for a generation of young women, the Grade II listed Neo-Georgian building was designed by British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. After a varied history the building was turned into a hotel in 1998 and totally refurbished in 2008, restored to its former glory.
The interior of the hotel is elegant with a rich palette of ruby, russet and deep pink burgundy. Beautiful works of art line the walls, dazzling chandeliers glisten above and replicas of Lutyens’ famous furniture designs are on offer to sit down and take a rest.
The hotel has 153 rooms and suites. Our Luxury Studio Suite was very spacious with a large kingsize bed and the most important thing for the kids….a tepee! Decorated with rocking horses with an inflatable single mattress and bedding, it did look rather cosy. My daughter adored the cute Bloomsbury Hotel teddy bear and lantern, which were waiting inside and she was in her element when the ‘midnight feast’ of cookies and a flask of warm milk arrived. We were all impressed with the HUGE bathroom! I loved the roll top bath, double sinks and luxurious Aromatherapy Associates goodies and the kids and the husband were in awe of the TV at the end of the bath!
The hotel itself couldn’t be in a better location for sightseeing. West End shopping is on your doorstep and it’s also minutes away from the iconic British Museum and theatre land. The hotel prides itself on making sure the whole family is well looked after with a specialist children’s concierge service on hand!
The hotel offers a lovely Terrace- ideal for a relaxed breakfast or light lunch, but uunfortunately the day we chose to stay the weather was awful- it literally didn’t stop raining! We did however enjoy our breakfast at the Landseer restaurant, which offered a buffet of fruit, cereals and cold meats, as well as hot dishes served fresh from the kitchen.
All in all it was a thoroughly enjoyable stay- a brilliant pied-a-terre in the heart of London which is perfect for families who like to shop, take in some culture, and enjoy good food and a trip to the theatre!
Rates at The Bloomsbury Hotel start from £225 per night on a room only basis, Children’s Tepee’s from £35 per tent.
For families with one child, a tepee bed can be constructed in Deluxe Rooms and Suites. For families with two or more children interconnecting guest rooms are offered.