The Bloomsbury

Comprising a stately blend of Georgian-style frontage and neo-classical flourishes, the Bloomsbury Hotel was designed in the 1930s by renowned British Architect Sir Edwin Lutyens and retains much of its original architectural features. Elegant stone steps and an ornate doorway lead guests into a lofty-ceilinged lobby space where antique rugs and period furnishings sit on polished herringbone flooring illuminated by Art Nouveau-style chandeliers and wall-mounted lighting. The vibe is cultured and classical with an occasional 21st-century flourish, while a meticulous attention to detail extends to a seasonal drink on arrival and attentive staff remembering the names of individual guests -- the most renowned being the late Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney (after whom the hotel's library is now named).

The hotel is set in the heart of leafy and bookish Bloomsbury, on a quiet side street in the center of London. The location is excellent for tourists, with such attractions as the British Museum just a two minutes' walk away and numerous restaurants, pubs, and shops within easy walking distance -- the start of Oxford Street shopping and Tottenham Court Road Tube station are a couple blocks away. The renowned nightlife district of Soho is within five minutes on foot, while West End theaters are just a few minutes beyond.

The hotel's 153 rooms are spread over eight floors, and all follow an unfussy palette of tastefully muted tones with contemporary wooden furnishings and carpeted floors. Beds are topped with duck-down duvets and feature carved wooden headboards. Wi-Fi is free of charge and 32-inch flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and Nespresso coffee machines all come standard. Bathrooms impress with a marble finish and heated floors, plus high-end toiletries and robe and slipper sets. While most rooms have a spacious feel, some are certainly on the small side and a few offer very little in the way of outside views.

Unusual for central London, the hotel has a heated outside terrace where guests can take breakfast or relax with an evening drink. The Landseer Restaurant also provides particularly luxe surroundings with a range of menus from fine-dining to bespoke superfood smoothies, while a handsome bar features rare wines and spirits. Private dining is available in the Seamus Heaney Library, and room service is available around the clock. Wi-Fi is also free of charge throughout the property.