The Royal National Hotel is one of London’s largest accommodation options, a 3-star property with over 1,300 rooms in the Bloomsbury area. This guide covers star ratings, nearest tube connections, airport access, and the practical quirks that shape guest experience at this Central London property. All facts are drawn from verified OTA listings, the official operator, and aggregated review platforms.
Last checked: 2026-05-27
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Hotel name: Royal National Hotel ·
Star rating: 3-star ·
Nearest tube: Russell Square (4-minute walk) ·
Walk to British Museum: 10 minutes ·
Address: 38-51 Bedford Way, London WC1H 0DG ·
Number of rooms: 1,600+
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-05-27.
Sources reviewed: official property website, Booking.com listing, TripAdvisor reviews and forum, Trip.com listing, KAYAK, Expedia, Hotels.com.
No on-site visit was conducted, no staff interviews were held, and no independent price verification was performed beyond listed rates.
Key Facts at a Glance
Nearest Tube Station
- Russell Square (4-minute walk, Piccadilly line) (Imperial London Hotels)
Walking Time to British Museum
- 10 minutes (KAYAK lists the British Museum as closest landmark)
Booking.com Score
- 7.6/10 from 4,175 reviews (19,570 verified review entries)
- Sub-scores: location 9.0, staff 8.4, cleanliness 8.1, comfort 8.0 (Booking.com)
How many stars is the Royal National Hotel London?
The Royal National Hotel is classified as a 3-star hotel. This rating is consistently reported across major online travel agencies including Trip.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com. The official operator, Imperial London Hotels, presents the property without a formal star designation on their website, but the 3-star classification is widely accepted across booking platforms.
Star Rating Explanation
In the United Kingdom, hotel star ratings are typically assigned by VisitEngland or similar quality-assurance bodies. A 3-star rating generally indicates properties that offer clean, functional accommodation with basic amenities, private bathrooms, and regular housekeeping. At this level, guests can expect comfortable bedding, in-room tea and coffee facilities, and a reception desk, but not premium extras like concierge services, extensive leisure facilities, or luxury toiletries.
Criteria for UK Hotel Star Ratings
UK 3-star hotels must meet specific criteria including adequate heating, an in-room telephone, and regular cleaning services. The Royal National Hotel fits this profile: rooms include kettles (available in every room according to TripAdvisor’s hotel features section), and the property maintains a 24/7 front desk for guest assistance.
The implication: The 3-star rating reflects functional, value-oriented accommodation rather than luxury. Guests prioritising location and price over premium amenities will find this classification appropriate.
What is the nearest underground station to the Royal National Hotel?
The nearest underground station is Russell Square, located approximately a 4-minute walk from the hotel. Russell Square operates on the Piccadilly line, providing direct connections to Heathrow Airport, King’s Cross St Pancras, and the West End.
Russell Square Station Details
Russell Square station is situated in Zone 1 of the London Underground network. The Piccadilly line runs from Heathrow Airport in the west through central London to Cockfosters in the north. From Russell Square, typical journey times include roughly 5 minutes to King’s Cross St Pancras (for Eurostar connections) and around 10 minutes to Leicester Square for Theatreland.
Walking Directions from the Hotel
Exiting the hotel onto Bedford Way, guests turn right and walk approximately 200 metres south to reach the A400. Turning left onto the A400, Russell Square station is visible ahead after a short walk of under 5 minutes. The route is flat and straightforward, suitable for travellers with luggage on paved footpaths.
Alternative Nearby Stations
Beyond Russell Square, Tottenham Court Road (Northern and Central lines) is roughly a 10-minute walk to the south, as noted in a 2024 YouTube review of the property. King’s Cross St Pancras, serving six Underground lines plus national rail and Eurostar, is accessible within 12–15 minutes on foot or via a single Tube stop on the Piccadilly line.
The pattern: Russell Square provides the most convenient Underground access, but the hotel’s position near Tottenham Court Road and King’s Cross offers multiple route options across the Tube network.
What is the closest airport to Royal National Hotel?
The closest major airport is London City Airport, approximately 8 miles from the property. Heathrow Airport is further away at around 15 miles but is often more accessible due to direct Piccadilly line Underground connections.
London City Airport
London City Airport (LCY) is the nearest major airport by distance. However, public transport options from LCY to Bloomsbury involve the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) connecting to Bank, then the Central line to Holborn or Tottenham Court Road. This route typically takes 45–60 minutes and requires two transfers.
Heathrow Airport
Heathrow Airport offers the most straightforward Underground route: the Piccadilly line runs directly from Heathrow to Russell Square without changes, taking approximately 60–75 minutes. This makes Heathrow often more convenient for Royal National Hotel guests despite the greater distance.
Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton
Gatwick Airport connects via the Gatwick Express to Victoria, then the Victoria line to Green Park, and the Piccadilly line to Russell Square—typically 75–90 minutes total. Stansted and Luton require coach transfers or multiple rail changes and are not considered convenient options for this property.
The trade-off: Heathrow is farther but offers a single Tube line from airport to nearest station. London City is closer but requires more complicated public transport.
Why are there no rooms 13 and 420?
Like many hotels worldwide, the Royal National Hotel does not include rooms numbered 13 or 420. These omissions reflect widespread superstitions rather than any specific property policy.
Superstition About Room 13
Triskaidekaphobia—a fear of the number 13—is common across Western cultures. Many hotels skip room 13 entirely, sometimes omitting the entire 13th floor. The number 13 is associated with misfortune in various traditions, making it a commercial risk for hotel operators to include such room numbers.
Hotel Policy on Room 420
Room 420 is commonly omitted due to its association with cannabis culture in North American and increasingly global contexts. The number 420 refers to the date April 20th, which has become linked to cannabis consumption. Hotels often avoid this number to prevent guest confusion, inappropriate usage, or requests from guests specifically seeking the room for such purposes.
Common Practices in Hotels Worldwide
Most major hotel chains maintain internal policies to skip room numbers 13 and 420 across their properties. This practice is particularly common in larger hotel groups and properties that frequently host international guests. The Royal National Hotel’s room numbering follows this industry convention as part of its standard operational procedures.
What this means: Guests searching for rooms 13 or 420 will not find them at this property. This is standard practice across the hospitality industry rather than a unique quirk of this hotel.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Hotel name | Royal National Hotel |
| Star rating | 3-star |
| Nearest tube | Russell Square (4-minute walk) |
| Walk to British Museum | 10 minutes |
| Address | 38–51 Bedford Way, Camden, London WC1H 0DG |
| Number of rooms | 1,379 |
| Check-in | 14:00–24:00 |
| Check-out | Before 11:00 |
| Parking | Electric vehicle charging station (no dedicated car park) |
| Air conditioning | Not available in rooms |
| Pets | Not allowed |
| Front desk | 24/7 |
Royal National Hotel: Full Specification
The Royal National Hotel operates as part of the Imperial London Hotels group, which manages several Bloomsbury properties. According to Trip.com, the hotel opened in 1998 and has since expanded to become one of the largest hotels in central London.
Room Count and Scale
With 1,379 rooms listed on Trip.com, the Royal National Hotel ranks among the largest accommodation options in the capital. A TripAdvisor forum discussion describes it as “one of the two biggest hotels in London” alongside another property. The YouTube review of a 2024 stay describes the lobby as “ginormous,” reflecting the scale of operations. For more details on this and other accommodations, check out our Готельний гід.
Location in Bloomsbury
The hotel sits on Bedford Way in the Borough of Camden, approximately 1.7 miles from central London as confirmed by KAYAK. KAYAK lists the British Museum as the closest landmark. The Bloomsbury area is known for its literary heritage, academic institutions (University College London, Birkbeck), and proximity to major attractions including the British Museum, Brunswick Centre, and Russell Square Gardens.
Guest Ratings Summary
Booking.com assigns an overall score of 7.6 out of 10 based on 4,175 verified reviews, with 19,570 individual review entries across criteria. Sub-scores include: location 9.0, staff 8.4, cleanliness 8.1, comfort 8.0, free Wi-Fi 7.9, facilities 7.6, and value for money 7.5. Trip.com shows an 8.3 out of 10 rating from approximately 2,714 reviews.
Guests frequently report rooms as clean and comfortable but sometimes dated. The lack of air conditioning is a recurring complaint, especially during warmer months. One reviewer staying in room 1254 described the bedroom as “very warm,” consistent with other feedback about limited temperature control.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Exceptional central London location in Bloomsbury (9.0 location score on Booking.com)
- Competitive pricing for Zone 1 accommodation (starting around US$75–84 per night according to KAYAK and Trip.com)
- Massive room count offers availability even during peak periods
- 24/7 front desk accommodates late arrivals
- Friendly staff consistently praised across multiple platforms
- All rooms include kettles for tea and coffee
- Multiple onsite dining and refreshment options
Cons
- No air conditioning in rooms (frequent guest complaint)
- Rooms described as sometimes dated
- Large scale can mean busy common areas and potential wait times for lifts and services
- Pets not permitted
- Limited accessibility information publicly available
- No dedicated car park on property
Best For
The Royal National Hotel serves distinct traveller segments based on its positioning, scale, and price point. For those seeking similar options in the area, a review of the Berjaya Eden Park London Hotel provides additional context on comparable accommodations nearby.
Families
The large room count and budget-friendly pricing make this suitable for families visiting London’s attractions. Children aged 4 and under eat breakfast free, with children aged 5–17 charged £8.75 per person for the continental buffet.
Groups
Tour groups and school trips commonly use this property due to its capacity and central location. The variety of room types and multiple onsite food outlets accommodate group scheduling needs.
Budget Travellers
Starting rates around US$75–84 per night position this as one of the more affordable Zone 1 options. The 7.5 value-for-money score on Booking.com supports this positioning.
Solo Travellers
The 24/7 front desk, straightforward Underground access from Heathrow, and proximity to major attractions appeal to independent travellers prioritising location over luxury.
Pricing
According to aggregated OTA listings, typical pricing at the Royal National Hotel varies by room type and season. Standard rooms start from approximately US$75–84 per night, with double rooms around US$98 and deluxe rooms reaching approximately US$167, per KAYAK and Trip.com snapshots. Prices fluctuate based on demand, booking timing, and seasonal factors.
Breakfast is charged separately at £17.50 per adult for the continental buffet (children aged 5–17 pay £8.75), payable directly at the property. Breakfast times vary slightly between platforms: TripAdvisor lists 7:00–10:00 Monday to Saturday and 7:30–10:30 on Sundays, while Trip.com notes 06:30–10:30 daily.
Booking directly through Imperial London Hotels may offer rate parity with OTAs but can provide flexibility for changes. Compare prices across platforms before confirming, as some OTAs offer member discounts or package deals.
Location and Getting There
The Royal National Hotel’s address is 38–51 Bedford Way, Camden, London WC1H 0DG, confirmed by the official Imperial London Hotels website and multiple OTAs.
From Heathrow Airport
The most convenient route uses the Piccadilly line: take the Underground directly from Heathrow to Russell Square (approximately 60–75 minutes, single journey without changes). This costs approximately £6.30 using an Oyster card or contactless payment.
From London City Airport
Take the DLR from London City Airport to Bank, then change to the Central line towards West Ruislip/Hammersmith, alighting at Holborn or Tottenham Court Road. From either station, the hotel is a 10–15 minute walk. Total journey approximately 45–60 minutes.
From Gatwick Airport
The Gatwick Express runs to Victoria station (30 minutes). From Victoria, take the Victoria line to Green Park, then the Piccadilly line to Russell Square. Total journey approximately 75–90 minutes.
By Car
The hotel does not have a dedicated car park, though an electric vehicle charging station is available on property. Drivers should note that parking in Bloomsbury is heavily controlled with resident permit zones and pay-and-display bays.
Alternatives
For travellers considering alternatives in the Bloomsbury and St Pancras areas, several comparable options exist. Those visiting London for events may also want to explore hotels near ExCeL London for broader accommodation choices.
| Hotel | Star Rating | Distance to Tube | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal National Hotel | 3-star | 4 min to Russell Square | From US$75 | Budget, families, groups |
| The Montague on the Gardens | 4-star | 7 min to Russell Square | Higher | Romance, Afternoon tea |
| Pullman London St Pancras | 4-star | 10 min to King’s Cross | Higher | Business, Eurostar connections |
Price comparisons reflect typical rack rates; actual costs vary significantly by booking date, length of stay, and promotional offers. The Montague on the Gardens offers a boutique experience with superior amenities but at a notably higher price point. Pullman London St Pancras targets business travellers with premium facilities and direct Eurostar access.
Our Pick
For families and budget-conscious travellers prioritising location in central London, the Royal National Hotel delivers solid value. The 9.0 location score reflects genuine accessibility to major attractions without premium pricing. However, travellers sensitive to heat should consider visiting during cooler months or verifying fan availability before booking, given the absence of air conditioning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the address of the Royal National Hotel?
The address is 38–51 Bedford Way, Camden, London WC1H 0DG, United Kingdom. This is confirmed by the official Imperial London Hotels website and multiple online travel agencies.
Does the Royal National Hotel have air conditioning?
Air conditioning is not available in rooms. This is one of the most frequently mentioned complaints in guest reviews, particularly during warmer seasons. Rooms may feel warm, especially in summer months.
Is there parking at the Royal National Hotel?
The property does not have a dedicated car park. However, an electric vehicle charging station is available on site. Street parking in the surrounding Bloomsbury area is heavily controlled.
What dining options are available at the hotel?
Onsite options include a restaurant, café, snack bar, bar, lobby bar, and a convenience store or kiosk, per Trip.com listings. Breakfast is served as a continental buffet from 06:30–10:30 daily (adults £17.50, children aged 5–17 £8.75).
How many rooms does the Royal National Hotel have?
The hotel has 1,379 rooms according to Trip.com, making it one of the largest hotels in London. The Imperial London Hotels group operates this property.
What is the best way to get from Heathrow to the Royal National Hotel?
The Piccadilly line runs directly from Heathrow Airport to Russell Square station, approximately a 4-minute walk from the hotel. This single-line journey takes roughly 60–75 minutes and costs around £6.30 with an Oyster card or contactless payment.
Sources
- Imperial London Hotels (official site)
- Booking.com
- Trip.com
- KAYAK
- TripAdvisor
- TripAdvisor (Hotel Features)
- Expedia
- Hotels.com