The Portland Hotel

31–32 Bedford Pl., London, WC1B 5JH, England, London, England
https://www.grangehotels.com/hotels-london/the-portland/bars-restaurants/

Why We Like It

There are plenty of townhouse hotels in Bloomsbury which stick to the rough blueprint of traditional interiors and homely service. The Portland Hotel is very much in the same frame but with its studio rooms with kitchenettes it sets itself apart. We love the cultured location and the tranquil streets of Bloomsbury.

Fodor's Expert Review

Set in the leafy enclave of Bloomsbury, this mid-range London hotel carries a traditional vibe, offering guests a great base to explore the area’s culture. Perfect for tourists and families, the hotel’s proximity to the British Museum and a sea of Blue Plaque buildings leaves it well-positioned for culture.

You Should Know Rooms throughout the hotel are comfortable and cozy but a considered style is lacking. Some might find the décor a little tired and slightly old fashioned.

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Room

A collection of boutique studios makes the accommodation a good prospect for those who want to limit their spending by whipping up room-cooked meals in the kitchenette. The large studios are decorated with heavy fabrics and thick carpets and the plentiful space means you needn’t worry about eating right where you sleep.

Tip As part of the Grange Hotels chain, the Portland offers regular deals on its website so check for bargains in advance before booking.

Bathroom

Simple white bathrooms are spotlessly clean and offer combined bath and shower.

Lobby

Fresh flowers adorn the welcome desk at the hotel, lending a little life to the somewhat stuffy interior lobby. Staff are helpful and quick off the mark to take care of your arrival.

Dining

From the full English to a choice of continental morsels, the breakfast is worth setting your clock for, however, you will need to head next door to sister hotel, the Grange Clarendon to eat it. The hotel has no restaurant facilities for lunch or dinner, but guests can choose to eat at the Portland’s other sister hotels (there are two more of them) located on the same street if they don’t want to explore further afield.

What's Nearby

Getting Around

Close to landmarks like the British Museum and Russell Square, the hotel is a short walk from the West End. Guests can choose between Russell Square and Tottenham Court Road Stations for the Tube but with so much located close by it makes sense to explore on foot.

Restaurants

If you don’t fancy relocating to the other Grange Hotels close by, head to Barrafina (11-minute walk) on Drury Lane and sample the amazing tapas. For something a little faster, try Chicken Shop (5-minute walk) for chicken burgers and buttermilk fried wings.

Bars

After scoping all that history at the British Museum, visit the Princess Louise (5-minute walk) for one last dose. Still resembling a Victorian Gin Palace, the Holborn pub is worth a visit for the interior alone. For a slightly more refined pub experience, try the Holborn Whippet (3-minute walk) on Sicilian Avenue and sample its range of craft beers.

Quick Facts

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 020-7580–7088