The Ridgemount Hotel

65–67 Gower St., London, WC1E 6HJ, England
https://www.facebook.com/Ridgemount-Hotel-141552559221592/

Why We Like It

Friendly, clean and welcoming in the ways in which you hope a modest bed and breakfast will be, the Ridgemount Hotel doesn’t promise anything it can’t deliver. From the lovely communal breakfasts to the personal touches you only find in a family business, there’s a lot to admire in this budget hotel. It may not have a bar or restaurant but the neighbourhood has plenty of options to explore.

Fodor's Expert Review

Spanning the floor plans of two adjoining townhouses on a historic Georgian terrace in the handsome neighborhood of Bloomsbury, the Ridgemount Hotel is a family-run bed and breakfast that trades on its abundant warmth and personality. In the same family for over 50 years, the traditional hotel is all clean, comfortable rooms, simple décor, and hearty breakfasts. The bargain rates make it particularly appealing to families and groups who don’t mind trading a lack of amenities for the great location minutes from the British Museum.

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Room

No awards will be won for décor—in fact, the rather garish drapes and linens could do with an update—but if ‘clean’ and ‘comfortable’ are two words that reassure you, then the Ridgemount’s homely charms will suit you just fine. Larger rooms can accommodate families and all come with TVs.

Bathroom

Clean, tiled bathrooms keep it neutral, with walk-in showers trumping baths in most of the en-suites.

You Should Know The smallest rooms come with shared bathrooms.

Lobby

Being a historic townhouse bed and breakfast, the Ridgemount Hotel dispenses with the traditional lobby, checking in guests from its small office at the rear of the property, from where the alluring greens of the garden can be glimpsed.

Dining

Breakfast is served daily in the communal dining room, with a cooked full English breakfast, toast and cereals setting guests up for the day.

Tip Since the hotel has no bar, provide your own beverage and make the most of the garden’s outdoor furniture. While the Ridgemount relies on its simple appeal, the garden space could belong to a luxury hotel.

Drinking

With no bar, guests have to make do with tea and coffee making facilities in the comfortable communal lounge.

Gardens

A hidden gem, the manicured, walled garden at the Ridgemount Hotel is a beautiful place to retire to on a summer’s evening.

What's Nearby

Getting Around

Within close proximity to a variety of shops, restaurants, bars and museums, getting around on foot is a convenient option, especially given all those evocative Bloomsbury streets. Sights like Buckingham Palace and Westminster are a short taxi ride away, or a quick Tube journey via Goodge Street station.

Restaurants

Try Busaba Eathai (5-minute walk) for modern Thai food in a contemporary setting, or stick to traditional British pub grub at the Museum Tavern (8-minute walk). Slightly further, but well worth the walk, Brasserie Zédel (20-minute walk) offers a great value set menu in extravagant French bistro style.

Bars

If you want a great example of a traditional London boozer, it’s a toss-up between the equally charismatic Bloomsbury Tavern (10-minute walk) and The Lamb (16-minute walk).

Quick Facts

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 020-7636–1141