Experience London at a slower pace, with luxury touches...
A stone’s throw from Russell Square tube station and the British Museum, Morton Hotel is a calming abode – even from the outside – with warm orange bricks and a welcoming walnut-shade door. You can’t miss it. Look for tall lamp posts that nod to another era, the boxes of pansies sprawling on window ledges and an intriguing floor mosaic encouraging you to look down as you enter.
Once inside this Bloomsbury bolthole, you’re in for a treat. From the cosy feel in The Library bar to the plush furnishings for lounging on in your bedroom - Morton Hotel is ideal for just the night, or for whiling away a week in the city. Balance self-care with sightseeing during your visit, and take inspiration from our ‘stay in the life’ below...
Morning Moments
After hitting snooze, (once or twice, no judgement), wake up in your bedroom, apartment or suite and start the day feeling rested. Sleep is important, why scrimp on it? Emerge from your duvet cocoon when you’re ready and head to the Nespresso coffee machine for a frothy dose of energy. Then pad to the bathroom for an invigorating shower. Don’t worry about chilly toes on the tiles, the underfloor heating adds an extra level of warmth.
And for those who love to start their day with music, switch on the in-room speaker and sync it with your phone to play your favourite tunes. We think a chill jazz playlist sets the day off right, but the choice is yours!
A stack of pancakes drizzled with syrup and topped with blueberries.
Brekkie amongst the books...
Head downstairs to the basement for breakfast, in The Library. Find coffee tables laden with London guides and aesthetic books to browse through at your leisure. But the most important reading of the morning, the breakfast set menu, will help you choose from pancakes drizzled in maple syrup to avocado and eggs. Then laze in your armchair, with a cup of tea in one hand and local guidebook in the other.
A partial view of The Horse Hospital building and sign, with the street sign ’Colonnade’ shown too.
Tour Local Art Galleries
Morton Hotel is a love letter to art. With decor inspired by the Bloomsbury Group, a society of former artists and writers who once lived in the neighbourhood during the early 20th century, amble up the hotel staircase to admire the Bloomsbury Group inspired wall prints. Then grab your bag – even better, a tote bag to blend in with locals – and a rain jacket, just in case. You’re in the English capital, best to be prepared.
Start with a short stroll over to the Horse Hospital, formerly a sanctuary for injured Victorian cart horses, this venue with tall ceilings hosts impressive exhibitions for many upcoming local artists’ works.
Then cross the cobbles to Fortitude Bakehouse for a cream bun or gooey cookie, but just a head’s up, it’s one of the most popular bakeries in Bloomsbury – so get ready to queue!
Dust off any traces of icing sugar on your lips and make a beeline for the Brunswick Art Gallery, just a one-minute walk away. From neon hued paintings to pop-culture portraits, it’s worth popping in for a browse.
Person looking through the window of a bookshop. Image from Skoob Books' Facebook page.
There’s Always Time to Shop Next door to the Brunswick Art Gallery you’ll spot
Skoob Books, a second-hand treasure trove of paperbacks. Choose something to read during your city break, from poetry anthologies to Penguin classics. Rummage the shelves and find a new novel to immerse yourself in.
One for the beauty gurus, you’ll be no stranger to Korean skincare. Stock up on top tier lotions and serums that glint on the bubblegum pink shelves at
Glamtouch UK. Buy one of their beauty services, from a relaxing manicure to a radiance boosting facial. The best part? Chat to the beauticians as much or as little as you like – they'll understand if you just want to sit back and plug into a podcast.
A busy street with people walking leisurely or dining alfresco. Strings of fairy lights above the hubbub. Image from Coal Drop Yard’s Facebook page.
Visit Coal Drops Yard After recharging your batteries at Glamtouch, a fifteen-minute stroll towards
Coal Drops Yard is the perfect antidote for a sunny (or even cloudy) lunchtime. Once you arrive, you’ll understand the hype. A hubbub of shops and eateries under endless strings of fairy lights; this cultural hotspot in the city is where you can shop and grab a bite to eat amongst trendy locals.
Wine, Cheese (& Peanut Butter Cocktails?) Take a moment for yourself (or with a friend/loved one) and pause for an hour at
Spiritland on Stable Street. Kick back and switch off as the team play indie records. Then tuck into a ‘mmmm’ worthy tapas style late lunch or unforgettable grilled cheese sarnie, with a glass (or two) of wine. Their cocktail menu, however, is more unusual. See what you make of their P & B cocktail...made with brandy, peanut butter, pisco, banana and popcorn. Now that’s an adventure for the tastebuds!
A hotel guest wearing a white robe, relaxing on a bed drinking from a mug.
Prioritise R&R Make your way back to
Morton Hotel after your busy day shopping and exploring. Whether hopping on a Lime bike (read more about
cycling in London here) or going on foot, be sure to unwind for an hour or so. You deserve a breather. Curl up with your new novel from Skoob Books or ease into a warm bubble bath for ultimate R&R. Then freshen up before dinner and throw on your favourite evening outfit.
Streetview of The Ninth Restaurant, lit up in the evening. Image from The Ninth’s Facebook page.
Dinner by Candlelight Bridging the neighbourhoods of
Bloomsbury and Fitzrovia together,
Store Street is a quaint and quirky cobbled alley dotted with boutique shops and places to eat. Pick up art supplies in Russell and Chapple or esoteric treasures in Treadwell’s, before heading to the Life Goddess, a bohemian chic restaurant serving up freshly prepared Greek food – with loads of vegan options! Or perhaps it’s your anniversary? Head to
The Ninth near Tottenham Court Road – it's fancy without the frills – they're masters of French cuisine and the soft lighting sets a romantic mood.
Time to Dream Whether your head hits the pillow as soon as you get back to your room, or you’re winding down with a film on the big screen, it’s time to dream. And in the words of
Virginia Woolf, ‘
sleep among ravishing illusions’...
A softly lit bedside lamp next to a made-up bed with decorative pillows.
Book your Stay Secure your city break at
Morton Hotel today, a 34-room boutique hotel with a charming atmosphere and homely feel, this is the perfect place for a self-indulgent city break. Stay within walking distance to local sights at
Morton Hotel, part of the
Imperial London Family of Hotels.
Head downstairs to the basement for breakfast, in The Library. Find coffee tables laden with London guides and aesthetic books to browse through at your leisure. But the most important reading of the morning, the breakfast set menu, will help you choose from pancakes drizzled in maple syrup to avocado and eggs. Then laze in your armchair, with a cup of tea in one hand and local guidebook in the other.