London Hotels in 1900: The Hotel Russell

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Arthur H. Beavan continued his survey of London's finest hotels at the turn of the twentieth century in Imperial London, published in 1901, with this look at the Hotel Russell:

The Hotel Russell covers some three-quarters of an acre between Guildford Street and Bernard Street, and is a striking contrast to the plain Georgian houses by which it is surrounded, its architect having adopted the German Renaissance style, with elaborate colonnades, balconies, and turreted corners in light red brick and softly-toned terra-cotta.

The exterior is very ornate with sculptured figures of Queen Elizabeth I, Anne, Mary, and her late Majesty, Queen Victoria, while on the south frontage is a series of busts of great English statesmen.

In general plan, the building is a quadrangle, the centre space being devoted to a charming roofed-in winter garden and lounge.

Opening off from here is the fine library and writing-room fitted in oak, and containing some good pictures, including examples by Reynolds, Lawrence, and Haydon.

Pictures, indeed, are a notable feature in the decorations, and appear again in the dining-room.

The banqueting-hall is a handsome and well-proportioned one of the French Renaissance order, and a restaurant is provided in another hall.

There are about 450 bedrooms, all furnished with good taste, and possessed of individual character.

Next: London's Hotels in 1900: The Carlton Hotel