Celtic Hotel Review: Budget B&B in London, Worth It

Tucked away on a quiet Bloomsbury street, the Celtic Hotel is a family-run bed and breakfast that has earned a loyal following among budget travellers. With a TripAdvisor rating of 4.3 out of 5 from roughly 377 reviews, this 35-room property offers an included cooked breakfast and a location steps from Russell Square tube station. This review draws on expert guidebooks, recent guest feedback, and official information to help you decide whether it’s the right fit for your London stay.

Last checked: 2026-09-19

Star rating: 5 stars · Owner: Sir Terry Matthews · Group: The Celtic Collection · Location: Wales, United Kingdom · Known for: Luxury spa, championship golf, wedding venue

What is the Celtic Hotel – and who runs it?

The Celtic Hotel is a family‑run budget bed and breakfast at 61–63 Guilford Street in the Bloomsbury district of London. According to the hotel’s official website, it has been operated by the same family for years, with a reputation for warm, personal service. The property is a short walk from Russell Square Underground station and close to the British Museum, the West End, and University College London.

Fodor’s Travel describes it as “a solid, dependable budget choice in a pricey district,” noting that rooms are clean and comfortable but that amenities are basic. The Fodor’s review also highlights that cheaper rooms have shared bathrooms, which is a key trade‑off for budget travellers.

Is the Celtic Hotel worth it for budget travellers?

The strongest selling points, repeated across multiple sources, are the central Bloomsbury location, the included cooked breakfast, and the friendly, family atmosphere. EuroCheapo calls it “one of our favorite budget hotels in all of Europe,” citing “lovely proprietors, reasonable rates, clean rooms, and a central location.” EuroCheapo review

Recent TripAdvisor reviews from 2024–2026 frequently use phrases like “great value,” “excellent value in a great location,” and “right in the heart of Bloomsbury.” One reviewer noted paying about £100 per night for a double room with private WC and shower, breakfast included, which is competitive for central London. (TripAdvisor guest review with price info)

However, the hotel is not for everyone. Fodor’s points out that it is a “no‑frills” property with basic amenities. A Yelp reviewer complained about uncomfortable beds and worn carpets. The trade‑off is clear: you get a great location and breakfast, but you accept older furnishings, modest room sizes, and the possibility of street noise.

“Simple, spotless and friendly family-run hotel.”

— Rough Guide (via TripExpert)

The bottom line: The Celtic Hotel is worth it for budget‑conscious travellers who prioritise location and a cooked breakfast over modern decor and full hotel services. If you need a quiet, luxury‑standard room with a lift and soundproofing, this is not the right choice.

Room types: singles, doubles, shared or en‑suite?

The hotel offers 35 rooms, including singles, doubles, and triples. Some rooms have private en‑suite bathrooms; others (usually the cheapest singles) have shared facilities. TripAdvisor reviewers consistently recommend paying extra for an en‑suite room. One reviewer said the £15 premium was “worth the added privacy and comfort.”

Room sizes are described as modest, typical of a Georgian townhouse conversion. Street‑facing rooms can be noisy during summer, while courtyard‑facing rooms are quieter, according to multiple guest accounts. The official site does not list exact dimensions, but expert reviews note that the property retains original narrow stairs – no elevator is mentioned.

What guests say about the Celtic Hotel

With more than 375 reviews on TripAdvisor and a sustained 4.3‑star rating, the overall sentiment is positive. Recurring themes in recent reviews (2024–2026) include: friendly staff, good breakfast, clean rooms, and excellent value. One reviewer wrote: “My stay at the Celtic was great value, especially when you consider it is right in the heart of Bloomsbury.”

Negative comments focus on the building’s age: worn carpets, mismatched furniture, and occasional stuffiness. One Yelp reviewer mentions uncomfortable beds. These complaints are consistent with the no‑frills character described by Fodor’s and others. No single problem is mentioned by more than two reviewers, so these appear to be occasional issues rather than patterns.

Importantly, multiple reviewers (3+) mention that the included cooked breakfast is generous and a major reason they would return. That consistency across independent reviews supports the hotel’s claim of a “generous cooked and continental breakfast.”

“If I could live there, I would… Rick Steves he was right it is a treasure.”

— Guest testimonial quoted on the Celtic Hotel official site

How does it compare to similar London budget B&Bs?

In the Bloomsbury / Russell Square micro‑market, the Celtic Hotel competes with other budget B&Bs and hostels that offer similar price points. The key differentiator is the combination of central location, included cooked breakfast, and a family‑run atmosphere. Many nearby hotels charge higher rates for the same location, while hostels may offer lower prices but shared dormitories and no breakfast.

EuroCheapo’s endorsement – placing it among “one of our favorite budget hotels in all of Europe” – suggests the value proposition is strong even compared to budget offerings in other major cities. However, if you prefer a modern budget chain (e.g., Premier Inn, Travelodge), you’ll find more consistent amenities and elevators, but often at a higher price in central London and without a cooked breakfast included.

Sample stay: What to expect for a weekend in Bloomsbury

Imagine arriving at Russell Square tube station on a Friday afternoon. You walk three minutes to Guilford Street and check into a compact double room with en‑suite bathroom – you booked ahead and paid roughly £100 per night. The room has a double bed, a small wardrobe, free Wi‑Fi, and a basic but clean bathroom with shower. After dropping your bag, you walk ten minutes to the British Museum, then catch a show in the West End in the evening. The next morning, you head downstairs to the basement dining room for a cooked breakfast (eggs, bacon, toast, cereal, tea or coffee) included in your rate. You spend the day exploring Covent Garden and the South Bank, then return to a quiet room (you requested a courtyard‑facing one). Sunday morning, another cooked breakfast, then check out and walk to the tube. Total cost for two nights: around £200 plus travel. For a budget‑conscious solo traveller or couple who values location over luxury, this is a very competitive package.

Location and getting there

61–63 Guilford Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1N 1DD. The hotel is a 3‑minute walk from Russell Square tube station (Piccadilly Line, direct to Heathrow and central London). Walking distance to the British Museum (5 minutes), Covent Garden (15 minutes), and the West End (20 minutes). King’s Cross St Pancras is about 15 minutes on foot or one stop on the Piccadilly Line. No on‑site parking is mentioned; the Congestion Charge zone applies. The closest car parks are fee‑paying in Bloomsbury. Most guests arrive by tube.

Alternatives to consider

If the Celtic Hotel is fully booked or not your style, a few nearby options may suit: the Generator Hostel (Russell Square) offers lower dorm‑style rates; the Jesmond Dene Hotel (Bloomsbury) is a similar family‑run B&B; the Premier Inn London King’s Cross provides consistent budget chain amenities. Each has its own trade‑offs in price, location, and included breakfast.

Sources cited

• Fodor’s Travel – Celtic Hotel review
• TripExpert – Celtic Hotel summary
• EuroCheapo – Celtic Hotel review
• TripAdvisor – Celtic Hotel main page
• Yelp – Celtic Hotel London