Gem Fitzrovia Hotel

I booked this hotel because, 40 years ago, it served as the halls of residence for the University of Westminster (PCL). I still have photos of myself inside and outside the building from 1986, and I remember exactly which room I occupied during the 1986‑87 academic year. After making the reservation, I emailed to ask whether I could possibly peek inside my old room during my stay. I was traveling from New York City with my son, and we had planned a series of family‑history visits around the UK so this fitted right in! Nimali from Reservations loved the photos and shared them with the rest of the staff and the hotel’s owner. To my delight, they offered me the very same room I had occupied as a student. When we arrived, every member of the team knew my story. Opening the door to my former room after four decades was an unforgettable moment. The space now feels far larger—it's the size of two old dorm rooms put together—and the whole hotel has been transformed. The once‑worn wood paneling has been polished to a regal finish, and the antiquated shower block has been replaced by a sleek modern elevator system. Every other area of the hotel has been upgraded yet still instantly recognizable from '86. Our experience was FANTASTIC! My son adored the full English breakfast—a novelty for him. No one had to go out of their way for me; but the staff acted immediately when they heard the story and were determined to make my dream a reality. I highly recommend this hotel because they care about the details. And in 1986 the location was already superb, being just north of Oxford Circus, and it remains just as excellent today, of course! 😊