The rejuvenation undergone in and around London’s Kings Cross has seen an end put to the area’s seedy undercarriage. Now it is an energetic transport and business hub, seeing more than 1 million commuters pass through every day. Add to that the British Museum, King’s College University and the Wellcome Collection nearby and it’s easy to understand the area’s growing popularity as a place to stay.
Kings Cross St. Pancras station hosts the Eurostar too, meaning the area is a popular place to find a hotel in London before catching a train to Paris or Brussels. Many of the city’s underground lines connect at Kings Cross Underground station, making it an ideal place from which to explore all of London. Hotels in Kings Cross are a mixed bag. The choice ranges from smaller B&Bs to major hotel chains, and the quality is just as varied. Here at TravelMag we’ve filtered out the duds to bring you the top five.
Privates from £212/ night
Comfort Inn offers a great combination of good facilities and, relative to other options in Central London, good value. Just a minute from St. Pancras Station, all rooms are en-suite, air-conditioned and contain free wifi and flatscreen TVs. Another huge bonus of Comfort Inn is their free breakfast. The suites are reasonably priced and have a microwave and refrigerator. The one bedroom apartment also contains a tea and coffee maker.
Privates from £101/ night
A great option for budget travellers who don’t want to compromise on location, Princess Hotel is on a quiet residential street just a minute from St. Pancras Station. Rooms are separated into two categories: Basic with a shared bathroom or standard, with a private bathroom. The latter costs a little more. All rooms have free wifi and flatscreen freeview TVs. Breakfast costs a little extra; otherwise the area has loads of restaurants, pubs and cafes.
Privates from £362/ night
Few hotels in the world are quite as luxurious both inside and out as the Renaissance Hotel St. Pancras. The building itself is part of St. Pancras station, a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture. Inside the rooms, you’ll find 37 inch flatscreen TVs, large tiled bathrooms with bathrobes and slippers, air conditioning and hairdryers. The hotel’s facilities befit a five star hotel, including an indoor pool, gym, restaurant and bar amid stunning interior design.
Privates from £243/ night
The Megaro Hotel is a quirky place with an excellent restaurant attached. Just across the road from St. Pancras Station, even the standard rooms come with a pleasing array of in-room facilities, such as an espresso machine, media system, fridge and ensuite bathrooms with rainfall showers. There is also a bar within the restaurant. Breakfast, although available, is not included in the room price.
Privates from £112/ night
Set away from the main road tumult of Kings Cross, Jesmond Dene Hotel is still only two minutes from the station on foot. It is one of the better value options in the area with cosy, modern rooms all containing a flatscreen TV and free wifi. Although the cheaper rooms have shared bathrooms, there are ensuite options available too. All rooms have heating and air conditioning. Breakfast is available for an additional fee.