St Pancras Inn

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be straight with you about St Pancras Inn – it’s one of those places that surprises you in the best way possible. When I first walked up Caledonian Road (which, honestly, isn’t the prettiest stretch of London), I wasn’t expecting much from this Victorian building. But you know what? Sometimes the best finds are hiding in plain sight.

The location is actually pretty clever once you get your bearings. Sure, you’re technically in Islington, but King’s Cross St Pancras is literally a ten-minute walk away – I mean, you can see the station from some of the upper floor windows. And here’s the thing locals know: Caledonian Road might look a bit rough around the edges, but it’s got character, plus you’re incredibly well connected without paying those insane Zone 1 hotel prices. The Angel tube station is close enough that you’ll find yourself using it more than you’d expect, especially when you discover that Chapel Market just around the corner does proper weekend browsing.

What struck me most was how they’ve managed to keep that old London pub charm (the building used to be a proper Victorian boozer) while actually making the rooms comfortable. The ceilings are higher than you’d get in most modern hotels, and there’s something satisfying about the old wooden floors that creak just enough to remind you you’re staying somewhere with history. Honestly, the 7.1 rating feels about right – it’s not trying to be the Savoy, but the staff genuinely seem to care about getting things right. Check-in was smooth, no pretentious nonsense, and they actually gave useful local recommendations instead of just pointing you toward the tourist traps. The rooms themselves are clean and well-thought-out, though I’d say if you’re sensitive to street noise, maybe ask for something facing away from the main road – Caledonian can get a bit lively, especially on weekend nights when people are heading to and from the pubs.

Here’s what really sold me on the place though: it feels authentically London without being manufactured about it. You’re staying in a proper neighborhood where people actually live and work, not some sanitized hotel district. There’s a decent Turkish place two doors down that stays open late, the bus routes are brilliant for getting around (the 17 and 91 will become your friends), and if you’re into that whole “discovering London’s hidden corners” thing, you’re perfectly positioned. The area around King’s Cross has transformed completely in recent years – suddenly you’ve got Coal Drops Yard, Granary Square, all these new restaurants and shops, but you’re staying somewhere that remembers what London was like before everything got so polished. I mean, it’s still a four-star hotel so you get proper amenities and comfortable beds, but there’s something refreshingly unpretentious about the whole experience. Would I stay again? Absolutely – especially if I wanted to feel like I was staying in London rather than just visiting it.

Rooms

• Economy Single Room (No Window) with 1 single bed for 1 adult
• Standard Single Room with 1 single bed for 1 adult
• Economy Double Room (No Window) with 1 double bed for 2 adults
• Compact Double Room with 1 double bed for 2 adults
• Standard Double Room with 1 double bed for 2 adults
• Deluxe Double Room with 1 double bed for 2 adults
• Compact Single Room with 1 single bed for 1 adult

Facilities