Honestly, walking into the St. Pancras Renaissance feels a bit like stepping into a period drama – and I mean that in the best possible way. This Victorian Gothic masterpiece sits right there on Euston Road, impossible to miss with those red brick towers and ornate spires that make you do a double-take every single time. You know what’s wild? Most people rush past it to catch trains at St. Pancras Station (which is literally connected), but they’re missing out on staying in what’s essentially a piece of London history that happens to have really good room service.
The thing about this place is that it actually delivers on the grandeur without feeling stuffy. Sure, you’ve got the sweeping staircase that’ll make your Instagram followers jealous, and the lobby ceiling is so elaborate you’ll get a crick in your neck trying to take it all in – but the staff genuinely seems happy to see you, not like they’re performing some rehearsed five-star hotel dance. I mean, the check-in process is smooth, though you might want to factor in a few extra minutes just to gawk at the architecture. The rooms themselves strike this interesting balance between Victorian elegance and modern comfort. The beds are properly comfortable (none of that rock-hard mattress nonsense some boutique hotels think is sophisticated), and the bathrooms feel luxurious without being over the top. One thing though – if you’re a light sleeper, maybe mention it when booking because Euston Road can get busy, especially during morning rush hour.
Location-wise, you’re basically in the sweet spot of central London without being right in the tourist chaos of Covent Garden or Oxford Street. King’s Cross has transformed into this hub of cool restaurants and bars – Granary Square is just a few minutes’ walk and perfect for evening strolls, especially when they have those fountains going in summer. Plus, you can walk to Camden Market if you’re feeling adventurous, or hop on the Tube from King’s Cross St. Pancras (seriously, it’s right there) to get anywhere in the city. The hotel’s bar scene is worth mentioning too – the Booking Office Bar sits in what used to be the original ticket office, and it’s got this authentic Victorian railway station vibe that somehow doesn’t feel gimmicky. Prices are what you’d expect for a five-star London hotel, but the cocktails are actually good, not just expensive. Look, a 7.8 rating might seem modest for a place this grand, but I think that’s because people expect perfection at these prices. What you get instead is character, genuine history, and that particular kind of London sophistication that feels earned rather than manufactured. It’s the sort of place where you end up extending your stay just because leaving feels like giving up on a really good conversation.