Look, I’ll be honest – when I first heard “Kings Cross Pad,” I wasn’t expecting much. The name sounds a bit too trendy-trying-hard, you know? But this place actually surprised me in the best way. It’s tucked away in that sweet spot where Islington meets King’s Cross, and honestly, the location is pretty brilliant once you figure out the area. You’re literally a five-minute walk from King’s Cross St. Pancras (hello, Eurostar and brilliant transport links), but you’re not dealing with all the tourist chaos that comes with staying right next to a major station.
The hotel itself feels like someone took a Victorian townhouse and gave it a proper modern makeover without losing its character. I mean, you can still see the original cornicing in some rooms, but the bathrooms are sleek and the Wi-Fi actually works everywhere – which, let’s be real, isn’t always a given in these older London buildings. The rooms are what I’d call “London-sized” – not massive, but cleverly designed so you’re not tripping over your suitcase every five minutes. What really got me was the attention to little details… proper blackout curtains (essential for those bright summer mornings), decent water pressure in the shower, and outlets positioned where you actually need them. Small things, but they add up when you’re staying somewhere for more than a night.
Here’s what I really appreciate about this spot – it’s in proper London, not tourist London. Walk five minutes south and you hit the Regent’s Canal, which is gorgeous for a morning jog or evening stroll. Head north into Islington proper and you’ve got Chapel Market (brilliant for cheap eats and that authentic London market vibe) and Upper Street with its endless pubs and restaurants. The staff seem to get this too – they’ll point you toward the good curry house on Caledonian Road instead of some overpriced tourist trap. Parking is street parking only, so factor that in if you’re driving, though honestly, with King’s Cross right there, you probably don’t need a car anyway. The 7.8 rating feels about right – it’s not trying to be the Savoy, but it does what it does really well. Sometimes you just want a clean, comfortable base in a neighborhood that feels real, and that’s exactly what you get here.