The California

The California Overview

First Impressions

Walking up to The California on Belgrove Street, you’ll notice it’s not trying to be something it isn’t — and honestly, that’s refreshing. This three-star hotel sits quietly in Camden, tucked away on a residential street that feels surprisingly peaceful for central London. The building has that classic London townhouse charm, though don’t expect marble lobbies or doormen in top hats. What you get instead is something much more genuine — a place that feels like it belongs in the neighborhood rather than trying to dominate it.

Location That Actually Works

Here’s what I love about this spot — you’re genuinely in the heart of things without the tourist circus. Camden Town station is practically around the corner, which means you can be in central London in minutes, but you’re also walking distance from some of the city’s best markets and music venues. The couples who rate this location so highly (apparently 9.4 out of 10) aren’t wrong — there’s something romantic about wandering back through these quieter streets after a night out in Covent Garden or the West End. Plus, you know what’s brilliant? You can actually get a decent night’s sleep here because you’re just far enough from the main drag.

The Room Experience

The rooms are what you’d expect from a well-run three-star — clean, comfortable, and thoughtfully arranged without any unnecessary fuss. I mean, you’re not getting a marble bathroom or a spa, but the beds are genuinely comfortable and the windows actually open (which is rarer than it should be in London hotels). The room sizes are honest for London standards — not cramped, but you’re not doing cartwheels either. What impressed me was the attention to practical details: proper reading lights, enough outlets for your devices, and blackout curtains that actually work.

Breakfast Worth Getting Up For

Breakfast here is surprisingly comprehensive — they’ve clearly thought about different dietary needs without making a big show of it. The full English is solid (proper bacon, not that weird processed stuff), but I was actually more impressed with their Italian options and how well they handle vegetarian and vegan requests. The gluten-free choices aren’t just an afterthought either, which is refreshing. If you’re rushing off early, the breakfast-to-go option is genuinely useful — they pack it properly, not just thrown together in a paper bag.

Why Guests Love It

What strikes me about The California is how it gets the fundamentals right without trying to be flashy about it. The staff seem to actually care about what they’re doing, and there’s a sense that this place has found its rhythm over the years. You’re paying for location, comfort, and reliability — not Instagram moments or bragging rights. For couples especially, there’s something appealing about having a quiet base in such a well-connected part of London. It’s the kind of place where you can store your shopping from Camden Market, grab a quick shower, and head out for dinner in Bloomsbury without feeling like you’re staying in a tourist bubble.

Exploring London drifts through historic pubs, modern galleries, and dusk-lit bridges arching over the Thames.

The California Accommodations

Reviews of The California

• Tiina from Finland (8/10)

  The location was perfect.
  The staff were friendly and helpful. I got The breakfast earlier, because of my train timing.
  The room was My colour💗.
  The terass was nice and cosy.
  The Finnish charger plug was compatible, nice surprise.
  
  Very good!

• Steven from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Great location underground straight over the road

• Sally from United Kingdom (7/10)

  location was brilliant for tube and train

• Victor from Malaysia (8/10)

  Location is good, simple & comfortable room.

• Abi from United Kingdom (7/10)

  The hotel is in an incredible location if you want to be near Kings Cross. I was coming from York and going to a show at the Bloomsbury Theatre so everything was super close.
  The shower was great.

• Louise from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Very good location, Good comfortable bed. Staff were really good and helpful, would definitely recommend and stay again.

• Amy from United Kingdom (8/10)

  Lovely location, so close to the King's Cross station. Staff was welcoming and saved our begs while we shopped and checked in! It was on the smaller side the room but really comfy beds. I would visit again on short breaks away.

• Steven from Croatia (8/10)

  very good location brilliant for solo traveller the single roops

• Richard from United Kingdom (8/10)

  Walking to Eurostar

• Clark from United Kingdom (8/10)

  Such a lovely place

Surroundings

Facilities