King’s Cross Express Inn

Hotel Description

Honestly, the King’s Cross Express Inn surprised me – and I mean that in the best way possible. When you first walk up to 170 King’s Cross Road, you’re not expecting much from the outside (it’s pretty standard London brick), but step inside and there’s this unexpectedly warm, almost cozy vibe that feels way more personal than most four-star places in the area. The lobby actually smells like proper coffee instead of that generic hotel air freshener, which immediately put me at ease.

What really works about this place is the location – you’re literally a five-minute walk from King’s Cross St. Pancras, but here’s the thing most people don’t realize: you’re on the Islington side, which means you dodge most of the tourist chaos while still having incredible transport links. I loved being able to grab a proper breakfast at the little café on Pentonville Road (locals call it “Pen Road”) before heading into central London. The hotel sits right where King’s Cross gets interesting – you know, where it transitions from transport hub to actual neighborhood. You’ll hear the occasional rumble of trains, but it’s more of a gentle urban soundtrack than anything disruptive, especially at night.

The rooms themselves are… well, they’re thoughtfully done. Not huge – this is London, after all – but the beds are genuinely comfortable (I’m picky about mattresses), and someone clearly put effort into the lighting. You get proper reading lights that actually work, plus these clever little charging stations that don’t require you to crawl under furniture. The bathrooms are compact but functional, with decent water pressure and towels that don’t feel like sandpaper. I appreciated the blackout curtains too – essential when you’re dealing with those bright summer evenings or early morning light bouncing off the building across the street. The 7.2 rating feels about right, honestly. It’s solid, reliable, and comfortable without trying to be something it’s not. Staff were helpful without being overly chatty (perfect for early morning check-outs), and the Wi-Fi actually worked throughout the building, which sadly isn’t a given everywhere. If you’re looking for a base that gets you anywhere in London quickly while keeping you in a neighborhood that feels lived-in rather than touristy, this place delivers. Just don’t expect a spa or fancy restaurant downstairs – but with Camden Passage antiques market a short walk away and the coal drops regeneration bringing new restaurants monthly, you really don’t need hotel dining anyway.

Rooms

• Budget Single Room without Window with 1 single bed for 1 adult
• Small Single Room with 1 single bed for 1 adult
• Budget Double Room without Window with 1 double bed for 2 adults
• Small Double Room with 1 double bed for 2 adults
• Superior Double Room with 1 double bed for 2 adults
• Family Room with 2 double beds for 4 adults
• Economy Double Room without Window with 1 double bed for 2 adults

Facilities