What it’s like to stay in London’s Great Northern Hotel
The original railway hotel, in the middle of King’s Cross, is surprisingly quiet
Back in the heyday of rail travel, station hotels sprang up to service the new steam travellers and the Great Northern Hotel – a Grade-II listed boutique hotel – was London’s first, designed by Lewis Cubitt, in 1854.
It sits right in King’s Cross, opposite the Eurostar terminal, with the new wings of the station wrapping around it. But despite its position, it’s whisper-quiet inside. And while once this might have seemed an unusual location to stay in, for anyone visiting London, thanks to the redevelopment in the area, it’s now a destination in itself. It’s packed with cafes, bars and shops, including Coal Drops Yard, Granary Square and King’s Boulevard.
But it’s inside the hotel where all the surprises await. Part of the Marriott Tribute portfolio, it was restored in 2013 and I have to say, they did a terrific job, filling it with character – something some other hotels I’ve visited could learn from. There’s art all over the walls, including an installation running down one of the two original wrought-iron staircases.
However, before you discover the interior, you have to get in. The downstairs is taken up by the busy GNH Bar and Terrace and the door to the hotel is tucked by the side. It leads into a long, narrow, lobby, with a tiny check-in desk at the end, after which you have to navigate a double set of doors to find the lifts.
It’s confusing, but once upstairs, it’s completely different - you are met with bright, wide corridors leading to 88 charming rooms, all decorated to reflect the heritage of the hotel, in four size categories – Couchette, Edwardian, Heritage and Victorian.
The Couchettes are meant to emulate train sleeper-cabins and are very small, so good for those just wanting somewhere to crash. The walnut-panelled Edwardians are in the eaves and my pick would be the pretty Heritage and Victorians rooms, which have huge sash windows, art deco mirrors and Nespresso machines. There are no family rooms, but some can fit a cot.
Another great touch is the large pantries located at the end of each floor, which have Nespresso machines and free cakes and treats for guests. There’s no gym, but you can ask at reception about the use of a neighbouring fitness centre.
As well as the ground floor restaurant, there’s a second brasserie on the first floor, called Rails. It serves Anglo-French classic dishes and is good value, especially the Harry Potter-esque afternoon tea, at £39.50. I also really liked the comfortable and quiet hotel lounge.
Verdict: 8/10
Overall, I would recommend the hotel if you’re travelling on Eurostar, or need to break a long journey. It’s a great option, right in the middle of transport options and is comfortable and atmospheric.
I was a guest of the Great Northern Hotel
Travel List
Where: Great Northern Hotel, King’s Cross St Pancras Station
How much: Doubles from £329
To book: visit gnhlondon.com