The beautiful gothic St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, now almost 140 years old, is located right next to King's Cross St Pancras, which might not be in the most glamorous of neighbourhoods, but the hotel's 1800 period charm is unbeatable. The enormous hotel raised to the grey London skies with its stern-looking clock tower and turrets, looks extremely daunting, but once inside, the atmosphere is cosy and warm. A great place to stay for business people needing to be close to the station, but also a fun and unusual experience for leisure guests. The only hotel in the country to be built right on the railway, the St Pancras Renaissance is one of a kind; if you do not decide to stay here, try dropping in for a coffee or lunch at The Booking Office or Gilbert Scott.
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Location
3.0/10
Accommodation
9.70/10
Overview
9.90/10
Food and drink
9.90/10
Spa
To know
The hotel is hard to miss due to its sheer size and presence right above the St Pancras international train terminal in King's Cross.
There isn't much to do in the immediate surroundings of the hotel, but being at King's Cross, means it is easy to get pretty much anywhere via the tube to other areas of more interest.
The hotel is actually two hotels in one, with the original part of the building having been converted into 37 Chamber suites and the modern extension, Barlow House, named after the engineer, William Barlow, with 208 rooms. The two buildings are linked via the lobby area, but only Chambers guests are allowed into the original building, which is the more exclusive of the two.
A Chamber suite is best for a truly authentic experience of 1800s Britain, however, the new quarters are also a good choice for guests who prefer a more modern style.
The hotel has been beautifully restored to its former glory, including the rooms. The Chambers Suites, located in the original building, are split into four categories: rooms with butler service, rooms with lounge access, one and two bedroom suites and last but not least, the Presidential suite. These extremely spacious suites all feature high ceilings, fireplaces and lavish furnishings but also all the expected mod-cons expected of a five-star hotel, like a flat-screen television, Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, a safe and tea and coffee facilities. All bathroom products are of the REN brand.
The rooms in Barlow House are a lot more conventional of a present-day style, with neutral colours and the same amenities as in the Chambers.
The hotel's 19th century charm is everywhere and will have you gasping in awe at several intervals. From the main entrance, the lobby, which used to be where the horse-drawn carriages would drive up and drop off some of Britain's most affluent guests. In those times, the hotel had its own train line, which has since been expanded.
We especially loved the fact that the hotel is really built within St Pancras station, and at some points throughout the hotel, there are great views of the platforms in the Eurostar terminal. It is this contrast between Foster's domes glass and aluminium clad structure and the 1865 station originally designed by William Barlowe that we fell for. Everywhere you look there is something to catch you eye - from the animated lobby to the quieter corridors of the original building, a lively train station atmosphere still reigns.
Other notable facilities recalling its original Victorian era, is a barber shop and private club. Also painstakingly restored is the 'Ladies' Smoking Room', one of the first places where it was authorised for women to smoke in public, and the beautiful forecourt.
The hotel has three main outlets. The Booking Office, otherwise the old ticketing office, is at platform level and can actually be accessed via the train station. It is a beautiful and warm place to come at any time of the day for breakfast, lunch or dinner. For a quick coffee or meeting, there is the lobby café, the Hansom Lounge, but our favourite that comes highly recommended is the Gilbert Scott Bar and Restaurant run by renowned chef, Marcus Wareing (who has been awarded a Michelin star for his restaurant at The Berkley). Set in the original part of the hotel and accessible from the street side, the British brasserie has all the charm of a hotel of this age and calibre despite staying fairly casual and fuss free. The prices are also very reasonable with a set menu from £19 or a main course for under £20. The hotel also has 24-hour room service.
The spa is housed in what used to be the hotel kitchens. Its brick archways and restored original tiling gives it charm on par with the rest of the hotel. There are six treatment rooms (including one for couples) and the spa uses the French-Moroccan brand, Cinq Mondes (the Renaissance spa is one of two hotel spas in the country to use the brand). The spa also has an indoor swimming pool open to in-house guests.
The history behind the hotel is what makes it so special. Originally built in 1865, along with St Pancras train station, the hotel opened in 1873 as The Midland Grand Hotel, designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott and was the second most expensive hotel in London after The Langham. Avant-garde, it was the first hotel to have electric lights, elevators, flushing loos and rotating doors, but following the hotel's success, the owners became complacent, and by the 1930s, the hotel fell into disrepair. The hotel remained empty from 1980 until it was taken over in 1992 by the Manhattan Loft Corporation. The renovation lasted almost 10 years until the hotel reopened in May 2011.
The grand hotel showcases restored gold-leaf ceilings, ornate wall murals and the spectacular grand staircase, which was widely revered as the most majestic in England with windows measuring over 50 feet and crowned by an elaborate vaulted ceiling, has been featured in many films and music videos most notably Batman and the Spice Girls' video for their debut single Wannabe.
The St Pancras Renaissance Hotel is part of the international hotel group, Marriott.
Having opened in April 2009, the Bermondsey Square (B2 to those in the know!) is very unusual in that it didn't take up residence in a renovated building. On the contrary, this contemporary 5 storey building resembling an office block was purpose-built from the ground up in an up-and-coming area, just a stone's throw from the city and the attractions of southern London. In the words of the management, this modest-sized, high-potential establishment is based on an 'informal, cosy, and friendly' hotel concept.
This hotel review is a translation from the French by the agency Traductéo.
They say "Don't judge a book by its cover" but you also shouldn't judge a hotel by its façade, especially not the Tower Hotel. This establishment in the Guoman chain makes up for its hideous exterior by a pleasant interior that combines entirely renovated spaces, traditional furniture and first class service.
This hotel review is a translation from the French by the agency Traductéo.
A breathtaking view of the Tower of London: this hotel is perfectly situated for exploring the eastern and northern parts of the city. Places of interest: covered or open-air marketplaces, the Wall Street-like atmosphere of the City and discovery of the banks of the River Thames.
This hotel review is a translation from the French by the agency Traductéo.
The Apex City of London is a stylish hotel ideally located in a lively part of London, just a stone's throw from the city centre and the tourist attractions around the Liverpool Street and Aldgate districts. The reception doubles up as an art gallery, and exudes a luxurious, welcoming feel. All the facilities are of a high quality and display a level of charm rarely seen in contemporary establishments. The hotel was designed by the son of the owners, and their second son, a photographer, has given them a few of his works in order to add the final touches to the decor in the guest rooms.
This hotel review is a translation from the French by the agency Traductéo.
This former town hall in East London represents one of the most remarkable transformations of any building in the capital. While most of the edifice's original architectural features have been guarded, this has not been seen as an obstacle to introducing a highly contemporary design into the hugely spacious rooms, world-class restaurant and divine pool and gym. Add to this a unique art project, great service and a vibrant history and you get one of the most unconventional hotels in London. Recommended for all types of traveller, especially those who are tired of staying in the town centre and are looking for an alternative location.
This hotel review is a translation from the French by the agency Traductéo.
This elegant classical eight-storey building stands on Piccadilly, a stone's throw from St James Park. It is ideal to spend a weekend with high quality service, but yet at affordable prices.
This hotel review is a translation from the French by the agency Traductéo.
This hotel is highly recommended for its reasonable price and its location, close to the Tate Modern Gallery. From the Mercure City Bankside, you can discover the welcoming banks of the Thames and the attractions of South London without having to take the underground.
This hotel review is a translation from the French by the agency Traductéo.
Comfortable rooms, proximity of the Tate Modern: the Novotel City South is well suited to discover the south bank of the Thames, and on the part of culture, there are a gourmet market and rehabilitated architecture.
This hotel review is a translation from the French by the agency Traductéo.
In very much the same way as the opening of The Savoy caused tongues to wag furiously back in 1889 with its electricity, new fangled lifts and en suite bathrooms, the reopening after three years of renovation on 10th October 2010 was the biggest talking point in the British, if not world, hotel industry. Brought back to its full Art Deco and Edwardian glory, The Savoy is now bigger and better than ever. The jewel in the crown of London's hotels now has several new features and much of what came before has had a full face lift. Immaculate rooms, exquisite dining and the finest of décor make of The Savoy the only place to stay in this town. It proves that class is timeless.
The Sanderson is one of those hotels in the world that you just have to stay at, at least once. It is a must for its unusual decoration (not that of a classic hotel) and 'way out there' atmosphere, whether you stay to dine or have a drink. Wealthy regulars will spend several nights here.
This hotel review is a translation from the French by the agency Traductéo.
The legendary luxury Italian jeweller, Bulgari, opens his third hotel worldwide after Milan and Bali. Following the same - very stylish - lines as the original Bulgari hotel in Milan, the 78-room London hotel is run by Ritz-Carlton, and delivers the promise of a luxury affair, complete with private holistic spa, swimming pool and hydrotherapy steam rooms. Designer Antonio Citterio, responsible for the Milan hotel, has come up with the interior design for the guest rooms at the Knightsbridge hotel, while architects Squire and Partners are responsible for delivery of the project. Silver is a central theme of the design, drawing on Bulgari's history with silversmiths and jewellery, and the theme influences the design of all the public spaces and bedrooms. The hotel also includes six luxury apartments, a restaurant at lower ground level with a sweeping staircase supported by a silver lit balustrade, a lounge, bar and spirit room.
The first hotel to have opened its doors in the British capital, Brown's Hotel can also boast the fact it was immortalised in the Agatha Christie novel 'At Bertram's Hotel'! The premises have somewhat changed, however, since the days when the famous writer stayed here. Yet although the hotel now offers a contemporary and designer setting, its walls still hold the atmosphere of the past...
This hotel review is a translation from the French by the agency Traductéo.
Don't let the appearance of this classical 19th century building fool you - although the inside is as elegant as its exterior facade, you're likely to find a few nice surprises in store. This may be due to the fact that this is no ordinary hotel! Instead, it is a 'large luxurious house', as the management likes to call it, located at the very heart of the elegant Kensington district and just a stone's throw from the park of the same name. You will definitely need to have a blank cheque book if you want to stay, or even just dine, at this 5 star establishment...
This hotel review is a translation from the French by the agency Traductéo.
The exclusive St. James's Hotel and Club is appropriately tucked away discreetly at the end of a cul-de-sac behind The Ritz on Piccadilly. While perhaps not quite of the same standing as its West End neighbour, the property is nonetheless a class act and has a history and following to rival that of any London hotel. The guestrooms are decorated and appointed to the highest standards and feature every amenity expected of a place like St. James's. As well as Michelin star dining and a service of the utmost attention to detail, the hotel still operates as a club to the rich and famous so you never know who you will be rubbing shoulders with when you stay here. More of a couples' or individual hotel, the St. James's is the place to come for intimacy, discretion and privacy.
This hotel review is a translation from the French by the agency Traductéo.
This former town hall in East London represents one of the most remarkable transformations of any building in the capital. While most of the edifice's original architectural features have been guarded, this has not been seen as an obstacle to introducing a highly contemporary design into the hugely spacious rooms, world-class restaurant and divine pool and gym. Add to this a unique art project, great service and a vibrant history and you get one of the most unconventional hotels in London. Recommended for all types of traveller, especially those who are tired of staying in the town centre and are looking for an alternative location.
This hotel review is a translation from the French by the agency Traductéo.
Amy Adejokun
Section editor
