This is a review of the Hotel Megaro, a modern and chic hotel situated near King’s Cross and St. Pancras Stations in London. We found this hotel to be a great base for exploring the city and it has excellent value for money.
You know the feeling: arriving in a new city, overwhelmed by the sheer size and scale of it all. That’s why we love the idea of picking a neighborhood and making it our home base. On recent trips, we’ve embraced the South Bank and the area around Hyde Park, and felt less overwhelmed as a result. But there’s always been a snag: lugging our luggage across town to find our temporary lodgings.
This time, we decided to stay near the train station. After all, our train journey to London concluded at King’s Cross, so why not stay right there? In the past, King’s Cross was just a place we had to pass through, a way to get to a train bound for somewhere else. But after a complete makeover, it has become a bustling and trendy hub that we were happy to explore in more detail.
Finding Our Haven: The Hotel Megaro
This section focuses on the Hotel Megaro, including its location, design, facilities, and overall experience.
We found ourselves settling into the Hotel Megaro, a vibrant and welcoming hotel just across the street from King’s Cross Station on Euston Road. It’s easily recognizable with its bold splashes of color on the exterior. Stepping inside, we were greeted by friendly staff and a stylish lobby, transformed into a bar called “minimix,” where we were delighted to find complimentary popcorn, fruit, and sweets. It was the perfect way to unwind after a day of travel.
The Megaro is part of the St. Pancras Hotels Group, and it reflects an independent spirit with a cool and contemporary design. The bedrooms have a Scandinavian feel, with natural wood and glass, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. Each morning, we started our day at the hotel’s Megaro Eatery, a popular spot for breakfast or brunch. We couldn’t resist the fluffy pancakes or the delicious smashed avocado on sourdough bread with a side of scrambled eggs. In the evening, the sensual Megaro bar, tucked away in the basement, beckoned us with its dim lighting and live jazz music on some evenings. It was a wonderful place to relax and unwind after a busy day.
Our Deluxe Double Room: A Cozy Retreat
This section describes the details of the deluxe double room at the Hotel Megaro, highlighting its amenities and comfort.
We booked a deluxe double room on the top floor, offering stunning views of King’s Cross and St. Pancras stations. The room was spacious and comfortable, with a luxurious bed featuring top-quality linen. The s-shaped loveseat was ideal for a romantic moment and the two cozy chairs by the door provided a perfect spot to relax. We appreciated the well-equipped bathroom, which was larger than the usual London bathroom, and the square bathtub added a unique touch.
The room was filled with thoughtful amenities, including a nifty espresso machine serving excellent Italian Illy coffee, a fridge with complimentary still and sparkling water, free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, bathrobes, and slippers. It truly had everything we needed for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. The hotel also offers standard double rooms, family rooms, and nearby apartments, including the funky corner studios, designed by the artist Henry Chebaane. For those traveling with their furry friends, dog-friendly rooms are also available.
A Foodie’s Paradise: King’s Cross Delights
This section explores the diverse culinary scene in the King’s Cross area, offering recommendations for cafes and restaurants.
When it comes to food, King’s Cross offers a delicious smorgasbord of dining options. Pancras Square and Granary Square, straddling Regent’s Canal, are great spots for people-watching and grabbing a bite to eat. From the German Gymnasium to Dishoom, Kimchee, Caravan, and Tortilla, there’s something for every taste and budget. Of course, you can always grab a sandwich from one of the stations for a quick and easy meal.
We particularly enjoyed Franco Manca, a fantastic pizzeria on York Way. We’ve been fans of this chain for years, drawn to their small menu of wood-fired pizzas made with high-quality ingredients. The pizzas are reasonably priced, ranging from about £5 to £8, and paired with organic Italian wine, they made for a delicious and affordable supper.
A Cultural Journey: Exploring King’s Cross Attractions
This section provides a comprehensive guide to the free attractions in the King’s Cross area, encouraging readers to explore its cultural gems.
If you’re looking for free things to do in London, King’s Cross is a treasure trove of cultural experiences. Just outside the station, you’ll find the British Library, home to the impressive “Newton” sculpture in the piazza. Inside the library, the Treasures Gallery displays a vast collection of manuscripts, from Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales to Captain Cook’s journal. You can even see one of the original copies of Magna Carta.
A short walk down Euston Road leads you to the Wellcome Collection, a free destination for the “incurably curious.” Explore Henry Wellcome’s medical antiquities or find solace in the relaxing Reading Room, complete with bean bags and tables for a quiet read.
We also recommend visiting the Grant Museum of Zoology, a small but fascinating museum part of University College London. With 68,000 specimens pinned, pickled, and displayed as skeletons, it’s sure to delight children (and adults) who appreciate the macabre. Don’t miss the jar of moles or the purse made from a sheep’s testicle. The micrarium showcases microscopic slides, revealing a world of “tiny things.”
A London Adventure: Expanding Your Exploration
This section acknowledges that while King’s Cross is a great base, it can be exciting to explore other parts of the city and includes suggestions for further adventures.
While we enjoyed the convenience of staying in King’s Cross and exploring its immediate surroundings, we couldn’t resist venturing out to other parts of London on occasion. A short tube ride took us to Leicester Square to catch a performance of “Mary Stuart” at the Duke of York’s Theatre. On another day, we traveled further afield to Putney to witness the University Boat Race.
However, we primarily focused on the King’s Cross area, and we were delighted with the variety of attractions within walking distance, including the British Museum, Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Camden Market, and Regent’s Park. And if you decide to explore further afield, there are several underground lines passing through King’s Cross, making it easy to reach other parts of the city.
A Magical Conclusion: Departure and Memories
This section summarizes the review and concludes with a final reflection on the overall experience.
When it was time to head home, we were grateful for the convenience of the station being just steps away, eliminating the stress of navigating the London transportation system with luggage. The Hotel Megaro offered a wonderful blend of comfort, convenience, and affordability; a perfect home away from home. If you’re planning a trip to London, consider making King’s Cross your base. It’s a vibrant and historic area that offers a wealth of attractions, dining options, and cultural experiences. And who knows, maybe you’ll even catch a glimpse of the Harry Potter trolley at Platform 9 3/4 and summon a little bit of magic for your journey home!
