The St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London is a stunning landmark, offering much more than just luxurious accommodations. With its prime location adjacent to St. Pancras International Station and King’s Cross Station, you’ll have easy access to a wide range of amenities and services. From the numerous bars and restaurants on-site to the relaxing spa and gym in the basement, and even a variety of unique function rooms for any occasion, this hotel caters to every need. The exceptional service, like the helpful Hakan at the Chambers Club and the welcoming staff in the Midland Grand Dining Room, only adds to the overall experience.
Room Amenities and Comfort
During my stay, I had the opportunity to experience two different rooms: a standard twin room and a king-bed room. While the twin room was clean and well-designed, it lacked the grandeur I expected from such a prestigious hotel. The room was quite dark, with the window facing the station roof. However, the king-bed room on the higher floor was a revelation. It offered more light, a higher ceiling, and a vintage ambiance, evoking the feeling of a railway station waiting room. Both rooms were exceptionally clean and comfortable, with amenities like replenished bottled water, bathrobes, ample towels, and even an iron and ironing board. The king-bed room, however, exceeded expectations with its marble-tiled walls and floors, nicer bathroom fittings, a walk-in shower, and a heated bathroom mirror.
Dining Delights: Booking Office and Chambers Club
The hotel offers a range of dining options, including the Booking Office and the Chambers Club. The Booking Office, with its breathtaking vaulted ceilings and historical charm, boasts a fantastic breakfast buffet with an impressive selection of fruits, yogurt, pastries, cheeses, meats, and both hot and cooked-to-order options. The Chambers Club, while well-presented and welcoming, felt slightly lacking in comparison. It offered a more limited selection of breakfast items, but the friendly service and the option to supplement with additional food from the Booking Office made up for it.
Chambers Lounge and Other Dining Choices
The Chambers Lounge offers a more intimate dining experience, allowing guests to enjoy the full menu from other restaurants in a relaxed setting. This option proved particularly appealing to me during my solo trip, as it allowed me to work on my laptop while enjoying evening cocktails and dinner.
A Glimpse into History
The St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London is a building steeped in history. Originally constructed in 1973 as the Midland Grand Hotel by renowned architect George Gilbert Scott, the hotel was closed in 1935. After being used as railway offices for several years, the building was partially renovated in 2005 and fully reopened as a hotel in 2011 under the management of Marriott International.
Gothic Grandeur and a Touch of Fame
The hotel’s gothic facade and grand Victorian architecture are truly awe-inspiring, particularly the principal staircase, which gained iconic status after featuring in the Spice Girls’ music video for “Wannabe”. The St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London is more than just a hotel; it’s a living testament to history, architectural excellence, and luxurious hospitality.
