Imagine: stepping into a luxurious hotel steeped in history, surrounded by stunning Victorian architecture. That’s the experience you get at the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London.
This grand hotel offers everything you need for a memorable stay. Besides the wide variety of bars and restaurants, you’ll find a relaxing spa and gym in the basement. If you’re planning an event, there are unique function suites of all sizes. For even more options, the connected St. Pancras station and King’s Cross station are just a short walk away.
The service at the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel is consistently excellent. Hakan in the Chambers Club and the entire Midland Grand Dining Room team were particularly professional and welcoming.
Room with a View: A Standard Twin and a King-Bed Suite
My first room was a standard twin room located in the Barlow Wing. Although clean and well-designed, it felt rather bland compared to the hotel’s grandeur. The single bed wasn’t my preference, and the shower over the bath wasn’t ideal. The dark room with a window facing the station roof made it feel a bit gloomy.
Fortunately, I was later upgraded to a king-bed room on the 7th floor. This room offered a higher ceiling, more light, and a view of the station roof. Despite having only one window, it had a more charming vintage railway station waiting room feel.
Comfort and Amenities: A Focus on Detail
Both rooms were exceptionally clean and comfortable. The beds were super comfortable, and the replenished mineral water bottles and refillable water stations were thoughtful touches. I also appreciated the mini-bar, bathrobes, ample towels, and the ever-essential iron and ironing board.
The king-bed room was clearly of a higher standard than the standard twin. It boasted marble tiled walls and floors, nicer bathroom fittings, a walk-in shower, a heated bathroom mirror, and discreet night-lighting.
Breakfast Options: From Historic Charm to Exclusive Perks
The St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel offers various breakfast options. I tried the Booking Office and the Chambers Club.
The Booking Office, housed in a historic space with high ceilings, features a delicious breakfast buffet with fresh fruits, yoghurts, juices, pastries, cheeses, meats, and a wide range of hot options. You can also order freshly made eggs.
The Chambers Club boasts a more exclusive atmosphere but offered a limited breakfast spread. While there were meats, cheeses, salad, juices, cereal, and fruit, it lacked yoghurts, fresh fruit salad, and toast. The small pastries and coffee machine weren’t quite enough to satisfy my appetite. Fortunately, I was able to order additional items like bircher muesli, fruit salad, and hot options from the Booking Office.
Dining Options: A Culinary Journey at the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel
The hotel offers a fantastic range of dining options, with detailed information available online. I enjoyed breakfast at the Chambers Lounge, which, although slightly disappointing, still offered a high standard and excellent selection.
One unique feature is the ability to dine in the Chambers Lounge with a full menu from other restaurants. This allows you to enjoy the ambiance of the lounge while savoring diverse culinary experiences. For solo travelers like myself, it’s a relaxing way to enjoy a meal and work on my laptop.
A Historical Gem: The St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel’s Rich Past
The St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel is a historic gem. Originally built in 1973 as the Midland Grand Hotel by George Gilbert Scott, it was closed in 1935. For many years, the building served as railway offices before being redeveloped into residences and reopening as a hotel in 2011. It is now managed by Marriott International.
The hotel’s grand gothic facade and imposing Victorian architecture, including the majestic principal staircase, are instantly recognizable, made even more famous by the Spice Girls’ iconic “Wannabe” video.
