The St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel is a true gem, nestled right next to King’s Cross Station, it’s an ideal location for travelers. The hotel boasts a fantastic array of amenities, from stylish bars and restaurants to a luxurious spa and gym – all conveniently located on-site. For those seeking even more options, St. Pancras Station and King’s Cross Station are just a stone’s throw away, offering an abundance of additional facilities.
The hotel’s exceptional service is another highlight. I was particularly impressed by the friendly staff at the Chambers Club, especially Hakan, and the professionalism of the Midland Grand Dining Room team. Their warm welcome made me feel right at home.
Room with a View (and a Little History)
My journey began in room #428, a standard twin room in the Barlow Wing. Although spotlessly clean and well-designed, I found the room rather plain, lacking the grandeur I expected from such a historic hotel. The single bed and the shower over the bath weren’t ideal for my taste, and the window facing the tiled station roof made the room feel quite dark. I’d recommend requesting a room on a higher floor, preferably on the left-hand side for a view of the street instead of the station.
Thankfully, I was later upgraded to a king-bed room on the 7th floor (#706). This room was a complete transformation! The high ceiling, abundant light, and vintage railway station waiting room feel offered a much more charming and characterful atmosphere. Although it still faced the station, the window was positioned high above the roof, offering a brighter and more spacious outlook.
Comfort and Convenience at Your Fingertips
Both rooms were incredibly comfortable and impeccably clean, both upon arrival and after the morning cleaning service. The beds were super-comfortable (even the single bed, despite its smaller size), and complimentary mineral water bottles were provided and refilled with the evening turn-down service. A thoughtful touch was the refillable water stations (sparkling and still) located in the corridor. Each room also featured a mini-bar, bathrobes, ample towels, and an iron and ironing board – a traveler’s dream!
The first room, while perfectly functional, felt like it could have been in any ordinary hotel. The second room, however, was clearly a cut above, reflecting the higher standard of the Barlow House Deluxe, Superior, and Premier room options. Its marble tiled walls and floor, refined bathroom fixtures and sanitaryware, full-sized walk-in shower, heated bathroom mirror, and subtle night-lighting added a touch of luxury and sophistication.
Indulging in Breakfast Delights
The hotel’s rate includes a full breakfast at the Booking Office, as well as access to the Chambers Club. Eager to sample both options, I enjoyed breakfast at the Booking Office one day and the Chambers Club the next.
The Booking Office is a stunning space, with vast ceilings that exude a palpable sense of history. The breakfast buffet was extensive and delectable, featuring an array of fresh fruits, yoghurts, juices, pastries, toast, cheeses, and meats, alongside a selection of hot dishes (sausages, bacon, hash browns, tomatoes, scrambled eggs). For those desiring something more customized, freshly made eggs were available upon request. I personally opted for avocado on sourdough toast with a poached egg, a truly satisfying breakfast.
The Chambers Club offered a more exclusive and intimate setting, but unfortunately, the breakfast buffet felt somewhat lackluster in comparison. While meat, cheeses, salad, juices, cereal, and fruit were available, I missed the yoghurts, fresh fruit salad, and toast offered at the Booking Office. The selection of pastries was also limited, and I ended up having juice and a couple of small chocolate croissants. To make up for the lacking selection, I ventured next door to the Booking Office and indulged in delicious bircher muesli with fruit salad, followed by tomatoes, beans, hash browns, and toast. The service at both locations was excellent, and the variety of food options was impressive.
A Restaurant for Every Occasion
The hotel offers a fantastic array of dining options on-site, and I recommend exploring them all. I had the opportunity to try the Chambers Lounge for breakfast, which, unfortunately, fell short of my expectations. However, the overall standard and choice of dining experiences at the hotel is truly exceptional.
One of the highlights is the Chambers Lounge, where you can enjoy the full menu from other restaurants. This proved to be a wonderful convenience for me, as a solo traveler, allowing me to work on my laptop, enjoy evening cocktails, and have dinner served in the lounge.
A Majestic History Unveiled
The St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel stands as a testament to architectural grandeur. Originally built in 1973 as the former Midland Grand Hotel, designed by George Gilbert Scott, it was sadly closed in 1935. The building remained largely unused until 2005, when it underwent a transformation, with residences being developed before the hotel reopened in 2011 under the management of Marriott International.
This magnificent Gothic-fronted building, built in the Victorian era, exudes an aura of historical grandeur, particularly the principal staircase that gained fame from its appearance in the Spice Girls’ “Wannabe” music video.
The St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel is an unforgettable experience, offering a blend of history, luxury, convenience, and exceptional service. It’s a perfect destination for both business travelers and leisure seekers, allowing you to immerse yourself in a world of elegance and comfort.
