Visiting London can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to cram a ton of sightseeing into a short trip. To avoid feeling stressed, we often choose to stay in one neighborhood and explore like a local. We’ve done this on the South Bank and near Hyde Park, and we love the relaxed pace it allows. But there’s always been one big problem: lugging our luggage across London to find our home away from home. Thankfully, on our latest trip, we found the perfect solution! We took our usual train to King’s Cross station…and stayed there!
When I lived in London in the 1980s, King’s Cross was a necessary evil – a place I couldn’t avoid if I wanted to catch a train back home. However, today, King’s Cross and St Pancras stations are part of a completely revamped area of London. It’s become so cool that I actually look forward to spending time there.
The Hotel Megaro: A Chic Stay in King’s Cross
We found a cozy home base at the Hotel Megaro, right across the street from the station on Euston Road. The hotel’s colorful exterior is easy to spot, and the friendly staff offers a welcoming atmosphere. Inside, you’ll find a gorgeous bar area called “minimix,” with complimentary popcorn, fruit, and sweets – perfect for a relaxing arrival. The hotel itself is part of the small St Pancras Hotels Group, and it boasts a unique, independent spirit. The cool, contemporary design, with its use of natural wood and glass, has a distinctly Scandinavian feel.
Every morning, we enjoyed breakfast or brunch at the hotel’s Megaro Eatery, a popular spot among locals. We highly recommend the pancakes or the smashed avocado on sourdough bread with scrambled eggs on the side. And when the day was done, we’d head downstairs to the Megaro bar for more cocktails and live jazz music on some nights. This dimly lit bar is a haven for those looking for a little escape. You can find your own secluded corner and relax for a while.
A Room with a View and Luxurious Amenities
We stayed in a deluxe double room on the top floor, offering a spacious view of St Pancras and King’s Cross stations. While you can hear a bit of traffic noise from the rooms, we didn’t mind it at all. I’d much rather hear the sounds of the city than the noise of footsteps in the hallway or a television in the next room. The room itself was incredibly comfortable, featuring a luxurious bed with top-quality linens. The s-shaped loveseat was perfect for cuddling, though not ideal for watching television together. There were also two comfortable chairs, a smart desk, and a dressing table. The bathroom was spacious by London standards, and the square bathtub, while a bit unusual, provided an opportunity for a little water yoga (or perhaps some meditative relaxation).
Our room was also stocked with a nifty espresso machine that brewed delicious Italian Illy coffee, a fridge with complimentary water, free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, bathrobes, and slippers. Everything we needed was right there! The hotel also offers standard double rooms, super-looking family rooms, nearby apartments, and funky corner studios (Hip Hip Britannia) designed by artist Henry Chebaane. They even have dog-friendly rooms! The hotel offers excellent value for money, especially when you compare it to other high-quality hotels near the two stations.
A Foodie’s Paradise in King’s Cross
Finding cafes and restaurants to suit your taste and budget is easy around King’s Cross. Head over to Pancras Square and Granary Square, which straddle Regent’s Canal, for some excellent people-watching opportunities. You’ll find a fantastic array of restaurants, from German Gymnasium and Dishoom to Kimchee, Caravan, and Tortilla. And if you’re in a hurry, you can even grab a sandwich at the station.
On York Way, just left of King’s Cross station, you’ll discover Franco Manca, a fantastic pizzeria we first discovered a few years ago. This chain has several locations in London and the south-east, and it’s known for its simple menu of wood-fired pizzas made with top-quality ingredients. Prices range from about £5 to £8, and you can wash it all down with organic Italian wine for a delicious and affordable supper.
Free Things to Do Around King’s Cross
If you’re looking for free activities in London, you’re in luck! King’s Cross is home to a variety of attractions. Take a right out of the station and you’ll stumble upon the British Library, with its impressive Newton sculpture in the piazza. Inside the library, you’ll find the Treasures Gallery, showcasing 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 little further down Euston Road is the Wellcome Collection, billed as “the free destination for the incurably curious.” Take a look at Henry Wellcome’s medical antiquities, or relax in the Reading Room, where you can grab a bean bag or find a table to read. And don’t forget to check out the Grant Museum of Zoology, part of UCL (University College London). This small but incredible museum is a must-see, especially if you have children who love anything gruesome. You’ll find 68,000 specimens pinned or pickled, numerous skeletons, including the extinct quagga, jars of moles, a purse made from a sheep’s testicle, and even a micrarium with three walls of microscopic slides. All of these are free to enjoy.
Exploring Beyond King’s Cross
While we primarily stayed in the King’s Cross area, we did venture out a couple of times. We took the Tube a few stops to Leicester Square to see a show and traveled to Putney to watch the University Boat Race. But for the most part, we were happy to explore the neighborhood around our hotel.
King’s Cross is conveniently located within walking distance of many attractions, including the British Museum, Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Camden Market, and Regent’s Park. And if you do decide to explore further afield, there are several underground lines that pass through King’s Cross, making it easy to reach your destination.
A Magical Farewell
When it was time to go home, the station was just a few steps away – no worries about being stuck on the Tube or caught in traffic. Next time, I’m going to search for the Harry Potter trolley at Platform 9 3/4 in King’s Cross station – maybe a little magic can summon up the Hogwarts Express to whisk us home a little quicker. We loved our stay at the Hotel Megaro and would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting London. King’s Cross is a vibrant, exciting neighborhood with something to offer everyone, and we can’t wait to go back and explore even more!
