Step into a world of comfort and elegance at the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel. This iconic landmark offers an array of amenities to make your stay truly memorable. Besides the abundance of restaurants and bars, you’ll find a rejuvenating spa and a well-equipped gym in the basement. For any special occasion, there are unique function rooms of various sizes. And if you need anything else, the neighboring St. Pancras station and King’s Cross station are just a stone’s throw away, offering convenient access to transportation and other facilities. The service throughout the hotel is excellent, with special mentions for the hospitality of Hakan in the Chambers Club and the welcoming team at the Midland Grand Dining Room.
Let’s delve deeper into the hotel’s offerings, starting with the rooms.
Rooms with a View (and Character)
My initial room, a standard twin in the Barlow Wing, was impeccably clean and well-designed. However, it lacked the grandeur you’d expect from such a prestigious hotel. The window looked directly into the station roof, casting a rather dreary light. If you find yourself in the Barlow Wing, request a room on a higher floor or an odd-numbered room on the left side, which offers a street view rather than the station.
Thankfully, I was later upgraded to a king-bed room on the 7th floor, facing the station but with a much higher ceiling and brighter lighting. This room, with its single, high window, felt more like a vintage railway station waiting room, brimming with character.
Both rooms were exceptionally comfortable and impeccably clean, with plush beds, complimentary mineral water, and convenient refillable water stations in the corridor. The rooms also boasted mini-bars, bathrobes, ample towels, and an ironing board – a true traveler’s delight.
The king-bed room, with its marble floors and walls, a walk-in shower, and heated bathroom mirror, was undoubtedly the superior choice. It exuded a luxurious ambiance, unlike the standard twin, which felt more like a generic hotel room.
A Delicious Start to Your Day
The hotel offers a delightful breakfast experience with two options: the Booking Office and the Chambers Club. The Booking Office, with its soaring ceilings and historic charm, provides a generous buffet with an array of fresh fruits, yogurts, pastries, cheeses, meats, and hot options like sausages, bacon, and scrambled eggs. You can also order freshly made eggs.
The Chambers Club, while inviting, felt a little lacking in the breakfast department. Though it offered meat, cheese, salads, juices, cereal, and fruit, it lacked yogurt, fresh fruit salad, and toast. The selection of pastries was also limited. However, the service was excellent, and you could always head next door to the Booking Office for a more complete breakfast experience.
The Chambers Lounge offered a unique dining experience, allowing guests to enjoy the full menu from other restaurants in a more relaxed setting. This proved to be a welcome option for solo travelers like me, as it provided a comfortable and private space to work or unwind with evening cocktails and a delicious dinner.
A Historic Legacy
The St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel is more than just a luxurious hotel; it’s a historic landmark. Built in 1973 as the Midland Grand Hotel, it was designed by the renowned architect George Gilbert Scott. After closing in 1935, the building served as railway offices until 2005, when it was transformed into a residential complex. The hotel reopened in 2011 under the management of Marriott International.
The hotel’s grand gothic facade, built in the Victorian era, is a testament to its rich history. The impressive principal staircase, made famous by the Spice Girls’ music video for “Wannabe,” adds to the hotel’s iconic status.
Whether you’re seeking a relaxing getaway, a memorable dining experience, or a glimpse into history, the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel provides an unforgettable experience. From its luxurious rooms and extensive amenities to its historic charm and impeccable service, this hotel is a true gem.
