St. Pancras London, Autograph Collection
Hotel · King's Cross ·
Victorian Gothic architecture, spa, pool, and fine dining
Victorian Gothic architecture, spa, pool, and fine dining
"A splurge-worthy historic hotel offering grand period architecture and a sense of old-world history paired with an exceptionally convenient location next to central rail links, ideal for travelers seeking both character and proximity to major transport." - Harriet Baskas Harriet Baskas Harriet Baskas is an award-winning multimedia journalist. She regularly contributes to NBCNews.com, USAToday.com, and CNBC.com, and is the author of seven books. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"How did it strike you on arrival?This is not your average train-station hotel—or your average Marriott-owned property, come to think of it. Looming over St. Pancras station (handy for the Eurostar, as well as trips up to York and Scotland), it looks more like a fairytale castle than a hotel. If those Gothic spires and candy-striped window arches look familiar, it's probably because Harry and Ron flew a car over them in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. The hotel gravitates towards the central grand staircase, with its fleur-de-lys wallpaper and a dome sprinkled with stars. What’s the crowd like?The location, next to the station in newly regenerated Kings Cross, means that the visitors are usually here for a short stay, stopping over on the way into or out of the city. Because it’s Marriott-owned, the place sees its fair share of business travelers, too—Google and Facebook have headquarters nearby. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.The hotel is split into two halves—the new half and the old half (the oldest part of the building dates back to 1873). There are just 38 suites in the old part, with gorgeous Victorian features—ornate cornicing, marble fireplaces, and vast bathrooms. The downside? The Chambers suites are expensive (from $618), whereas the rooms in the new part are boxy and bland, but, as consolation, much cheaper. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?Guests staying in the Chambers suites get access to the Chambers Club, with free breakfast, evening canapés, and Champagne. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Free. Room service: Worth it?In-room dining is reasonable—$17 for eggs Benedict—but unless you’re in a Chambers suite, there are more inspiring places to eat than your room. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.Make sure you sample the posh pub grub in the Booking Office—what used to be the ticket hall is now an exceedingly atmospheric spot for a snack under dramatic vaulted ceilings and carved wood paneling. The high-end option is the Gilbert Scott restaurant, where celebrity chef, Marcus Waring, has revamped meaty British classics such as venison haunch with roasted parsley root and black pudding. The Sunday Lunch is legendary. (The set menu costs $37 for three courses.) There’s a spa in what used to be the steam kitchens and a 36-foot-long pool surrounded by carefully restored burgundy tiles. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?The new wing doesn’t live up to the old. Bottom line: worth it, and why?For the combination of convenience and atmosphere, St. Pancras Renaissance is difficult to beat." - Laura Goulden
"Situated steps away from King’s Cross Station, this elegant hotel offers a refined British landmark experience that blends grand Victorian architecture with modern comforts. Boasting over 200 rooms and suites, it features contemporary amenities such as air-conditioning, tea and coffee facilities, comfy bedding and free Wi-Fi, creating a comfortable and convenient stay. What distinguishes it most are the on-site wellness and dining facilities: the spa comes with six treatment rooms including a couple’s suite, a relaxation pool with hydro-loungers, sauna, steam room and lounge. For dining, Booking Office 1869 serves modern British-European cuisine and cocktails in a stunning setting reminiscent of old-world European charm, while MI+ME offers more casual, good-value burgers, salads, sandwiches and pasta under the station arches – ideal when heading out or catching a train. Its central location and combination of convenience, luxury and character make it an excellent base in the heart of the city." - Karen Fong
"Forming part of St Pancras International train station, this elegant hotel has immediate access to the high speed Eurostar service and the Tube. Luxurious surroundings include a tea lounge, 2 restaurants and bars, a spa and relaxation pool. Complimentary WiFi is available in the public areas. Rooms within this spectacular Victorian building and recently extended Barlow House are each fitted with state-of-the-art entertainment systems, including a 37-inch flat-screen TV and a mini bar. Large tiled bathrooms come with robes and slippers. Many unique features of the original hotel remain, including Gothic Revival architecture and ornate interior decoration. These have been complemented by a 24-hour gym and health spa to help guests unwind. At the Gilbert Scott Brasserie and Bar, celebrated chef Marcus Wareing serves a menu showing the best of regional British cuisine. A range of traditional ales and Victorian punches are also on offer at the Booking Office Bar. The Renaissance St. Pancras London Hotel has access to 6 Tube lines. ZSL London Zoo is a 30-minute walk from the hotel and The British Museum is 15 minutes' walk away. It is also only a mile from the vibrant West End and Theatreland." - My Boutique Hotel (en)
Disguised as The Christopher Hotel where Sarah is caught up in an armed raid, this grand London hotel refused to let the production use its real name, so the filmmakers experimented with fictional titles while shooting the action via CCTV-style angles and footage captured on two dozen iPhones handed out to the crew, with a bottle of champagne for whoever got the best shot. - Phil de Semlyen
