The Standard London

We had great views of St. Pancreas and the London skyline from the rooftop bar, and the location made getting to the metro and Eurostar easy. The street can be busy and loud with the windows open, but once shut, the room was quiet. The upside-down Standard logo suits a hotel that puts a different spin on luxury. We liked the brutalist building and retro interior, and the staff were warm, welcoming, and attentive. Breakfast was great and worth the extra cost if it isn’t included. We’d recommend the place and hope to stay again.

Sanya greeted us at check-in and sorted out a booking mix-up with real care and a focus on the guest. She stayed attentive throughout, going out of her way to make things easy and pleasant for us with the baby. The hotel has state-of-the-art design, an amazing rooftop, and a kind management team. We’ll be back.

The location is excellent for Kings Cross and St Pancras, with Euston only a few minutes away on foot. After my stay, the hotel also gave excellent help arranging for a courier to collect my suitcase and deliver it elsewhere. I’d return if the rate was right. My Chase Edit Hotel booking included daily breakfast and $100 (£75) credit for restaurant and bar charges, with service paid separately. Breakfast was above average, though I could’ve done without the chef’s own lima bean concoction instead of good old Heinz baked beans. Dinner at Isla restaurant was very good, and I’ll write a separate review. The Queen deluxe room wasn’t large, but had what I needed and a comfortable bed for a good night’s sleep. My reservation was for two, but I ate breakfast alone one morning. The complimentary breakfast covered one hot drink, so I was charged for a latte after my tea. If my wife had joined me, we’d have had two drinks and two breakfast entrees. That felt a little penny pinching. My main small gripe was the 5% discretionary accommodation service charge, which I had removed from the bill. The receptionist understood, but tried to justify it by saying premium London hotels all add one now. I book based on the advertised rate and expect to pay that. If service goes beyond what I think the price covers, I tip in person. If the hotel needs this charge to pay staff, it should add it to the room rate.

The Standard’s retro-futuristic decor gives it a relaxed, informal feel, quite different from a usual four- or five-star hotel. Staff are friendly, the rooms are spacious, the temperature controls work well, and the shower is good. The bathroom and toilet are separate, like in many Japanese hotels. It’s right across from King's Cross and St. Pancras stations, so getting around London is easy. The price is reasonable for such a convenient location. Recommended if you want an easy base and relaxed service.