Travelodge London Central Kings Cross Central hotel

The desk staff member eventually made the night bearable by finding us a fan, but the stay was rough otherwise. The room itself was fine and as expected, yet the bar or nightclub outside our window was almost unbearably loud. It was also the hottest night of the year, and only when we asked did reception tell us the air conditioning was broken throughout the building. We were travelling home with our family through St Pancras after one night, and even check-in got off to a bad start. Our booking had been messed up and they tried to put us in a double room with two kids before eventually finding a family room. I’d look for another hotel.

The bed was a relief after a missed train and a late arrival at TLodge. The sheets were crisp and clean, it was comfy, and there were lots of towels. But room 311, a family room, is one to avoid. The extractor fan was broken and sounded like a small jet engine, only slightly quieter with the bathroom door shut. Maybe some people like that sort of sleep noise. I arrived around 10pm for a last-minute booking and there was nobody at the desk, apparently busy cleaning somewhere. Perhaps just one staff member was on duty. £183 felt expensive for one night in a budget hotel, though I’m not a Londoner.

The phone issue meant I couldn’t verify my WiFi upgrade, so I had no communication during the stay. On Vodafone, connected to the local tower, I got full 4G signal but no internet. A few metres away from the hotel it worked again. Feels like they’re selling WiFi under those conditions. My room was underground, a long way from reception, with no lift, and I couldn’t open the window. The bed was uncomfortable, with springs you could feel, and there was no air conditioning despite a very heavy duvet. The shower had weak pressure and a cheap plastic curtain. The sink tap, on the other hand, was so powerful it soaked my clothes whenever I used it without great care. There were suspicious stains on the chair too. It was a terrible experience, pretty much what I’ve come to expect from a Travelodge.

We were using both Kings Cross and St Pancras, so the location was ideal. Reception staff were friendly and helpful, and I’d definitely recommend the place. Our room was as expected, though it was a long walk to the far end of the top floor. The lift only reaches the fourth floor, so you have to take the stairs to the fifth.