Kings Cross International

For a short visit, the big draw is being right by King’s Cross and St Pancras. It’s a practical base if you’re arriving by train or using public transport, and the basic room setup has a bed and tea and coffee for when you’re mostly out in the city. My check-in and interactions with staff were pleasant when things were calm, though service seemed uneven, with some staff more helpful than others. The building felt worn, and cleaning and maintenance could be better. Rooms are small and basic, with older furniture and minor defects. For the price, the comfort and quality didn’t always seem to match, and noise from the busy road near the stations could make sleeping difficult, especially for light sleepers. Kings Cross Inn is convenient for a brief, practical stay, but the rooms and facilities need attention, and the location alone doesn’t make the price feel worthwhile.

The manager showed no sympathy when we raised our problems. He didn’t apologize and said they weren’t a problem for him. We were also left wondering about the many positive reviews, which seemed fake or as if they came from bought accounts. My sister was stuck in the toilet for about 25 minutes because its handle was broken. The room and bathroom smelled awful, the bathroom was in very poor shape, and the tap didn’t work in the morning, so we couldn’t shower. Outside, construction woke us early, and police sirens came through the badly insulated windows all evening. The online photos looked nice, but seemed heavily edited. In person, the hotel felt dark and closed in. A very disappointing stay.

The room was tiny, although clean, and the bathroom was nice but had very small towels. I chose the hotel because it looked suitable and was closer, even though cheaper places were available. The lift is reached by going down a few steps, and the wall handrail there was very loose. I was charged more than the room was worth, on top of a £100 deposit that they said would be returned in seven working days, though they were quick to take the money. The iron only worked if I wiggled its faulty wire, and the ironing board was broken. You had to ask reception for it. I reported the problems, but one receptionist already knew and was abrupt and rude, while other reception staff were friendly and helpful when he wasn’t there.

The rooms were clean and adequate, with a new bathroom and aircon. It is noisy, being right in the centre of Kings Cross, but earplugs did the trick at night. I’d been dreading the stay after reading the reviews, so I’m glad I went and saw for myself. I’d stay again.