The 11 best hotels near King's Cross

Big, boxy and brutalist, the former Camden Town Hall Annexe opposite St Pancras station was taken over by the very cool Standard hotel chain in 2019 as its debut UK opening. The 266 rooms vary from ‘Cosy Core’ berths (with lowish prices but no natural light) to deluxe digs with either floor-to-ceiling windows or – most extravagant of all – baths on balconies overlooking the Hogwarts-esque St Pancras Renaissance Hotel. The décor: retrofuturist ’70s opulence meets British municipal minimalism. Toiletries are a hook-up with hip Italian brand Davines, and you’ll find Ozone coffee (roasted nearby in Shoreditch) in each room. Like we said: very cool.

What’s nearby? A short way away, you'll find Argyle Square, The British Museum and Granary Square. 

Budget range: As you'd expect for all its iconography, it ain't cheap but it's an excellent base for hopping on the Eurostar. 

Time Out tip: The epic city views from the rooftop are not one to miss, especially during sunnier spells while sipping away on a cocktail.  

With 60 en suite rooms across four Georgian townhouses, plus a characterful lounge bar, The California – a stone’s throw over Euston Road from King’s Cross and St Pancras stations – is more hotel than bed and breakfast (as it describes itself on its website). The rooms, though fairly compact, are clean and modern, with new wood panelling and simple decor enlivened by individual artworks or wall coverings. The bar area and lobby retain much of the building’s original architectural features, melded with Art Deco touches in the form of mirrors and lighting.

What’s nearby? You can reach Kings Cross and St Pancras stations in under a minute, while Angel is about a 20-minute stroll along Regents Canal. 

Budget range: In the mid-high ranges for a four-night stay at this cosy Georgian Townhouse. 

Time Out tip: For those looking for somewhere quiet, while extremely central, The California gets the job done. For those who want to skip out for breakfast, treat yourself to Notes Coffee in St Pancras Square. 

Finding a cheap place to stay in the capital is like hitting the jackpot, and Clinl261 is a cool one at that. With its pop-punk edge, graphic wall art, cosy common areas, and abundance of sinks and bathrooms, there's no better place to sling off your backpack and hotdesk or chill for a few hours before you're off again. With a wide range of different rooms available including female-only dorms, Clink261 is a great hub for solo travellers, students, and friendship groups – the lot. Along with lots of fun activities at the hostel like movie nights and a host of games, the hostel offers free lockers and storage for early check-ins. You'll also find a locker for each bed and receive a keycard for easy access to your dorm. All this and only a two-minute stroll from Kings Cross Station. Mint. 

What’s nearby? Parked so close to St Pancras that you could practically hear the announcements. You're also not far off from Camden Town where you can explore the Lock.

Budget range: Spend a cheap and cheerful few nights here – you might even make some new travel buddies. 

Time Out tip: Being so central means you can save a few pounds by hopping on a double-decker (£1.75 per ride) or exploring local attractions on foot.

The Great Northern is a good bet for Continental business travellers, sitting opposite St Pancras International’s Eurostar terminal. It was London’s first railway hotel when it opened in 1854; it’s had plenty of rough times since then, but almost £40m of renovation has recreated the place as a classic. The soundproofed rooms mix contemporary style with echoes of the building’s Victorian railway heritage (such as wood-panelled walls) and all have free wifi. Room service is available and each floor boasts a charming pantry with cakes, coffee, newspapers and even a USB printer, while the first floor also has a grand restaurant-bar.

What’s nearby? Right next to Kings Cross and St Pancras, while being a few stops on the tube away from Covent Garden, Oxford Circus, Liverpool St and more. 

Budget range: All this refined luxury is bound to do a little damage where your wallet is concerned – ideal for short stays. 

Time Out tip: No plans for NYE? Celebrate it here with The Great Northern's dinner and jazz ensemble. 

Sitting directly opposite St Pancras International, Hotel Megaro isn’t easily missed, thanks to the colourful geometric mural on its Victorian exterior. The positive vibe is continued in the stylish, contemporary interior, which houses 55 comfort-focused rooms (including six family rooms) and eight self-contained apartments. All have handcrafted contemporary wooden beds, free wifi and high-tech mod cons, including personal espresso machines. The moodily lit bar has an inventive cocktail menu, while the much brighter Karpo restaurant focuses on steak, modern European dishes and brunch classics.

What’s nearby? Over the road from St Pancras and Kings Cross. If you fancy a stroll or a bike ride, there's also The British Museum, Camden and Exmouth Market close by. 

Budget range: All this luxury and convenience comes with a high price, but the novelty is worth every penny.  

Time Out tip: Like history with a twist? Grab a cocktail at the on-site Hokus Pokus bar which stuns with its apothecary underworld vibe inspired by the Victorian quack medicine era. 

London’s only branch of the business-oriented international chain is situated on busy Euston Road, just a five-minute stroll from Euston, King’s Cross and St Pancras stations. The modern four-star creates a luxurious feel through its muted tones and top-drawer furnishings. The most expensive rooms are on the upper floors, where there are enviable skyline views, as well as free wifi, Bose iPod docks and Nespresso machines. The Golden Arrow restaurant and bar, on the ground floor, has a Modern European focus, in line with the general Continental vibe here, which is also bolstered by good business facilities (17 meeting rooms, for a start).

What’s nearby? Superb travel links to the popular West End, as well as Barbican, Farringdon and Angel's happening Upper Street. 

Budget range: Another hefty one, though you may find the odd room that's a little cheaper. 

Time Out tip: We know London's busy streets can be a bit hectic. Recoop at Pullman Fit Lounge and enjoy beautiful skyline views of the surrounding buildings. 

Located between St Pancras International and the British Museum, the Mentone is a family-owned B&B set in three Grade II-listed townhouses on a classic Georgian crescent. The basic rooms have free wifi, high ceilings, en suite bathrooms and rather uninspiring furnishings – but the views of the tree-lined square outside (housing tennis courts, which guests have access to) make it stand out from the raft of other Bloomsbury hotels and B&Bs in similar buildings.

What’s nearby? An easy 10-minute walk to Kings Cross, while you'll find a cluster of good dining spots when you head towards Museum Street and Covent Garden 

Budget range: Moderately priced for a three-night stay with a residential feel.

Time Out tip: Particularly attractive throughout Summer and Autumn, Bloomsbury Square is the perfect green space for taking a little afternoon stroll. Not to mention it's one of London's oldest squares. 

The grande dame of King’s Cross hotels sits in a George Gilbert Scott-designed building right next to St Pancras International, that’s an epic celebration of Victorian confidence. Previously the Midland Grand Hotel, it was a wreck – enjoying a brief stint in cameo stardom – until its acclaimed restoration in 2011. Rooms have the classic neutral decor of other five-star Marriott hotels; the 36 suites, however – with their super-high ceilings – are as luxurious as they come. There’s top-notch modern British dining at the Booking Office restaurant, overlooking the Eurostar terminal, while directional cocktails and cooking can be found at the lavish Gilbert Scott bar and restaurant. The subterranean spa is a destination in its own right.

What’s nearby? Sooo close to St Pancras that you can actually watch the trains depart from some of the rooms. It's your gateway to Brussels, Paris, Rotterdam and more. 

Budget range: A stay here will set you back a wee bit, but the grandeur, elegance and excellent service definitely trumps the cost. 
Time Out tip: Head to Searcys for their Sunday Jazz Brunch. There you'll savour both the melodic tunes and the delicious brasserie-style buffet with free-flowing bubbles and that all-important Yorkshire pud of course. 

This Malaysian budget chain, which now has five hotels in London, is much more straightforward in its concept, with a focus on high-quality basics. So priority has been given to comfort – in the form of beds, showers, modern furnishings and cleanliness – over space and added extras. wifi, air-conditioning and toiletries can be purchased for a surcharge, however, and you can also pay more to get a room with a window… for views of busy Grays Inn Road.

What’s nearby? Close several bars and shops in and around Granary Square like the Lighterman. 

Budget range: Pretty decent rates for such a central spot and clean, modern interiors.  

Time Out tip: A great option for those needing a base to explore the City. And in case you forget your adaptor, the hotel also has some on sale for a fiver so you can avoid running into the extortionate cost of replacing it elsewhere. 

This lively gastropub with rooms – on a residential street that’s less than ten minutes from St Pancras and King’s Cross stations – is a good antidote to the large chains or the more staid Bloomsbury alternatives. There’s a regular roster of comedy and live music acts (with the focus on folk and bluegrass) – but banish any thoughts of disrupted sleep straightaway: the hotel is two floors up and the pub closes at 11pm. The four en suite rooms (three doubles, one triple) are simply furnished but light and airy, and free wifi is included, as well as toiletries and a full English breakfast, which you can opt to have in your room.

What’s nearby? Close to many popular attractions including Russell Square, the Dickens Museum and The British Library. 

Budget range: Rooms typically start at £195, so not cheap. What makes this place special is the local feel. 

Time Out tip: Tuck into traditional favourites like fish and chips in the cosy pub below, where you'll find vegetarian and vegan alternatives too.