Having traveled frequently through King’s Cross St Pancras, both for the northern line and for the international canal voyage, I got pretty used to what I once considered to be the ugliest example of 1970s modernism in town. The gleaming white brutalist architecture in the egg carton style of the 70s just seemed to scream: “What are you looking at?” I am talking about the building in which the Standard Hotel now resides. It stands in shocking contrast to the fairytale turrets and pink stone of Sir Gilbert Scott’s Gothic Kings Cross on the opposite side of Euston Road. Since then my gaze has softened. I now realize that this is a fascinating piece of historic architecture that looks a little regal, crowned by a glass extension at its tip. After all, this is where the Camden Town Hall Annex was once located, known as St Pancras Town Hall until 1965. In 1996 it was finally placed under a preservation order. Standard logo upside down ![]() Small reception ![]() King of Kings bedroom In fact, The Standard, an American import, is nothing like that. It was designed in collaboration with Shawn Hausman Design, concept design gurus, and with its upside down logo there really isn’t anything for a traditionalist to hang his hat on. From the small reception desk to the carpets in the hallways, there are many geometric styles whose playful geometric shapes reminded me of the art space in a kid’s room I was in before all the moons. For whom?The standard attracts a tune from millennials and slightly older jokers. The atmospheric library room, al fresco dining, and rooftop bar make the hotel a destination in itself and with jazzy music, a bevy of celebrity DJs playing funky disco music, a legacy of podcasts on culture and lifestyle topics it totally makes sense. When the Eurostar cross-channel services resume, the hotel will no doubt see its Gallic clientele return. The accommodation![]() The Standard has 266 rooms, ranging from Cozy Core (windowless) rooms to suite suites with outdoor bathtubs on top with floor-to-ceiling glass walls. Although they differ in size and shape, the only word that unites them is “funkydelic”. Mine was a King of Kings double with a nice view over the clock tower of King’s Cross. It’s a large room with plain white walls and a huge double bed in the middle on a blue carpet. The duvet offers the colors red, blue and black in geometric block colors by Wallace Sewell. By the way, you are the company behind the fabrics from TfL – Transport for London. There is a flat-screen TV and a workspace with retro lamps for laptop action, including a well-stocked minibar. There is also a raffle to reveal a cocktail shaker and all the gatherings for making a cocktail.
Surprisingly, there’s no Nespresso machine, but a kettle is humbly hidden behind the streamlined red wardrobe door. The stylish bathroom, made of dark pink and black tiles, has a wide (if somewhat short) bathtub and a spacious shower. Bathrobes are unusually green. I enjoyed the complete silence of the room – no ambient noise whatsoever – and was able to regulate the temperature comfortably. to eat and drink![]() Books in the library ![]() Library lounge The Library Lounge, a nod to the past where a functional library once stood, is an atmospheric space with lush vegetation and fireplaces to enjoy a bite or just a cocktail while reading one of the many books on the shelves. I slipped into a comfortable Saporiti leather sofa with Prosecco in hand as I leafed through a book about successful relationships. The Isla restaurant, its terrace and the lobby lounge all seem imperceptibly to merge into a single social space. Double Standard, just around the corner is the long bar and terrace to enjoy hearty dishes like burgers and beer. When the sun is shining, it has to be The Rooftop. It has its own elevator, the red exterior of which can be seen by passing traffic as they get on and off. The food here is limited to a hot dog and a small selection of cocktails on tap, but who cares sipping a tangy margarita while devouring the rooftop view is something special. Breakfast can be a croissant, fruit salad, avocado on sour bread, or even a full English. I went for room service for one of those luxurious breakfast moments in bed. InvestmentsCheck out the hotel’s regular shindigs. The Standard has a 24-hour reception, fitness room and room service as well as a very friendly concierge service. There is free WiFi everywhere. How much?Double rooms from £ 249 per night. What’s nearFor travelers, Kings Cross is opposite St Pancras Bang. There are tons of trendy restaurants and bars nearby, especially around Coal Drops Yard.
Via https://globalconnekt.com/the-standard-kings-cross-london/
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