The Standard London – Hotel Review

Brutalist on the outside, retro-futurist on the inside, The Standard, London is extra – in the best possible way. The hip hotel group’s first address outside America brings the party to newly reborn King’s Cross. The 266 rooms give wry nods to the city and the building’s 1970s roots, while the dining options range from all-day seasonal to Michelin star. And fun-studded elements include an in-house recording studio, opulent cocktail bar and vast rooftop terrace where visiting DJs play to the tune of 360-degree views.

Where is The Standard?

Over the road from St Pancras International Eurostar terminal and about 15 minutes by Underground from the West End, the hotel puts all of London at your feet and makes short work of a hop to Paris or Amsterdam. It’s 75 minutes from Heathrow Airport by taxi (less by express Tube). Within a 15-minute walk are Regent’s Canal, the British Library and the chic boutiques and restaurants of Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard.

Room types

The 266 rooms come in 11 categories, ranging from a Cosy Core cocoon to the Suite Spot, with its emperor-sized bed, bar area and floor-to-ceiling windows. The vibe throughout is curvaceous, cinematic and sensual – from crimson wardrobes and cobalt carpets that remix the Union Jack to down pillows and bespoke Craig Green robes.

Restaurants and bars

The hotel has two restaurants, two bars, The Library Lounge and its recently opened rooftop terrace. Decimo, under Michelin-starred chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias, serves woodfired Mexican and Spanish dishes with sweeping city views, while cocktail bar Sweeties is all sexy velvet opulence (its menu’s secret sauce is the energising adaptogens and nootropics to help you truly unwind). Isla serves breakfast (berry-studded coconut chia bircher to full English) and casual lunch inside or on its palm-fringed terrace.

Travel for work

The Library Lounge has plenty of nooks (and couches) among the bookcases and all the guestrooms have spaces to work (choose King of Kings for its vast desk with views to St Pancras station). For presentations in ’80s-meets-Mid-century luxe surroundings, the Townhouse 8 and 9 event spaces can host up to 100 people.

Spa and gym

The gym is open 24/7 and reception can arrange in-room treatments. A sneaker-cleaning service and the option of a personal Peloton bike are included when you book the Junior Suite and above. Regent’s Park is less than 2 kilometres away for a leafy run but if you go via the canal through Camden Lock, leave early as the towpath can get busy.

Sustainability

Lighting, water and energy systems are designed to reduce consumption. The building’s award-winning refurbishment retained its concrete frame and façade, which saved about 5770 tonnes of embodied carbon.

What you need to know

This place is a hive of activity – events, gatherings and general buzz. It’s easy to feel like you’re in the centre of the city without even stepping outside.

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