Central Hotel

This two-pearl hotel has been owned and run by a Maltese family for over 40 years. They take great pride in the hotel and create a homey feel with potted plants in the reception area and an eclectic range of artwork on the walls. The small lobby has a flat-screen TV on the wall, a comfortable leather sofa, a vending machine, and a stand of tourist information leaflets. Corridors are narrow but bright, although the carpets are a little on the dated side. There is no proper restaurant or bar, but the breakfast room is cozy. The property is geared toward the budget leisure traveler -- especially those wanting to take advantage of the convenient location -- and attracts few business guests. Families traveling on a budget may also be drawn here for the rooms configured to accommodate groups.

This hotel is on a side street just off of busy Euston Road which is dotted with several small hotels. The location -- just a minute’s walk from St Pancras station -- is extremely convenient for those arriving via the underground, the train, or the Eurostar. It also makes getting around London quick and easy. The Kings Cross/St. Pancras area is up-and-coming and has seen huge investment and resurgence in recent years. There is a vast array of dining options within a five-minute walk of the hotel, from fast food such as Burger King and Pret a Manger to the elegant Gilbert Scott and trendy Plum and Spilt Milk. There are plenty of places for drinks within two-minute walk as well, including traditional English pubs along Euston Road, a great cocktail menu at The Booking Office, and the popular Searcy's Champagne Bar within nearby St. Pancras station. The impressive British Library is five minutes away on foot as well. Heathrow Airport takes around 50 minutes to reach by public transport, or 40 minutes by car, though this varies significantly depending on traffic.

The simple, no-frills rooms here have a fairly plain color scheme with neutral walls and either navy blue or deep red accents in the bedspreads. Metal bed frames contribute to the straightforward aesthetic, and wall art is kept to a minimum, from small mirrors to floral prints or landscapes. Many of the rooms are on the small side and have very little space to move around the bed. Closet space is limited, too. An electric kettle is provided in the rooms along with a hairdryer, phone, and flat-screen TV. Noise from the nearby train line can be heard on occasion in some rooms, so this may not be an ideal pick for light sleepers. Not all rooms have a private bathroom -- some share a toilet and shower that can be located on a different floor of the hotel. Superior Rooms may have larger storage areas as well as contemporary en-suite bathrooms with walk-in showers and varying tilework, from sleek gray to vibrant blue. 

The hotel serves a free breakfast in a cozy room full of wood tables and chairs; guests can choose between a full English cooked breakfast or a continental breakfast. The continental options includes cereals, cheese, toast, jam, and fruit juice. Wi-Fi is free throughout. The hotel does not have an elevator.