European Hotel

Within a row of 19th-century townhouses on a tree-lined street, the hotel has an attractive exterior. Steps lead up to the door, which is flanked by large potted plants, and the lobby is bright and welcoming. There are more plants, a couple of leather chairs, and a stand of tourist information leaflets. The wooden reception desk is on the right, and a staircase straight ahead with a pine banister and green-and-gold patterned carpet leads to the rooms. The hallways have the feel of a youth hostel or student digs, with dated peach and green patterned wallpaper, a pay phone, and a fire extinguisher. The breakfast room is cheap and cheerful too, with basic cafe furniture and crockery. The hotel appeals to those on a budget who are in the area short term and need to be near good transport links. 

The hotel is on a side street just off busy Euston Road. It’s a quiet, tree-lined road that's home to lots of other budget hotels. St. Pancras Station is just a five-minute walk from the hotel and is extremely convenient for those arriving via the underground, overground train lines, or the Eurostar. The Kings Cross/St. Pancras area is up and coming, and has benefited from investment in recent years. There is a vast array of dining options within a five-minute walk of the hotel, from fast food to the elegant Marcus Wareing restaurant The Gilbert Scott or the trendy Plum and Spilt Milk. There are plenty of places for drinks within a couple minute's walk as well, including traditional English pubs along the neighboring Euston Road, a great cocktail menu at The Booking Office, and the popular Searcy's champagne bar within St. Pancras station. The famous British Library -- a Grade 1 historic building and the largest library in the world -- is an eight-minute walk away as well. Heathrow Airport takes about 40 minutes to reach by using the tube and Heathrow Express, a trip that can take up to an hour by cab depending on traffic.

There are 81 small and no-frills guest rooms, which are available as Single, Double, Twin, Triple, Quadruple, and Family. Triple rooms have a double and a single bed, quadruple rooms have a double and two singles, and family rooms can sleep five as they have one double and three single beds. While rooms are kept reasonably clean and are quiet, the curtains are very thin, the bedding is dated (think late-90s bedspreads), and the oak veneer furniture has a dormitory aesthetic. Some rooms have charming views of a leafy square across the road. There’s no air-conditioning in the hotel, but the rooms do have free Wi-Fi, electric kettles for tea or coffee, and a small flat-screen TV. Hairdryers and irons are available on request from reception. Most have a small and simple en-suite bathroom, although some do share one with other rooms, and we did spot a bit of mold in the stand-up showers. Soap is provided, but there are no other toiletries. 

A full English breakfast is included in the room rate and the owners try to accommodate guests with a quick meal when possible if they need to check out before breakfast has officially begun. Coffee and fruit juice are provided, and the breakfast portions are generous. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, although some guests find the connection a little spotty. There’s also a fax machine in reception are that guests are welcome to use. It’s worth noting that there’s no elevator in the building, just a narrow staircase, which can be a challenge with luggage or for those with mobility issues.