Great Northern Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, London

The Great Northern Hotel makes the most of its railway history. Constructed in 1854 by Lewis Cubitt, the architect behind King’s Cross station, this stunning six-story Victorian-era brick building retains its original curved structure. The intimate lobby has cream-colored padded retro sofas in wood-paneled recesses. The narrow space feels timeless, with sash windows, gorgeous lighting, and polished hardwood floors. Hallways have all-white trim, and modern paintings on loan from the British Museum hang on the cream walls. Iron banisters in baby blue and framed theater posters add to the vintage look. Pantries on each floor, with baby-blue cabinets and dark-wood countertops, are downright adorable, and add a homey, almost country touch. Plum + Spilt Milk, the elegant on-site restaurant led by a Michelin-star chef, combines classic parquet wood flooring with modern twists like bunches of suspended hand-blown light bulbs. The GNH Bar’s pewter-topped marble counter, checkered flooring, and grand chandeliers evoke the classic railway bar, combining Belle Epoque and Art Deco styles.

It’s difficult to imagine a more convenient location than that of the Great Northern Hotel. It's connected to King’s Cross railway station’s western concourse, and is directly across from St. Pancras international railway station. Six lines serve the tube station, which runs beneath the hotel, and there are plenty of shops and restaurants within walking distance. The British Library is a three-minute walk away, while Big Ben, the British Museum, Oxford Street, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, and Bond Street are all within a 10-minute tube ride or a 20-minute drive. Buckingham Palace, Borough Market, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Knightsbridge, and the London Eye are all less than 20 minutes away by public transportation or taxi. Trains from King’s Cross run to northern England and Scotland. Trains also operate from King’s Cross station to all three of London’s main airports -- it's about a 35-minute drive or 38-minute trip on public transportation to Heathrow Airport, and about 45 minutes by train or about an hour's drive to Gatwick Airport, while London City Airport is a 32-minute drive or 38-minute trip on public transportation. International train services from St. Pancras station connect to Paris, Brussels, and the south of France.

The 91 elegant and contemporary rooms at the Great Northern Hotel all have sash windows with Farrow & Ball shades, custom Italian furniture, and Leffroy Brooks bathroom fixtures. Couchette Rooms, with leather-banquette beds, play fun homage to the classic railway sleeper carriages, although they're tiny. Cubitt Rooms, with high ceilings and olive-and-cream walls are named for the Great Northern's original architect. Top-floor Wainscot Rooms are built into the hotel’s eaves -- accentuated by elegant deep-purple walls and walnut-colored wood paneling, they have a cozy vibe. All rooms have retro sofas or upholstered benches, and Junior Suites add separate living spaces. Huge mirrors and railway posters continue the locomotive theme, but some rooms can be a bit dark. Views are of the railway stations' forecourts, or of the domed roof of King’s Cross. Elegant but compact bathrooms have white subway-style tiling, stylish free-standing white ceramic sinks, towel warmers, and toiletries by Malin + Goetz. Most have walk-in shower stalls with power and rainfall showerheads. Wainscot Rooms have double cubicles, while some Cubitt Rooms have gorgeous roll-top shower/bathtub combos. Robes, slippers, and hairdryers are tucked into every closet.

All rooms come with free, high-speed Wi-Fi, USB wall charger sockets, electronically controlled curtains, and large flat-screen TVs with free on-demand movies, along with audiobooks and DJ-curated playlists. Safes, minibars with sparkling wine and free drinking water, and Nespresso coffeemakers are also included. Be aware that the hotel does not have connecting rooms.

The Great Northern brings the comforts of home to a luxurious venue. Its Michelin-star chef Mark Sargeant directs Plum + Spilt Milk, which has a modern twist on British cuisine. Both the grand GNH Bar and the more intimate Mezzanine Snug Bar offer a long list of wines, cocktails, and spirits, plus meals throughout the day. The Kiosk sandwich counter faces the forecourt of King’s Cross station. Room service operates around the clock, and pantries with Nespresso machines, teas, and homemade cakes are on every floor, and guests can help themselves at no extra charge. The pantries also have fridges and sinks, plus a selection of reading material for that extra-homey touch. Excellent, traditional English breakfasts are included in some room rates, or are otherwise available for an additional fee. Guests can use the gym, pool, sauna, steam room, and take classes at the nearby Nuffield Bloomsbury fitness center, a 15-minute walk, or a nine-minute drive, from the hotel. There’s a business center with PCs and printing facilities. Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout.