Princess Hotel

On a quiet side street in London’s Kings Cross, the hotel is set within an attractive Georgian townhouse that dates back to 1850. The hotel is one of many budget options in the area, and it compares favorably to them -- interiors are fresh and modern. The bright lobby has a flat-screen TV on the wall opposite the reception desk, a stand of tourist information leaflets, and a gray and white color scheme that continues throughout the property. The corridors are fairly narrow and can be a bit of challenge for those with lots of luggage, and those with mobility issues should know there are no elevators here. The property is best for leisure travelers on a budget -- especially those wanting to take advantage of the excellent central London location -- and it attracts few business guests. Families are also drawn here thanks to the larger rooms that can accommodate groups.

The hotel is on a side street that's dotted with plenty of other small hotels just off of busy Euston Road. The location -- just a minute’s walk from St. Pancras International train station -- is convenient for those arriving via the underground, overground train lines, 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 are a vast array of dining options within a two-minute walk of the hotel, from fast food like Burger King and Pret a Manger to the elegant Gilbert Scott and trendy Plum and Spilt Milk. The neighborhood is packed with traditional English pubs along Euston Road, and there's a great cocktail menu at local bar The Booking Office. The impressive British Library is just a minute’s walk away, too. Heathrow Airport takes around 50 minutes to reach by public transport, or an hour by car, though this varies significantly depending on traffic. Gatwick Airport is about 50 minute away by train and tube as well, and drives times there can near two hours. 

There are 31 rooms at the Princess Hotel, most of which are generally small. There isn't much floor or closet space, but rooms are simply decorated, well maintained, and some still have original crown molding from Georgian times. By budget standards in the area, the look is modern and crisp, with white comforters on beds and bare white walls (the cot-like bed frames leave a bit to be desired from a style perspective, though). Rooms are available as Basic or Standard Single, Double, Twin, Triple, and Quad Rooms, the latter of which are popular with families. The Basic Rooms share a bathroom, and the Standard Rooms have a private, en-suite shower room. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, a coffeemaker, a flat-screen TV with Freeview channels, and a hairdryer. An iron and ironing board can be provided on request. 

The Princess Hotel is a basic property, consisting of a simple reception area and the guest rooms. There are no common areas, and no restaurant or bar on-site. The hotel does not serve breakfast, but the staff are more than happy to direct guests to nearby cafes. An airport shuttle and parking are both available for an additional fee, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Reception offers a free printing service, which many guests find useful for boarding passes. The hotel does not have an elevator, so those traveling with a lot of luggage may want to request a room on a lower floor.