Set in row of pretty
Georgian town houses
A block from busy
King's Cross transport hub
Colorful and
creative rooms with flat-screen TVs
Hot and cold
breakfast buffet included in the room rate
Pleasant bar
exclusively for guests' use
Free high-speed
Wi-Fi throughout
No elevator -- and
four floors
Some bathrooms
are tiny
Poor soundproofing between
rooms
The California is
a smart and stylish mid-range bed-and-breakfast located a block from hectic
King's Cross transport hub. It occupies a Georgian property, which means there is no elevator, and
internal soundproofing can be a problem, but rooms are generally
well-maintained. Free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and a pleasant bar are all plus-points, and while not the least-expensive budget-end hotel out of the dozens in the area, The California is certainly one of the more creative
and better looking.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Bed and breakfast hotel set in Georgian terrace with stylish, playful interiors
The California is
spread over a row of four impeccably presented identical Georgian town houses
complete with wrought-iron balconies, pretty flower boxes, and elegantly arched
doorways and windows. Stepping inside, the lobby is a moody though playful
blend of velvet drapery, somber paintwork, and a wonderfully quirky reception
desk constructed out of old-fashioned suitcases. As much as possible of the
building's original architecture has been retained, including the staircase
that winds up the hotel's four floors -- meaning there's no elevator (though a
member of the staff always on hand to help with luggage). Against the hotel's
subdued palette are frequent splashes of color in the form of vintage artwork
and pretty stained-glass windows, while out back is a small courtyard with
seating and small trees. Despite the hotel's name, there are no decorative
references to the state of California whatsoever.
Location
Just off the King's Cross transport hub
The California is
located across the street from King's Cross station -- one of
London's busiest transport hubs -- and so is particularly well-positioned for
getting around the capital; King's Cross is also home to the Eurostar. A massive
urban renewal project has transformed what once was a scruffy and seedy
neighborhood into a genuinely vibrant and interesting community with plenty
of bars and restaurants -- though it's still one of London's most hectic areas,
especially come rush hour.
Rooms
Colorful and creative rooms with flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi
The number for
each of the hotel's 60 rooms is novelly projected as a shadow on the wall
outside the respective door. Inside, decor and furnishings are less extravagant
than the public areas, though still colorful and creative with London-related
artwork and a certain quirky charm. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, tea/coffee facilities, and hairdryers, while free Wi-Fi extends
to all rooms. Bathrooms are generally clean and well-maintained, however some
are very small. Soundproofing between rooms can also be a problem -- especially
in the less desirable basement rooms -- though there's little or no noise from
traffic.
Features
Hearty breakfast buffet and daily drinks offers
Full and hearty
breakfast, including sausage, egg, and bacon, as well as healthier choices such
as yogurt, cereal, and fruit -- all included in the room rate. The hotel also
has a bar area with a cool Art Deco feel and daily happy hour drink discounts
-- it is only open to hotel guests. A small, neat courtyard also provides a
pleasant place to relax with a drink during warmer weather, and high-speed Wi-Fi available s free of charge throughout the property.
