WHAT’S IT LIKE? Formerly the Novotel London Euston, the four-star Novotel London St Pancras is very close, as the name indicates, to the St Pancras Eurostar terminal. I stayed there on the day of the recent fire in the Channel tunnel, so the hotel was full off stranded passengers. As such, it wasn’t a normal stay, but gave a good indication of the standard of hotel and capabilities of staff, both excellent. The property is a modern-build tower block on the main drag, but the inside is spacious and comfortable. The entrance and reception area, leading through to the bar and restaurant, offer a quiet refuge from the busy street outside. The middle lift of three has a clear glass wall between you and the outside world, offering a bird’s-eye view of the area.
WHERE IS IT? On Euston Road, next to the British Library and St Pancras station, and a short walk from Euston station.
ROOM FACILITIES Rooms are decorated in red and ochre, with slate grey carpets and maple-coloured wood furniture. Tea and coffee-making facilities are available, as well as an iron and ironing board, trouser press, hairdryer, bathrobe and slippers, and safe. In the bathroom there is a phone and speaker, so you can chat or listen to music, plus a combined bath and shower, toilet, sink and a range of toiletries. In-room wired broadband internet access costs £7.99 for one hour, or you can pay £14.99 for a 24-hour package which also includes pay-to-view entertainment. Floors 10 and above have wifi access, which must be paid for in euros (€30 for 24 hours). Alternative floors have a free ice machine – you can carry the ice using a jug from your room. The rooms on the first floor are reserved for smokers.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS Mirrors restaurant (open 12-2.30pm, 6.30-10.30pm), named after the pair of mirrors by the entrance, serves modern European cuisine. There is a self-service buffet or an à la carte menu - I highly recommend the fresh scallops. Mirrors Bar, in the same area as the restaurant, is open 11am to 1am, and shows SkySports. Breakfast is served in the restaurant from 6.30am, although for a surcharge you can have it served in your room from 6am.
MEETING AND BUSINESS FACILITIES There are 16 meeting rooms, ranging from small boardrooms (up to 20 people) to a large theatre (up to 446). A small internet area, with two computers (£1 for 10 minutes) and a printer (free) is situated next to the lobby.
LEISURE FACILITIES There is a small gym for guests to use, with a range of equipment including running machines and weights. There is also a sauna and steam room. It is unmanned, so you need to fill out a health and safety form at reception before you’re given access. Towels are available in the gym.
VERDICT Novotel St Pancras is perfectly located for onward travel to the north of England and Europe. Although the hotel was full when I stayed, there were no queues at check-in and staff were attentive and helpful, keeping guests up to date on developments with the Eurostar.
Fact File
HOW MANY ROOMS? 312 total, with 264 superior rooms, 45 executive rooms and three suites.
ROOM HIGHLIGHTS The views across London are spectacular from the higher floors.
PRICE A mid-week stay in mid-October starts from £168 for a superior room.
CONTACT 100-110 Euston Road, London; tel +44 (0)870 850 4500; novotel.com.
By Sara Turner
