The Standard, London, hotel review

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The Standard, London was designed by the Standard’s in-house design team in collaboration with Shawn Hausman Design. There are 266 bedrooms all ranging in style, size and quirky perks (including an outdoor bathtub  overlooking St Pancras International Station). The hotel holds over 4 restaurant/bar locations for you to enjoy excellent food, exciting cocktails and late-night dancing, if you so desire. Their 10th-floor restaurant, Decimo, where Chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias showcases his live-fire cooking surrounded by 360-degree views of London – is only accessible by the iconic exterior “red pill” lift.

This is a desirable spot for those looking to really live the London lifestyle whilst being well looked after by a 5-star establishment.

Why it’s great

There’s nothing like feeling as if you’re at the “it” location of the moment in London. The Standard’s stylish, funky design yet, approachable, laid-back setting makes you feel welcomed into London life. Plus, the staff are friendly and helpful which can make a change when staying at high-end establishments.

The rooms are comfortable yet luxurious but, there’s also no need to be a staying guest to feel the good effects of The Standard. It’s a great place to impress… whether for a date-night drink or a dinner with friends, you’re bound to feel well-looked after here.

Mostly though, the setting really is everything. From the 360-degree restaurant/bar views to the 30-second walk to King’s Cross station, you feel as though you’re seeing and breathing London, in the best way.

What’s the food like? 

We ate at ground floor restaurant Isla which offers a small and stripped-back seasonal menu and a predominantly natural wine list. The light protein “large plates” are stand-out: we enjoyed a beautifully delicate whole lemon sole with seaweed butter and the chicken supreme with chicken sauce. Both good enough to enjoy with just a glass of wine, we did however, bulk things out with a side of butternut squash and marinated feta and the delightfully fluffy focaccia.

For dessert, we opted for the chocolate tart which was a little lacking in luscious texture and a specials menu sticky toffee pudding which was truly excellent. It would be a very welcomed addition to the usual menu!

The white wine was also excellent – albeit rather pricey – and there’s a lovely cocktail list which plays with more natural flavours.

What’s in the rooms? 

We stayed in a spacious double room; a big, bright and quite colourful space with bubble-style glass windows over looking the Shard and other London landmarks. The big bed is centred in the middle of the room with a large desk/bar space behind for your charging ports and night lamps. Underneath here is a fully-stocked mini bar (not included in the price) and plenty of storage space.

Behind the bed, you’ll find a spacious bathroom including a bath and shower, with a loo disclosed by a heavy door. The big tub is just as you’d hope to find in a room of this size but, give yourself a while to let it fill – the water ran extremely slowly.

Other amenities included:

All rooms are pet-friendly which is great if you’re looking for a London staycation without having to find a dog-sitter.

What’s nearby?

The King’s Cross location is excellent. Boasting six underground lines, the station will get you to any London district in minutes. Or, take a stroll… Head East and you’ll find yourself in hip-Shoreditch; go West and you’ll be heading straight into Fitzrovia/the West End.

Then there’s the King’s Cross area itself which has been newly developed into Coal Drop’s Yard – a hot-spot for great restaurants, fashion and occasionally, film screenings.

What’s not so great?

There’s not a huge lot included in the price of a room and as a paying guest, you’d expect to be able to make the most of the amenities on offer. However, being a busy London hot-spot, you’ll find that booking the bars/ restaurants ahead is a necessity. Do not expect to be able to stroll up to any of their bars for a drink – particularly on a weekend – as you most likely won’t get a spot.

Plus, whilst the food was good, the prices are high. Dinner was roughly £250 which included starters, mains, dessert and a mid-price range bottle of wine.

What’s the damage? 

Rooms start from £219 per night. Find out more, here.