06 March 2017

Starting my Journey in Style at the Great Northern Hotel

Luxury Boutique Hotel in London - Great Northern Hotel | Review on Urban Pixxels

That’s the problem with making travel plans too long in advance. Things change.

But then how could I have known that three weeks after I booked my return ticket London – Japan, I would come up with the brilliant idea to turn 2 weeks Japan into a three month trip? And that I would stay in the Netherlands the weeks before?

And so last week, I had to fly back to London. Only so I could fly to Tokyo via Amsterdam the next day. Yes, I like to make things complicated for myself.

Luxury Boutique Hotel in London - Great Northern Hotel | Review on Urban Pixxels

But to make things a bit easier, and definitely a lot more fun I decided to stay at one of my favourite London hotels the night before my flight: the Great Northern Hotel.

I’ve been at the Great Northern Hotel so many times. I’ve had a New Year’s Eve party here and love their restaurant Plum + Spilt Milk for brunch and dinner. But when you live in London, you normally don’t get to stay at hotels in your own city.

Perfectly located next to King’s Cross and St Pancras station

Luxury Boutique Hotel in London - Great Northern Hotel next to King's Cross | Review on Urban Pixxels

The location of the hotel is perfect. It’s right next to King’s Cross and St Pancras station. If you arrive by train with the Eurostar, you only have to cross the street. And in my case I could take the Piccadilly Line from Heathrow and didn’t have to carry my (way too heavy) suitcase all across London.

Luxury Boutique Hotel in London - Great Northern Hotel | Review on Urban Pixxels

I normally enjoy walking up and down the grand staircase (they decorate the walls beautifully), but when they offer to carry my suitcase to my room I’m afraid it will break the poor guy’s back. Turns out there’s also a lift I didn’t know about. Sure, feel free to help me with my suitcase!

Room with a View

Luxury Boutique Hotel in London - Great Northern Hotel Cubitt Room | Review on Urban Pixxels

I’m in one of the Cubitt rooms, named after the hotel’s architect Lewis Cubitt (1854) who also designed King’s Cross station. The room is spacious and beautiful. I love the green colour on the walls. The room overall has a classic design with many modern touches. I especially like the curved sofa in the corner.

Luxury Boutique Hotel in London - Great Northern Hotel | Review on Urban Pixxels

And the view from my room is pretty special too. I look onto the roof of King’s Cross. Something I only know from seeing on the inside of the station. Knowing how busy this area is and how many people go through the station every day, I’m amazed that my room is completely quiet.

As an extra service for the guests, there’s a pantry on each floor where you can get free – good – coffee, tea, fruit and snacks (including chocolate and cake!). There are also newspapers, books and magazines if you’re looking for something to read. Such a nice touch!

Luxury Boutique Hotel in London - Great Northern Hotel | Review on Urban Pixxels

Wifi at the hotel (and in the rooms) is also free and I don’t think I’ve ever experienced a connection this fast.

GNH Bar

Luxury Boutique Hotel in London - Great Northern Hotel | Review on Urban Pixxels

When you walk into the hotel it’s hard to miss the GNH Bar on the same floor. I didn’t have time for it this time, but I speak from experience that they serve some amazing cocktails.

Plum + Spilt Milk

Upstairs you find the hotel’s restaurant Plum + Spilt Milk. Every time I come here I’m impressed with the beautiful interior with the glass lamps and the warm atmosphere.

Luxury Boutique Hotel in London - Great Northern Hotel, Plum + Spilt Milk Restaurant | Review on Urban Pixxels

Since I was only in London for less than a day, I met up with Jess for dinner at the restaurant. We hadn’t seen each other in three weeks, so we ordered a bottle of wine and three courses from the menu so we would have plenty of time to catch up.

Our waiter Angelo was great and gave us some excellent recommendations when we didn’t know what to choose.

Luxury Boutique Hotel in London - Great Northern Hotel, Plum + Spilt Milk restaurant | Review on Urban Pixxels

Luxury Boutique Hotel in London - Great Northern Hotel, Plum + Spilt Milk restaurant | Review on Urban Pixxels

When I made plans to stay at the Great Northern Hotel I was already looking forward to a nice breakfast in the morning before heading to the airport. But unfortunately I had to leave before the restaurant opened at 7am.

Luxury Boutique Hotel in London - Great Northern Hotel, Kiosk | Review on Urban Pixxels

Fortunately the hotel has another option to get food and drinks, the Kiosk inside King’s Cross Station. When I told the reception I wasn’t able to have breakfast at the hotel, they offered to prepare a breakfast bag from the Kiosk which was waiting for me when I checked out.

Going on a three month trip is of course super exciting, so I wasn’t expecting the night before to be such an enjoyable and relaxing experience. In the future I may need to make last minute changes in my travel plans again just as an excuse to stay at the Great Northern Hotel.

Disclaimer: I was a guest of the Great Northern Hotel for the purpose of this review.

MORE ABOUT THIS STAY

LOCATION

Pancras Road
London N1C 4TB
United Kingdom

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