The Megaro Hotel

Set among the hectic streets of King's Cross, the hotel’s youthful vibe starts with a huge multi-colored mural daubed across the façade, making an unapologetic -- and cool -- statement. Inside, the merriment continues with Minimix, the world’s largest hotel minibar. It may sound like a gimmick, but the tiny bar is incredibly stylish and pays homage to the area’s history with exposed gas pipes and blue crystalline accents. Replacing the traditional hotel lobby with a bar and desk creates a social atmosphere that's not altogether common in the area. The party vibe continues downstairs in the hotel’s edgier Megaro Bar, where the low-level lighting, ambient jazz music, and glamorous cocktails evoke a speakeasy style. The simply named, Megaro Eatery, showcases an industrial style and attracts a young trendy crowd of locals. The Megaro appeals mostly to social sightseers keen on exploiting the hotel’s well-connected position and popular bars and restaurant, though business guests are also quite common. The staff-to-guest ratio is low and check-in is a relaxed and informal affair, which sits perfectly with the hotel’s laid-back vibe. 

Appealing to tourists and business people alike, the hotel is across from St. Pancras International and the King's Cross St. Pancras Underground Station. It also counts counts Camden, Regent’s Park, and Fitzrovia as its rather affluent neighbors. The Real Food Market at King's Cross Square takes just three minutes to reach on foot. The British Library -- the largest library in the world by the number of items cataloged -- holds regular exhibitions and is a six-minute walk from the hotel. Camden Market, with its quirky shops, bars, and cafes, takes just over 10 minutes to reach on foot. It takes the same amount of time to reach Madame Tussauds by train, which is minutes from The Regent’s Park. Famous landmarks like Big Ben, London Eye, and the Houses of Parliament take a longer 20-minute journey by train to reach. Heathrow is the closest airport and takes just under an hour to drive to, or slightly longer by train. The Eurostar, which connects travelers to Paris, Amsterdam, and Calais, amongst others, can be picked up from St. Pancras International. 

The 49 thoughtfully designed rooms are a mixture of Double, Studio, and Family Rooms, as well as an additional eight Apartments. Most are bright and airy, with light wood paneling, and some vibrant colors coming from the patchwork blankets and artwork. The result is an uncluttered style which feels appropriate for a hotel where guests are often out exploring the local area or hanging out in the cool communal spaces. The Diesel Corner Studios are the result of Henry Chebaane’s vision to create a "hip-hop Britannia" style. Nods to British pop culture include large bulldogs and Harry Potter’s owl, as well as a healthy smattering of Union Jack emblems. While the decor in these rooms successfully references punk rock Britain, it’s unapologetically youthful, which won’t suit some peoples taste. Slogans abound in these Corner Studios with ‘Only the Brave’, ‘Owly Funk’, and ‘If Not Now… When?’ motifs mutinously doing away with clean, refined style. High-end features include Samsung TVs and casting devices, which allows guests to connect their cell phones to the TV. Nespresso machines come standard too, and large wardrobes have safes and irons. Not all rooms have desks, which is a conscious decision to encourage guests to enjoy the communal areas. Likewise, the minibars are purposefully stocked with just water and milk, plus an empty beer bottle -- which has become something of a collectible -- urging guests to go downstairs to the Minimix bar. Bathrooms are spacious and feature a combination of plunge baths and walk-in showers. Orla Kiely toiletries and hairdryers are provided. The best rooms are the Corner Studios which look out to St. Pancras International, have a seating area, balcony, and even a cheeky gnome outside the window flipping the bird.

One of the hotel’s biggest draws for both visitors and locals is the fantastic breakfast served at the Megaro Eatery. Serving everything from pancakes to smoked eggplant and poached eggs, it’s not your typical hotel fare. In the evening, the restaurant serves an Italian menu using top-quality British products. The plates are pretty but the food, like the rest of the hotel, is unpretentious and generous.Downstairs in the underground Megaro Bar, the vibe shifts slightly again. Industrial chic is replaced with a grittier dive-bar atmosphere with piano performances, jazz singers, and resident mixologists. Ambient low lighting and booths are a throwback to the Prohibition Era, and with the bar open late there’s certainly a party atmosphere. There’s also the Minimix bar in the lobby, which is an intimate space where guests can serve themselves a variety of drinks. You'll find free popcorn and snacks here too. The hotel also has a KX Club members card which offers guests updates on events happening at St Pancras Hotels Group, early bird invites, a quarterly newsletter, free room upgrades, and discounts at The Megaro Eatery. However, don't expect extras like a gym or spa on-site. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.