As part of my discovery the Business cabin of the Air France Boeing 787-9, which you were able to read about in the article published a few days ago, I stayed in one of the most recent Starwood hotels in the english capital : the Great Northern Hotel, member of Tribute Portfoliothe latest addition to Starwood’s portfolio, bringing together all the hotels with character and high standards of service, while luxury hotels and palaces are in the Luxury Collection.
However, unlike theDesign Hotels that offer only limited benefits to SPG Elite members, this chain offers all the benefits normally attributed to members.
Back to the Great Northern Hotel, GNH for short. The property is adjacent toKing’s Cross Stationand is housed in a beautiful white brick building.
Booking
I made this reservation on theSPG site as usual, using apromotional code, with almost total flexibility.
Two weeks before my arrival, however, I received an e-mail from the reservations department telling me that my payment card had expired and inviting me to change it, which I did promptly. The tone of the email was polite buta bit harsh.
Arrival
From Heathrow airport, I arrived at the hotel using the subway, a direct route, in 60 minutes. Obviously, by Eurostar, it’s a two-minute walk since the hotel, located at Kings Cross, is literally in front of St. Pancras International Station.
The entrance isvery discreetbecause despite the size of the building, the property has only 80 rooms.
After the entrance, turn right to get to the reception. The closeness with the staff adds warmth to the relationship in those always stressful steps that are the check-in formalities.
As a Platinum member, I received a double upgrade to the highest room level available and early check-in and late check-outguarantees. I also chose the breakfast as a Platinum benefit, particularly hearty in this hotel.
Finally, a butler will accompany me to my room.
Room
My room was located on the 3rd floorof the property, on the King’s Cross side.
I had explicitly asked for a quiet roomto be able to rest and the receptionist confirmed that this room was quiet, which was the case, certainly at the expense of the view which, although pleasant, was globally obstructed by the glass roof of the Kings Cross station.
The double upgrade was welcome because despite this, the room is still a normal size, with a small lounge appendage with sofa.
The decoration issober and elegant, in the style of the time of the building.
The bathroom is nicely decorated and the tiles on the wall are reminiscent of the Parisian metro.
The shower, in particular, is very pleasant.
A welcome giftwas brought to me to thank me for my loyalty: excellent macaroons made by the house pastry chef!
Hotel services
Despite its size, the hotel is not equipped with a fitness room, which will disappoint dumbbells aficionados who prefer a more standardized hotel. On the other hand, the property has set up 3 partnerships with local clubs that are accessible free of charge, but each one is located more than ten minutes’ walk from the hotel, and with limited opening hours, especially on weekends. To be taken into account, especially during business trips.
On each floor, the hotel offers its free Pantry concept. The goal is to recreatea home-like atmosphere: unlimited coffee, cakes, candy and fruit are available and accessible to all residents. A kind ofClub Lounge accessible to all: I love it!
Food options
The hotel has one of the best restaurants in the area, so much so thatgetting a table by booking the same day was difficult… But however possible, at 21:30.
The restaurant is located on the second floor of the hotel and has an adjoining bar. The decorationis very elegant and contemporary, but respects the history and codes of the place.
As a guest of the hotel and Platinum member, I enjoyed a particularly attentive welcomeand a magnificent round and spacious table, without doubt one of the best in the property.
The menu is simple and the products of quality: I start with a fish soup, excellent. Special mention for the carefully spiced rouille sauce.
For the main course, I choose an entrecote with green pepper sauce and mashed potatoes. Divine, especially accompanied by this Rioja wine.
For dessert… I will enjoy an excellent Sauternes 2010that will delight my palate, which likes to finish on a sweet note.
Excellent meal, ended with an expensive but not too much bill, thanks to the 20% discount obtained with my SPG card.
As for breakfast, as I mentioned at the beginning of the article, the hotel isvery generous with Platinum members. Since the restaurant only offers an à la carte menu, the hotel offers guests the opportunity to choose whatever they like for free! This makes it possible to maintain the quality level of the catering while allowing to eat copiously.
I apologize for the lack of photos, but I guarantee that the scrambled eggs with salmon, whole wheat toast and a fruit salad with lemon syrup were absolutely divine.
Like the previous evening, the service was absolutely perfect.
Departure
As expected,the keys were set for a 4pm departure, and all went well at that point. Note that I hada slight problem with a lockthat would not open during my stay: the receptionist was absolutely charming and the problem was solved withgreat tact.
The invoice was sent by e-mail the next day, at my request.
Bottom line
Areally excellent stay,and a hotel that has become myreference in London. I have to mention this hotel in particular for our French friends, with the absolutely immediate proximity of the Eurostar, and which thus becomes an ideal pied-à-terre.
