Kaya Great Northern Hotel, located inside King's Cross Station, offers a standout perk that sets it apart from other luxury stays: a fully stocked pantry on every floor. Unlike typical hotel corners with bottled water and tea bags, these pantries feature proper kitchens with tea, coffee, and freshly baked treats.
Why the Pantry Stands Out
According to Kristina Beanland, Metro's Lifestyle Editor, who has stayed in 21 hotels worldwide this year, the pantry is the most memorable feature. She notes that decent tea-making facilities are rare, even in the UK, and that such home comforts are especially appreciated when away from loved ones or on longer stays.
The hotel, a Grade II listed building, is the oldest railway hotel in London, first opening in 1854. Designed by Lewis Cubitt, the engineer behind King's Cross and London Bridge stations, it sits just 25 metres from the Eurostar terminal in St Pancras.
Rooms and Amenities
The hotel has 88 soundproofed rooms across four categories, starting with the Couchette at 14sqm, which includes a double bed and a bathroom with a walk-in shower. The top-tier Victorian room, where Beanland stayed, is 20sqm and features a bathroom, full-length mirror, vanity area with hairdryer and steamer, and a sofa and bed by Hypnos, a company with a Royal Warrant since the 1920s.
Room prices start at £300 for a Couchette, including breakfast. The hotel does not have a gym or pool, but partners with Bloomsbury Fitness Centre, a five-minute walk away, offering guests complimentary access to all facilities including classes.
Dining and Safety
RAILS, the hotel's main restaurant on the first floor, serves elevated European cuisine and is open to hotel guests and walk-ins. On Fridays, a jazz musician performs from 6pm to 8pm; on the night Beanland dined, singer Jasmine Oakley performed. The GNH Bar & Terrace on the ground floor is a busy meeting point with a live DJ every Saturday from 3pm to 8pm.
For safety, doors lock after 10.30pm and are accessible only via key card, with each floor also having a locked door. At check-in, staff did not read room numbers aloud—a practice women's safety campaigners encourage.
The hotel offers packages with options for breakfast and dinner included. It has lifts, accessible rooms, and facilities, with guests asked to contact the hotel in advance for further information. Check-in is at 3pm and check-out at 1pm.
