Fun, colorful, cheeky hotel perfect for a London party weekend
The Standard / London / UK
When going to a city like London there are so many hotels to choose from it is almost overwhelming. Where to start? Well, what I always do is to zoom in on the area where I want to spend most of my time. The reason why I ended up staying at the Standard this time around was that I was travelling (for the first time) with the Eurostar train through the Channel tunnel, The train arrives at Kings Cross/St Pancras Station which is 200 m from this hotel So convenient!
The Standard London is part of chain of 7 hotels. The first one opened in LA in 1999 by hotel powerhouse Andre Balazs. The London outpost with its 266 rooms, was the first project for this chain outside the US. It is situated in a piece of brutalist architecture from 1974 that used to house the Camden Town Hall Annex
The design is very colorful and maximalist. It feels like entering some kind of 70:s technicolor world. The carpet in the lobby together with the red ceiling sets the colorful, playful tone and it continues all the way throughout the hotel, even into the bathroom of my room. I really like when designers dare to make these kind of bold color and design choices. I say more maximalism to the people!
Welcome to the The Standard London!
Yes, I must admit I am a huge fan of 70:s brutalist architecture. This building dates back to 1974.
The sign is cleverly hidden in greenery outside the entrance. No big splashing neon signs anywhere.
I think this entrance is so fab. It sets the tone directly and gives a good reflection of what this hotel is all about.
The interior is a real contrast to the grey exterior. Inside it is color all the way.
It is great to see that the inside reflects the outside. The 70:s retro vibe on the inside is fully in line with the building itself. I managed to snap a photo when the lobby wasn’t full of people “working” on their laptops.
It is not everyday you sleep in a red, leather bed…
I must admit that I think it is impressive to get a handwritten welcome note in a hotel of 266 rooms.
I am in love with the color scheme of my shower.
Downstairs, the bar/restaurant also doubles as a library.
Love, love, love the rich use of plants in the common spaces.
This is my favorite shot from the hotel, the peak into the bar.
Heading out to explore London.
More or less across the street from the hotel you’ll find one of my favorite breakfast restaurants in town, Granger & CO.
There is so much to do and explore in London. Something I had never seen before that is right around the corner from the hotel is Regent’s Canal. In between times when walking along here I almost forgot I was in London.
RG inside info
This place is perfect if you…
…are traveling with the Eurostar to London and want to stay in a cool design hotel with a party vibe. Then you can just dump your bags directly upon arrival and then venture out to explore this city of cities.
My favorite thing about this place…
…The Standard is one of those open hotels which means that there is a constant buzz here created by guests and locals together. I love the energy and the vibe that leads to. I also really like the the whole 70:s retro vibe.
What not to miss when staying here…
…behind St Pancras station there is a fairly newly developed area called Coal Drop Yard that houses shops, restaurants and bars in an historic environment. Design guru Tom Dixon has a really beautiful shop here. And right next to this place you have Regent’s Canal, perfect for a walk or a run.
If you like this place you might also like…
SoHo House, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Freehand, NYC, NY, USA
The Standard, Bangkok, Thailand
