It feels wrong to refer to The Standard, London, as a hotel. Five minutes in the lobby, and you’ll understand what we mean. One look at the constant bustle of young London creatives coming and going through the front entrance, and you’ll assume you’ve stepped into a chic co-working space with an exclusive guest list and an outrageous monthly fee. But rest assured, this is indeed a hotel—a very, very cool one.
The hotel’s design reflects the crowd it attracts: hip, stylish, and effortlessly chic. It feels like you’ve entered the living room of the impossibly cool haute couture designer you follow on Instagram. Rooms are contemporary, with playful pops of color—think splashes of red, blue, and brown—funky bathroom tiles, and dim, atmospheric lighting. And if you’re having trouble finding the hotel, just look up: the iconic red pill-shaped elevator on its exterior is visible from blocks away.
There are ten types of rooms and suites to choose from. The Cozy Room (the most budget-friendly option) might sound intimidating—it’s tiny and windowless—but as the name suggests, it’s surprisingly snug and inviting. A rainfall shower surrounded by lush greenery makes it feel like a serene jungle treehouse. Many rooms offer sweeping views of St Pancras and King’s Cross stations, while the suites boast sprawling terraces and hot tubs. They are surprisingly spacious for their zip code.
The dining and drinking options are as stylish as the guests. Even London locals flock here. Isla, an all-day lounge, is brimming with greenery and provides a refreshing contrast to London’s (respectfully) gloomy streets. Decimo, helmed by Michelin-starred chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias, pairs floor-to-ceiling views of the skyline with an ever-changing lineup of DJs. Library Lounge is for drinks; Double Standard is for craft beer and burgers. Sweeties, the late-night cocktail bar, offers an inventive menu and an equally impressive music scene. You may have every intention of going for a nightcap but, one look at that disco ball, and the chances of you indulging in more than a handful of drinks is high. And the next morning, room service is the way to go—our pick is the full English breakfast.
The crowd at The Standard deserves a special shout-out. For anyone looking to immerse themselves in London’s creative energy, this is the place to be. The hotel hosts countless photoshoots, is a stone’s throw from the prestigious Central Saint Martins fashion school, and features a ground-floor sound studio that doubles as a recording booth, performance space, and Sometimes Radio station. It’s where you’ll find fascinating, impeccably dressed people and a lively atmosphere that might lead to a late night out. But don’t worry—the rooms remain impressively quiet when you’re ready to retreat. And if you happen to miss your red eye on account of a late night out… well, is that really the worst thing?
Top Takeaways
Location: London, United Kingdom
Rating: Five-star
The Vibe: An impossibly hip co-working space and nightclub. This is where the hip designer you follow on Instagram would spend their Friday nights.
Food + Drink: Isla for all-day fare, Decimo for upscale Mexican, and Sweeties for swanky cocktails. Order room service to remedy the effects of a late night out.
Amenities: Roebs, slippers, rainfall showerheads, fast WiFi. A rotating line-up of DJs every night, a recording studio and performing space on the ground floor, excellent dining and drinking options.
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel? Think of this property as a living, breathing extension of London’s creative scene. Sipping on a cocktail at the bar ensures you meet a host of interesting people—locals and visitors alike.
What’s Nearby? The property is directly across the street from Kings Cross and St Pancras (home to many historical feats including serving as the filming location for the Spice Girls’ Wannabe music video—but I digress). Being here means you’re in the heart of London, with black cabs lined up at the entrance, access to the Tube just steps away, and walking distance from major landmarks, shops, and trendy restaurants.
Rooms: 266 rooms and suites
Pricing: Rates start at $210/night
Closest Airport: London-Heathrow
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