Great Northern Hotel, London
More photosThe Kaya Great Northern Hotel is a historic landmark located right in the heart of King’s Cross. Originally opened in 1854, it holds the distinction of being London’s first railway hotel. It was designed by the renowned Victorian architect Lewis Cubitt, who was also the mastermind behind the adjacent King’s Cross station.
The building is easily recognized by its striking, slender curve of robust brickwork, which was crafted to complement the bustling transport landscape. Following a massive £14 million restoration, the Grade II-listed property reopened in 2013, successfully blending its original 19th-century Victorian grandeur—such as soaring ceilings and sweeping wrought-iron staircases—with stylish, 21st-century boutique interiors designed by Archer Humphryes Architects.
One of the hotel’s most charming features is its clever homage to the golden age of steam travel. The guest rooms are divided into four styles, including “couchette” rooms that mimic the layout of classic railway sleepers. Each floor also features a communal guest pantry stocked with treats, creating a cozy, home-like atmosphere that contrasts with the hotel’s grand public spaces.
Positioned perfectly for travelers, the hotel sits right between the international gateways of King’s Cross and St. Pancras. You are just steps away from the iconic Platform 9 ¾ of Harry Potter fame and the trendy Coal Drops Yard, a revitalized industrial area packed with shops and restaurants. With its prime location, you are perfectly placed to explore both the immediate station hub and the rest of central London.
Expert reviews
“With an air of history and quick access to the Underground, this stylish hotel provides a great base for exploring London. The theme of rail travel is present in the hotel’s stylish décor: ‘Do not disturb’ signs bear antique illustrations of railway signals, and ‘Couchette’ rooms, with built-in beds, take their design cues from sleeper cars.”
“The slick regeneration of King’s Cross is encapsulated in the beautifully refurbished Great Northern Hotel. Juxtaposed between the clean lines of the station’s contemporary architecture and the grande dame grandeur of the Renaissance Hotel, the Grade II-listed building serves to fuse the two with understated elegance.”
What guests liked
- Boutique style
- Friendly staff
- Excellent Wifi
- Top location
- Comfortable beds
- Kings Cross
Location
Recent guest reviews
1 June 2026
Perfect St Pancras Retreat
Exceptional hotel located perfectly between Kings Cross, St Pancras and the Underground connections. Selected due to It's proximity to St Pancras and the International services. Stayed with family, on floors 2 and 4 (my photos are from floor 2) Check in smooth and efficient, staff super friendly and welcoming. Pricey but what you get is worth it! well designed and comfortable rooms, lots of natural light, comfy bed, great bathroom with shower. Food was exceptional! Ate at the RAILS restaurant in the evening and had breakfast the next day in their stunning dining room. Would absolutely stay again! Thanks Great Northern team!
31 May 2026
Off the Train from Edinburgh to a King's Cross welcome. Thank you all!
Having by mistake booked on the wrong date the staff went out of the way to contact Booking.com to ensure we did not loose our advanced payment
Nothing
25 May 2026
Fabulous and so convenient for Eurostar
Everything
Nothing
20 May 2026
Fabulous hotel in a great location.
What an amazing hotel! The room (Heritage) was fantastic. Quiet, comfortable, luxurious. Cocktails and breakfast were excellent too.
Everything was perfect!
17 May 2026
All the definition of excellent is all here in this hotel.
The location, great staff, cleanliness.
Nothing
17 May 2026
Stayed in several high end hotels during out 10 days in UK and thought this one was the best! Worth the price!
Great room! Loved the working coffee maker, the great robes and slippers, the well positioned make up mirror, the easy to use TV, and a totally dark room when sleeping.
11 May 2026
Lovely weekend. Hotel so lovely and beautiful room
Beautiful
Nothing
10 May 2026
Really enjoyed it,
Location brilliant for St Pancras and King's Cross
Rooms beautifully renovated
Cramped bathroom
8 May 2026
Excellent but expensive
Location, restaurant and staff
Room rate seemed pricey for size and amenities
4 May 2026
Super City Break location
Hotel is right in the Kings Cross station, so easy to get to and great as a hub. So many places in walking distance. The staff were all friendly and efficient, eggs benedict for breakfast was loveley. What not to love.
3 May 2026
Good spot for a Lobdon stay
Great location
Some repair works going on I’m room nearby during the day - so drilling noise a bit annoying. But quiet at night.
30 April 2026
Surprisingly quiet for such a busy location! We had a great stay. Loved the breakfast also.
Location, breakfast and room
Room was dark - but on top floor so to be expected.
30 April 2026
Very clean comfortable and a quiet room.
It was covenient .
The catering facilities were closed that night but plenty of other places to go to.
29 April 2026
Will be staying again.
Location as using Eurostar.
Good food both at Dinner and Breakfast.
Bedrooms quite small but cosy.
26 April 2026
Great start to international rail trip
We stayed for an early Eurostar train. Perfect location, comfortable quiet room and friendly staff.
Nothing
24 April 2026
Any closer to St Pancras and you’d be sleeping on a train - just fabulous!
Fabulous niche hotel literally across the road from St Pancras International Departures. You won’t get closer than this unless you sleep in the station!!
Cozy room, king size bed, great ensuite. Room service options limited but available. Exceptionally friendly, positive staff who are eager to help.
We couldn’t believe how insulated the room is sound wise. Fabulous!! Full temperature control is also a great added bonus. We’d absolutely stay here again.
The room is small but functional - they are definitely making the most of the space.
18 April 2026
a good located hotel to start your journey on eurostar.
location was ideal for st.pancras train station
it would have been nice if there was a kettle and tea making facilities.
14 April 2026
Great location, very nice bar area and nice staff
All of it
N/a
13 April 2026
A quiet oasis in a fabulous location. Beautiful room, large bathroom and well cooked breakfasts.
Beautifully appointed. Welcoming. Quiet.
10 April 2026
Perfect overnight stay before our Great Rail Journey!
Proximity to St Pancras. Stayed in Edwardian Room...stylish decor, luxurious bedding. Pantry at the end of the corridor had free tea and coffee, cookies and fruit. Felt secure and safe in busy dustrict of London. We loved our 1 night stay at the Kaya Great Northern Hotel, and would definitely stay again.
Nothing.
4 April 2026
I had a lovely overnight stay, very convenient for the station.
A lovely quiet room in the heart of London
3 April 2026
Great Hotel and amazing location
Excellent location. Staff were amazing, always available and helpful.
The small rooms are great for a single but crowded for a double
2 April 2026
Lovely hotel, fantastic location right next to King’s Cross station
I really like this hotel, very clean, nice decor and a fantastic location right next to King’s Cross
It’s all good. The bed was very slightly less comfortable than my own but that’s very minor
29 March 2026
Very convenient and pleasant
Nice atmosphere, well decorated, very good restaurant and excellent location specially for those who travels by train.
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28 March 2026
Supportive of acessibility needs and perfect location for that too
Location was perfect for us!
The lack of pantry supplies
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Snack bar
- - Special diet menus (on request)
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Fruits (additional charge)
- - Coffee house on site
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Soundproof rooms
- - Heating
- - Allergy-free room
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
- - Designated smoking area
- - Airport shuttle (additional charge)
- - Pet bowls
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Luggage storage
- - Concierge service
- - Invoice provided
Business facilities
- - Business centre
- - Fax/photocopying (additional charge)
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Outdoors
- - Outdoor furniture
Miscellaneous
- - Key access
- - Key card access
- - Security alarm
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Delivered food is securely covered
- - Access to health care professionals
Activities
- - Bicycle rental
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