THE HOTEL: Spitting distance from Kings Cross/St Pancras/Euston stations, at 100 Euston Road, next door to the British Library, the hotel is a beacon of modern glass with a feature outside lift. This is a four-star ‘new generation’ Novotel.
THE CHECK IN: Warm and welcoming for 8pm. Plus an expansive lobby with striking floral displays and furniture that gave a real visual treat. The paperwork was dealt with efficiently and I was in the lift to my room in under five minutes.
THE ROOM: I was in a 14th floor Executive Room, a modern and sleekly designed spacious room with small-ish bathroom but cleverly designed, with well-lit basin, shower in the bath and good quality toiletries. Extras with the Executive Rooms are towelling robe and slippers, more space and a kingsize bed. Standard to all rooms are tea and coffee-making facilities, a minibar, iron and ironing board, small safe, flatscreen TV, PC/ISDN and internet access, desk, clothes press and ample storage. One floor up is the Executive Lounge offering free breakfast, all-day refreshments, evening drinks and canapés.
THE BUSINESS: The purpose-built conference centre includes a state of the art auditorium in the shape of the 466-seat Shaw Theatre; the Nobel Suite, which seats up to 360 theatre style; and 13 smaller meeting rooms.
THE FACILITIES: The stylish Mirrors bar and restaurant on the lobby level offers a full a la carte menu and tempting self-service, three-course buffet with cold starters and hot main courses (steak & kidney pie, gnocchi or fish pie) and desserts for £23.00 (or two courses for £17.50). There is also a fitness centre on the 5th floor with a steam room and sauna, and a good selection of gym equipment.
THE VERDICT: Impressive new build hotel, with a great location for three of London’s main railway terminals. Friendly, welcoming staff and good price points.
THE DETAILS: Room rates are from £99 a night; Executive Rooms start from £129. Eight-hour delegate rates are £93 and overnight rates are £282 (including lunch and mid-morning and afternoon refresh-ments). All rates include VAT.
See: www.novotel.com; or tel: 0207 666 9000. Gillian Upton
