Kaya Great Northern Hotel
Of all London’s railway terminal hotels, from the outside the Great Northern seems the plainest—and the smallest. Its crescent-shaped building went up quite early, in 1854, and as a consequence it isn’t as bombastic as its brethren learned how to be. Rooms aren’t huge, but they have a smart modern edge and they’re part of the Bonvoy points network. The smallest rooms are called “Couchette” because the sled-style queen beds, attached at head and foot to the walls, are said to have been inspired by railway sleepers. (Don’t worry—they have much more space for your luggage, although the result is less spacious than the higher-category Heritage and Victorian rooms.) Etched glass and cute little curved banquettes complete the allusions to trains. High-standard perks pack the other spaces—a good British restaurant and a cozy cocktail bar is another. Caveat: If you’re quoted a rate over £300, you can do better elsewhere.
Of all London’s railway terminal hotels, from the outside the Great Northern seems the plainest—and the smallest. Its crescent-shaped building went up quite early, in 1854, and as a consequence it isn’t as bombastic as its brethren learned how to be. Rooms aren’t huge, but they have a smart modern edge and they’re part of the Bonvoy points network. The smallest rooms are called “Couchette” because the sled-style queen beds, attached at head and foot to the walls, are said to have been inspired by railway sleepers. (Don’t worry—they have much more space for your luggage, although the result is less spacious than the higher-category Heritage and Victorian rooms.) Etched glass and cute little curved banquettes complete the allusions to trains. High-standard perks pack the other spaces—a good British restaurant and a cozy cocktail bar is another. Caveat: If you’re quoted a rate over £300, you can do better elsewhere.
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