England London Novotel Euston Bloomsbury-Marble Arch Options

[pirate]

This is a modern 16 floor hotel, targeting business and convention customers. It is on busy Euston Road between Kings Cross, St Pancras and Euston railway stations, three of London’s busiest terminals, and there are four underground stations within a few blocks walk. We went up to the top floor and there is a terrific view over London’s rooftops; superior rooms on the higher floors were offered as a “holiday special” for a £15 ($26) supplement at reception. Probably worth taking if you are a first time visitor to London.

We arrived mid-morning and it was not a problem to check-in straight away. Check-in was efficiently handled, with no mention of Priceline, simply “your room is fully prepaid”. The lobby was high ceilinged, light and pleasant, with a separate concierge desk, extensive seating area and a bar. Bar prices were about mid-range for London hotels. There is also a restaurant, which we didn’t use, but reviews on Tripadvisor etc would indicate that it is probably placed a little on the wrong side of the price/quality curve. There are lots of cafes and sandwich bars within a couple of blocks for breakfast, and a large “Marks & Spencer” deli/food market situated just in the entrance to Euston station, for food to take to your room.

Our room was clean, light and airy, and a little above average size for a London hotel. We had a proper king size bed (rare for London) and the window could be opened. The room had individual A/C controls and it was easy to get the heat just right. I didn’t try the cooler (It was minus 2 outside!). The bathroom was small, but well equipped, everything was clean and worked well and the water pressure was good.

The pros
Staff were pleasant, helpful and smiling. Everywhere was clean and light. Modern facilities and good elevators. Good location with nearly every attraction inside a mile and a half radius and terrific access to the tube.

The cons
You could be staying at a business hotel anywhere in the world, no atmosphere. While the location is great as an overall base for seeing London and nothing is far away, nothing is actually next door either. For evening dining there are lots of low-end Indian, Lebanese, Greek, etc restaurants and a Pizza Express within two blocks, but no mid/high-end options without a cab/tube ride.

Overall I would consider this property a rock solid 4* business hotel; a real steal at $70 to $85 on Priceline and would be delighted to receive it on a winning bid again. However there are better options in terms of atmosphere and specific location at the $280 rack rate.

Pirate

[blindman]

Stayed here for one night on 4th\5th Feb after watching a show in London.

Agree with the review above, got this for $61 + taxes and the hotel is a rock soid 4*

Will just add a few points.

Kings X\Euston Road is undergoing a major overhaul so walking from Kings X to the hotel is a bit of a pain, but not very far.
Hotel is slightly closer to Kings X than Euston, but not by much.It is next door to the British Library.

Tried to check in at 08:00 (very early train!) and this would have been possible if we had taken the £30 upgrade to an executive suite. I declined so we dropped the bags and went into town.

Checked in later with no problems, no mention of PL. Ordered some room service which appeared within minutes.

Room is a good size for London (see my photos).Double bed OK, I wasn't impressed with the pillows though.

Bath had a decent shower and nice fluffy towels, not too good on the shower gels or soap though.

WARNING:
DO NOT get a room that faces Euston Rd. The noise is very noticeable even on the 6th floor with
the window shut. I had to use ear plugs to get to sleep. We were in 604, I think the lower numbers on the floor face the street, so ask for at least x13\14 numbers.

Minibar in the room not that well stocked, but who uses it anyway?
Tea and coffee making available + two shortbread biscuits.
Ice machines on several floors though ours was broken.

Opposite hotel is a 7-11 type place, Starbucks and a Pizza joint. (see photos).

Hotel has a decent sized gym with a small sauna and steam room, nice extra (for me anyway).
Three elevators, fairly quick, centre one has one glass side so you can look at Euston Rd when you ride

Bill payment:
WARNING
They automatically add breakfast to your room bill ($25 per person). They have no problem removing the charge when asked but if you use the express check out just be aware.

The rate PL paid for the room was on the TV menu + I was told by the staff + it was on the receipt. Don't think they know how to play this game!

PL paid the same as I bid.

Overall a nice place to stay for a quick visit to London.Good transport links but not really within walking distance of major sights- though the British Library is next door.

[blindman]

Photos here