ST. PANCRAS RENAISSANCE LONDON HOTEL

First up, as a person who has lived in London for 18 years, I was looking forward to staying in such an iconic place, and the building lives up to this. It also has busy bars and eating areas around it, so it has a lovely vibe. Second, the staff are very pleasant and genuinely trying their best. Both breakfasts were very good, too. That written, having one person at the check-out on a busy morning as most are on their way to the airport is not great organization. Further under the surface, the hotel doesn’t live up to its promise. The service in the bar/restaurant is painfully slow. The room was not ready for check-in at 2PM because of a problem with the ‘check-in computer’ - which is a problem for someone straight off a plane needing to shower and get ready for a 3PM meeting. There is a problem with the water pressure in the room; the hot water tap barely runs and there is a very long wait for hot water from the shower - I had a cold shower the second morning of my stay because it took so long (and I had a plane to catch). I’ve stayed in many 5-star hotels, and this is definitely not a comparison. Much more attention to detail required before even a 4-star is warranted.

I had one of the best risotto's ever on my visit. The opulence of the building and an inspired menu make this venue one of my favourites when in London. For those liking a beer try the St Pancras although a bottled beer served in a pewter tankard great touch. Service is always prompt but not rushed important when having a train to catch.

We stayed here just for one night last month and what a great experience, staff are excellent, treated us very well. We are Marriott Platinum members and the executive lounge is one of the best we have ever been in, absolutely brilliant.

We are just wrapping up a 3 night stay at this property. The hotel is magnificent - architecture and history do not disappoint. We stayed in a suite with access to the Chambers Club. The room was lovely and the club was an added benefit. Dominic in the Chambers Club was at the top of his game. He remembered guests and their preferences. In particular, we need to eat gluten free and he anticipated our needs. He addressed guests by name and we witnessed one group asking to take a picture with him as a fond remembrance of their stay at the property and time in London. He is a great ambassador for this Marriott hotel. When staying in a suite, the hotel will set up a lovely spa bath in your room - this is a must-do. It is a relaxing getaway with lovely top-of-the-line products. The hotel takes care of everything with a 24-hour notice. All aspects of our stay exceeded expectations - from the porters, bellman and all staff. I would highly recommend this hotel as a special destination where guests can expect great food, great service and a great location for accessing all the magic of London, whether here for business or personal travel.

I stayed in the St. Pancras Renaissance for 8 night, on a work trip, and brought a companion. Overall, the hotel was beautiful, rooms larger than expected, and as Marriott Gold guests, we were pampered. Would definitely stay there again! Everything from checking in was great. The lobby (Hansom Lounge, where you can get afternoon tea, complimentary if Gold) was very spacious and felt fancy. When I asked about an upgrade, one wasn't available for the whole stay, but it was starting our second night. We were also given the option to upgrade to a room in the Chambers suites for 60 pounds a night, but decline, since we didn't think we would be able to make use of the space. Our initial room honored the quiet/high floor request - in fact, we were placed on the highest floor, with a comfortable vaulted ceiling. View wasn't great, since we were facing the roof of the train station, but we didn't mind - that's what leaving the hotel was for. We also had a nice plate with two macarons and a small cake greeting us in the room :) Since our upgrade was on the second day, we packed all our bags after our first night. The staff moved everything into our new rooms for us. The hotel was still able to keep our requests - 4th floor instead, but quiet. View was facing the roof, but again, didn't mind. The upgraded room was very spacious, and had a small lounge couch (not suitable for sleeping). Housekeeping was great, and always came twice. Turndown service was always performed (which is nice because we always forget to request that), and even changed towels that were used in the middle of the day. One time, we requested extra towels, and because I wasn't sure what size was needed, they gave us two sets of towels - bath, hand, face. Great service. Also important to note that the bathrobes were amazingly soft and comfortable - I only regret not purchasing one to take home. The Marriott Gold perks were great too - breakfast for 2, buffet style, in the Booking Office (beautiful - if you stay here, you must eat here to see it), which was quite good. They even cooked things on request, which took a little longer than normal, but for the price of free, we didn't mind. The breakfast had everything - eggs, sausage, grilled tomatoes, pancakes, croissants, jams, nutella, juice, smoothies, smoked salmon, more and more and more. This not only saved us a lot of money, but also started the day happily. Afternoon tea was quite nice - a wide selection to choose from. We didn't use this much, since we were usually out, but it was soothing for the days that we did have it. The last perk, and most 'lucrative', was the free drinks and snack at the Booking Office. It was a free beer or cider (any from menu), their pick of red/white/rose wine, and at least half, but not all, of the bar snacks. Two drinks and two snacks (if you have a guest with you) was nice in case you had a small dinner, or just enjoy eating food. The selection of alcohol and snacks was great, and very delicious. As Gold members, we were always given a table, even if it was busy. The location is amazing - St. Pancras, King's Cross, Euston stations are within a matter of minutes, and the National and Eurostar trains are in the same building as the hotel. Having a train station nearby means that if you forgot anything, it's really easy to go buy it without stepping foot outdoors (as in no roof over your head). While you're there, make sure to check out the grand staircase. Beautiful, and stunning. Onto the things that could be better - the Gilbert Scott was pricey, and didn't feel like the food was worth the price. The Booking Office food was better (amazing bar snacks, remember'), but the main courses weren't as great as some of the other food we had in London. However, the Booking Office is not a bad choice for an easy night in. On another note, because the Booking Office kitchen is down the hall from the Booking Office (and on the way to the elevator for the Barlow rooms), there is an odd smell. It would be nice if management could help clear that up. This hotel was an amazing place to stay, and one of my favorite hotels ever. I plan on going back next chance I get, and look forward to the service and the room.