The Standard, King's Cross, London

The local area has undergone a huge redevelopment and there are plenty of restaurants, shops and bars in Coals Drop Yard. We recommend Dishoom for excellent westernised Indian cusine, or Lina Stores for Italian cuisine in retro surroundings.

The hotel's opposite King's Cross St Pancras on the busy Euston Road, making it particularly convenient if you're travelling by train.

By car: around 4 hours from Manchester and less than 3 hours from Bristol. Paid parking available nearby.

By train: King's Cross St Pancras station is a 2-minute walk away. Euston is a 7-minute walk. Book trains to London.

Housed in a Brutalist building overlooking St Pancras station, interiors are fun and playful, and the vibe is cool, unpretentious and inviting. The décor is very 1970s with retro furnishings, bright pops of colour and splashes of greenery. Mushroom lights create a soft and warm feel in the lounge and there are over 3,000 books on the walls - so perfect for sinking into one of the soft leather sofas with.

Staff exude warmth, making you feel at home the moment you arrive - and the service is friendly and laidback. In terms of facilities, there's a small gym with Technogym equipment and three Peloton bikes (you can even ask for the bikes to be taken up to your room) and lovely outdoor spaces. The ground-floor terrace is great for relaxing on warmer days and the fantastic 11th-floor rooftop terrace boasts stunning views.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Terrace
• Garden
• Gym
• Free Wi-Fi

The quirky retro vibes continue in the rooms and suites. Dark brown wood panelling and colourful geometric blankets complement the retro tiling in the bathrooms, which come with rain showers (and some with free-standing baths).

Room types: Cosy Core, Queen's Standard, Queen of Queens, King's Deluxe, Double Standard, King of Kings, Junior Suite, Suite Spot, Suite Terrace

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, luxury bathrobes, TV, free Wi-Fi

There are three restaurants: Double Standard and Isla (ground floor) and Decimo (tenth floor). We loved the artichoke and Pardina lentils dish at Isla. At Sweeties bar, mixologists shake up potent cocktails to DJ sets.

Decimo: Mexican/Spanish cuisine. Open Tue-Sat (hours vary).

Isla: terrace restaurant, seasonal ingredients. Open daily, 7am-11pm.

Double Standard: casual drinking and dining. Open daily from 12pm.