Alhambra Hotel

“Pleasantly Surprised by this hidden gem!”

I'll start by saying that we chose the Alhambra under VERY specific circumstances - we'd just been lucky enough to bag tickets to see David Gilmour at the RAH, we then needed somewhere to stay. It only needed to be one night, we weren't going to do much more than sleep there and we didn't want to t… more

I'll start by saying that we chose the Alhambra under VERY specific circumstances - we'd just been lucky enough to bag tickets to see David Gilmour at the RAH, we then needed somewhere to stay. It only needed to be one night, we weren't going to do much more than sleep there and we didn't want to take all day making our choice. We were arriving by train and would be travelling by tube within London. The Alhambra is on Argyle Street - directly opposite St Pancras (where we'd be arriving) and while it wasn't particularly cheap, it looked good and appeared to suit our needs. My cousin and I go to a LOT of live music events so we've racked up a fair bit of experience and it hasn't all been good. We learn from all of it! I had minor reservations about choosing the Alhambra (based on it's street position and it's two-star rating) - I needn't have been concerned!! It's really easy to find (on the left as you walk up Argyle Street. You're 'buzzed in' by the reception staff (which, as we found later, is 24/7!) and we had the quickest, easiest check-in ever - followed by a few surprises - but before that, more on the reception.... The Alhambra is accommodation only BUT they do make available a range of snacks, drinks and breakfast packages which can be bought at reception - along with a few other things you might need. They also (quite generously) provide luggage storage which we made use of between check-out and our actual departure. Check-in really was the simplest ever, leaving us wondering 'Why aren't more like this?' and in minutes, you're done, issued with keys and directed to your room. You get a conventional 'Yale' key and an electronic fob. The whole thing is secured by Yale computerised locks and they're SO easy to work with! The surprise comes when you find that you're not staying in the building you're standing in but one directly across the street!! We'd never met this concept before but it's surprisingly effective. The Alhambra owns a number of 'houses' on Argyle Street and they've been converted and equipped to function as part of the hotel. Seemples!!! The Yale key gets you through the front door and the electronic fob gets you into your room. Nothing to it! Everywhere you go feels fresh and cared-for - unlike SOME places we've stayed in London... It's bright, it's clean, it's tidy. It's NOT tatty, scruffy, grubby, worn out and it doesn't smell bad - and this theme continues throughout. So now we're in the room - and this is where the purpose of your visit becomes relevant. The room is not large but the space is well-used, well thought-out and includes pretty much everything you need in an accessible arrangement and was perfect for our one-night stay. The door shuts and locks well. Sounds obvious? It's not always the case!! Looking around the room, there are lots of little details which spell quality and again, they're not always present! I've tried to include most of these in the photos but I will explain too. I had Room 10 in House No. 20. It's on the back of the building and overlooks an adjacent school playground. Not a problem on a Saturday or Sunday! The window is a modern, UPVC sash - nicely fitted and working well - completed with blackout roller blind. By the bed, you have bedside units and on the door side, a double socket with integrated USB charging - both A and C. Nice touch! In the wardrobe, there are more drawers, a blanket and a safe. Unfortunately the previous occupant had left it locked but if it had mattered to me, reception would have dealt with it. Next to the wardrobe, a fitted desk/dresser with a chair, coffee/teamaking facilities all ready connected and still a spare socket! This too is not as common as you might think!! Under the desk, a very effective radiator with a Drayton TRV control. Another little nod to quality...! The bathroom; bright, clean, fresh, well-maintained - things I've learned NOT to take for granted. Yes, it's a little 'over-compact' (fine if you're ok with your elbow in the basin while using the loo!) but it's all so nicely done, I don't feel any need to complain. A soft-close toilet seat - of a quality I'd be pleased to have at home - not the usual flimsy tat... A Hansgrohe basin tap - you've seen them - all the expensive places use them! A modern and well-fitted shower arrangement - again, not huge but adequate and in great condition. The bed. I sat down a little hard and felt the bump as I met the solid base. "Oh!" but later, had the best 'hotel sleep' I can remember in a VERY long time so I needn't have worried! And that's really it! Check-out was as easy as check-in. They kept our bags while we visited O'Neill's for their legendary breakfast then wandered around for a couple of hours, then we caught our train. If only EMR had even some of what the Alhambra has....!! This hotel goes straight to the top of our list of places to stay for venues other than Wembley. Absolutely nothing not to like!!

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“A gem in the heart of London!”

This place is a gem in the heart of London! We stayed 4 nights in a double room with an en-suite bath. Our room was on the second floor. The room was tiny, but well appointed, up several flights of stairs. Everything is spotless, fresh and well maintained. There is no a/c, but there are window… more

This place is a gem in the heart of London! We stayed 4 nights in a double room with an en-suite bath. Our room was on the second floor. The room was tiny, but well appointed, up several flights of stairs. Everything is spotless, fresh and well maintained. There is no a/c, but there are windows we could open and a fan. The hotel staff is friendly and helpful. The area is safe and the hotel is surprisingly quiet. There are many restaurants within walking distance and King’s Cross station is so close. We found it so easy to ride the Underground to everything we wanted to see. I would definitely stay here again.

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“Little gem, great location”

Friendly, helpful staff and fantastic location for the Eurostar as St Pancras is at the end of the street (which is fairly quiet) Our room was small but lovely and quiet with a big sash window and view out onto the garden. We had a very nice short stay. Will go back again, definitely.

“Would book again. Great little hotel.”

Our room wasn’t ready so they gave us one which was and I wonder if it was a back up room, like a runner up prize 🤣 it was in the basement so we could see the pavement above the window. It was perfectly fine but just a bit noisy as we were right next to the cleaning and laundry room, they slammed b… more

Our room wasn’t ready so they gave us one which was and I wonder if it was a back up room, like a runner up prize 🤣 it was in the basement so we could see the pavement above the window. It was perfectly fine but just a bit noisy as we were right next to the cleaning and laundry room, they slammed bags down which was very noisy and quite annoying when our baby was sleeping. But apart from that it was good. The bed was comfy and big. The shower was really powerful. Cot bed provided. It was all we needed. The staff were lovely and it was perfect for catching the Eurostar as 1 minute walk to St Pancras. I would book this hotel again. Really good value for money. Slept very well 😊

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