Rough Luxe
1 Birkenhead Street, King's Cross, London, England, WC1H 8BA
Loading map...
#54 of 80
expert-rated hotels in London- Recommended for:
- Culture vultures, Singles, Nightlife
Expert review of Rough Luxe
An edgy, arty small hotel that's great fun for those happy with minimal facilities.
I really like the design of this small hotel, which takes shabby-chic to its extreme. Designer Rabih Hage deliberately left the history of this Grade II-listed building to show through, right down to the ‘Number One Hotel’ sign from the place’s previous incarnation that still hangs out front.
Location:
Rough Luxe is located in King's Cross, one of London's upcoming areas. The glorious new St Pancras International Eurostar station and the British Library are just up the road, and there’s the fine new King's Place concert hall and galleries. This is still mostly a pretty scruffy area, however, but very well connected for public transport.
Bedrooms:
Each room is very different, but all have original art and prints on the walls, as well as little old TVs that barely work, peeling wallpaper and patches of bare wall. I find it oddly beautiful. Most guests sleep on day-beds (opened for you by reception) and not all the rooms are en-suite (one that is has a great free-standing copper bathtub, others have powerful showers). There’s free Wi-Fi throughout, as well as Skype-enabled mobile phones if you notify the hotel in advance.
Check availability and compare prices for Rough Luxe
Public areas:
You can read inspiring architecture and design books in the comfy little library-cum-reception room. In the evening, staff often crack open a bottle of wine and chat, outside on the back terrace if it’s warm or, if not, downstairs in the stunning trompe l’oeil dining room.
Eating and drinking:
A fine breakfast of pastries (biked down from Islington each morning) and cereal is served in the morning - again, on the terrace in good weather, in the dining room if it rains.
Leisure facilities:
None.
Service:
Laid-back and, for want of a better term, community-spirited - staying here is closer to being someone’s house guest than dealing with a detached receptionist.
Check availability and compare prices for Rough Luxe
Who stays there:
Design, art and architecture fans, along with some adventurous business people - mostly working in new media.
Price advice:
You can opt for a shared bathroom, or bring the price down by clubbing together with friends to combine two rooms.
Pros:
Unusual design
Friendly atmosphere
Cons:
High price for restricted facilities
More information on Rough Luxe:
- Price from:
- Type:
- Hotel
- Address:
- 1 Birkenhead Street, King's Cross, London, England, WC1H 8BA
- Amenities:
- High-Speed Internet
- Neighbourhood:
- King's Cross
