Do you wish to step back in time? Find the most wonderful place in Camden, right between Kings Cross Station and the British Library-- welcome to the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, a luxury hotel located in the heart of London, UK. Housed in a beautifully restored Victorian building, it originally opened in 1873 as the Midland Grand Hotel and is mostly known for its sublime staircase.
The hotel features 245 guest rooms and suites, each of which is elegantly decorated and furnished with modern amenities. The hotel also has a range of dining options, including the Booking Office Bar & Restaurant, which is situated in the former ticket hall of St. Pancras station, and the Hansom Lounge, which is housed in the former carriage driveway.
Aesthetic Style
One of the most notable features of the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel is its stunning Gothic Revival architecture, which was restored to its original splendor during a recent renovation.
In addition to its luxurious accommodations, the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel is also known for its convenient location. It is situated adjacent to St. Pancras International Station, which offers direct access to Paris and other European destinations via the Eurostar, as well as easy connections to other parts of London via the Underground and other public transportation options.
The staircase's soaring ceilings are imposing, as are the original stained-glass windows and ornate plasterwork. The sweeping staircase in the hotel's main lobby is a popular backdrop for photo shootings. The combination of the staircase carpets and wallpaper creates an atmosphere of grandeur that envelops you as you traverse the hotel's interiors. Walking on the staircase carpets is akin to taking a journey through history. With each step, you're reminded of the generations that have trodden the same path, leaving behind an indelible mark on the fabric of time.
The staircase was originally built in 1873 as part of the Midland Grand Hotel, which was designed by the British architect Sir George Gilbert Scott. The staircase features intricate ironwork, marble columns, and ornate plasterwork, all of which have been meticulously restored to their original condition during the hotel's recent £200 million renovation. Its 83 steps are made of marble.
The staircase is flanked by marble columns and is illuminated by a large skylight overhead. The skylight allows natural light to flood the space and adds to the staircase's grandeur. The balustrade is made up of intricately detailed cast ironwork that is painted in a rich, dark color, adding to the staircase's Gothic aesthetic.
Popular Filming Location
The staircase, named one of the "25 Most Beautiful Staircases in the World" by Condé Nast Traveler in 2018, is also known for being used as a filming location for several movies and music videos, including:
The Spice Girls' music video for their hit single "Wannabe" in 1996.
A famous scene in the Harry Potter films, where it was used as a filming location for the Hogwarts staircase in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. The scene features Harry, Ron, and Hermione running up the stairs to the Gryffindor common room.
The 1999 James Bond film "The World Is Not Enough." In the film, the staircase appears in a scene where Bond, played by Pierce Brosnan, meets with the character Sir Robert King, played by David Calder. They discuss a plan to transport a large sum of money, and the scene is filled with tension and intrigue. The staircase's grandeur and beauty add to the overall sophistication and elegance of the film's setting and is a fitting location for the meeting between Bond and Sir Robert King.
Overall, the grand staircase at the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel is one of the finest architectural masterpieces and a must-see for anyone visiting London, even if you're not staying at the hotel.
📍 St Pancras Renaissance Hotel address: Euston Rd, London NW1 2AR.
🚇 The nearest London Underground stations are King's Cross St Pancras, on the Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines.
*All photos were taken by Ina/WithinLondon, unless stated otherwise.