A quick 24 hours in London necessitated a fun hotel near St. Pancras, which was the perfect excuse to finally try The Standard. Out of character for the surrounding traditional British housing, the hotel has an otherworldly feel with its external elevator and mid century modern windows and furnishings.

We opted for a cut above the least expensive category as it didn’t have any windows. (How is that up to fire code??) Our basic queen room has sweeping views of the highway but was surprisingly sound proof. The bed was a basic queen and we didn’t receive an upgrade to a king room despite it being our anniversary. We were told at check in this would be an additional 50 GBP so we carried on.

I was happy enough with the small crash pad though the gentleman found it small. It wasn’t the cleanest of rooms, but we made due.

The closet came with robes but no slippers and could have done with a proper vacuuming. Seems the housekeeping was busy doing other things like swiping from the mini bar. We are disputing these charges a full week later. Absolutely ridiculous. And no way to treat guests. Unless rectified with a proper gesture (and apology) I wouldn’t see staying here again based on this mini bar experience alone. Hopefully, they’ll vet the next round of house keepers better or start payments in mini Jack Daniels bottles!

The snacks above the dreaded mini bar in question.

The bathroom was its own stressful design choice.

The Standard allowed an early check in and late check out which was kind. But, while spending a lot while at lunch and needing 15 more minutes they made us retrieve our luggage or fear a 20 GBP charge there too. I don’t understand the nickel and diming of this property, so I can’t imagine we’ll be quick to stay there again soon.