Meridiana Hotel London

We would not have found Meridiana if not for TripAdvisor and reader reviews that helped us eliminate undesirable places. According to another couple staying here, it was the best place they stayed in this area. This is a convenient, basic and comfortable place; don’t expect luxurious accommodations. It is 1 ½ blocks inside the congestion zone, so if you are driving in after 8am or before 6pm in you must pay the fee in advance.

We checked in about 3:30pm and were given a ground-floor en-suite room. I don't know if the early arrival helped get us our requested lower level room or if it was because Edward was so attentive to our email request (no lift in this hotel). Edward was extremely helpful and told my husband we could store extra baggage in the office as our 8 pieces of large luggage would probably not fit. Not knowing this, I unpacked what we needed for our 6 nights (420 GBP including breakfast) and packed away the smaller bags, extra clothing and camping-related gear (we just wrapped up a 5-week camping jaunt through Europe). Storing the luggage was a challenge since the room was not much larger than our 8'x8' tent! We didn't have enough room to pass each other walking around the bed, but not a problem if you just need a bed for your London stay. Luggage fit nicely under the bed (a mattress on a piece of plywood - FIRM!) and on top of the armoire with only the largest bag tucked between the armoire and dresser – boy, was Edward surprised! There was an electric ‘kettle’ in the room with tea and instant coffee.

'Traditional English breakfast' was very good - 1 fried egg, 1 sausage, 1 bacon, baked beans, orange juice, toast, coffee/tea. Hostess was fast and efficient, but quite busy so rarely smiled. She had a big job - serve all the guests between 7 and 9am in a small dining room with 5 tables seating 17 people total at a time. We were there over August bank holiday weekend and the hotel was full. With about 27 rooms, that’s a lot of people to serve in a small area. Not much of a wait as most people didn't tarry with breakfast as courtesy to those waiting. But don't be 1 minute late or you will not be served! The kitchen staff also serves as the room/maid service. By our 3rd breakfast, we got a smile from the hostess - each morning we stacked our dishes to help speed up her clearing the table plus left her a small tip! By requesting it we modified the traditional breakfast, substituting an extra egg instead of beans (we Americans aren't used to beans for breakfast!)

The morning clerk, a young lady, barely looked up from her computer internet surfing to acknowledge us, but Edward, the afternoon/evening clerk, was wonderful. We were concerned that our window latch was broken, but he assured us that it's been like that for 8 years and nothing has happened. The window overlooks a courtyard and alley and there were several ladders visible, so we closed the window and secured the laptop to the bed frame (not very reassuring!). We returned from the 1st day of sightseeing to find the window propped open (won't stay up by itself) and nothing missing or amiss. Oh, well! So we left the window open from then on - no air conditioner and it was the last week in August.

Free Internet is available if you have a laptop computer. They supply the cable and you sit in the small lobby on the sofa. Sometimes you have to wait, but it is free!

The hotel is located on a quiet street a couple of blocks from King's Cross. I heard after we got home that this area was quite rough a few years ago, but is now clean and safe. We never felt like we may be in any danger while walking to the tube or a few blocks past a couple of parks and pubs to Skinners Arms pub for supper. Skinners Arms was so good and cheap (5.25-8 GBP) we ate there 4 of our 6 evening meals! (See restaurant review).

Edward even called a cab service for us - from what the cab driver said this is something you would not expect from this type of hotel without a charge. I did not get the name of the cab company or driver, but he, too, went above and beyond. Instead of dropping us off at the most convenient entrance for him, he entered the parking garage, got the timed ticket (10 minutes free), and drove in circles down a couple of levels to the entrance most convenient for us! He helped unload our bags before exiting the garage. Pretty nice of him!

Next trip to London we will definitely stay here - convenient to tube and Eurostar, clean, affordable, and great staff - well, except for the morning clerk!