The Standard, London – From Council to Cool
Where Brutalist Bones Meet Retro-Luxe Rebellion
A Radical Rebirth in King’s Cross
Once the stark headquarters of Camden Council, The Standard, London has undergone a complete metamorphosis—emerging as one of the city’s most electrifying design hotels. The iconic 1970s brutalist building is now crowned with a sleek glass extension that signals its transformation from bureaucratic backdrop to buzzing cultural hotspot. Even the arrival sets the tone: a pillar-box-red elevator shoots guests directly from street level up to the rooftop, making the journey part of the theatre.
Design That Winks at the Past
Step inside and the mood flips from civic utilitarianism to retro-inspired indulgence. The Standard revels in playful references—rattan textures, flowing macramé, velvet drapery, and a riot of patterns that celebrate the unapologetic charm of the 1970s. Spaces feel sensual yet smart, designed to spark conversation and curiosity. It’s a bold reimagining that honors the original building’s grit while infusing it with an irresistible dose of nostalgia and style.
Skyline Seduction Up Above
The rooftop is a world unto itself—a Latin American–inspired restaurant and club that channels effortless cool from golden hour cocktails to glittering after-dark revelry. With London’s skyline for company, every moment feels elevated—literally and emotionally. This is where the city comes out to play.
Always Social on the Ground
At street level, Double Standard offers a warm embrace with its signature red bar and comfort food classics crafted by Adam Rawson. Just around the corner, the lounge—once a public library—retains a bookish intimacy perfect for settling in with a cocktail and good company. It’s sociability with soul: lively when you want it, relaxed when you need it.
Rooms that Reinvent the Rules
With 266 rooms and suites in a wide array of styles, The Standard gives guests room to choose—and express—their vibe. Some suites feature outdoor terraces with private hot tubs and skyline views, where custom carpentry and bold terrazzo come together in playful harmony. In a daring departure, windowless rooms at the building’s core become atmospheric hideaways thanks to adjustable ambient lighting that turns absence of daylight into a seductive cocoon. Every room reveals a new facet of the hotel’s design attitude—fun, fresh, and fearlessly original.
DNA Hotels Verdict
The Standard, London is a standout example of architectural reinvention—turning municipal concrete into a hub of culture, creativity, and character. It refuses to blend in, instead offering a stay full of personality, performance, and pleasure. For travelers drawn to bold design, skyline nights, and spaces that surprise at every turn, this is King’s Cross at its most compelling—where council roots have blossomed into unforgettable cool.
