Situated in the very heart of the capital, The Gyle Hotel sits within a heritage-listed Victorian Townhouse in the borough of Camden, just a stone’s throw from Kings Cross. This is the real deal as far as London goes.
We were invited to spend bank holiday weekend there, and based on the glowing reports, we had a feeling it was going to be a real treat.
We wandered along from Kings Cross in one of London’s most historically curious neighbourhoods and were naturally drawn to the beautiful exterior of the hotel standing proud and tall. Built-in 1850, it’s hugely impressive.
Two steps off the traditional square and you’re faced with a grand black door greeting you to The Gyle. Before arriving, we had downloaded our app to allow us keyless entry to the hotel and our room, in line with COVID guidelines. The first of many impressive touches.
Let me say, when we entered, it was nothing short of enchanting. It was like we had stepped in off the street to some secret, magical, mind-blowing adventure. To describe it as simply unique does not quite do it justice; the interior design is world-class and one of a kind.
The lounge has grass features on the ceiling, plush chairs, and a seat swing. The bar is stocked with a wide range of whiskies and gins, as well as regional wines and craft beers. The colour palette of greys, black, pewter and moss green décor mix beautifully, and as you look around the room, you’re constantly spotting another quirky feature and feeling a pleasant but strange sensory displacement.
The mirrored furniture, walls and ceiling are cleverly used to make the hotel feel spacious yet cosy and from the lounge, you can have drinks while admiring the internal terrace. We were lucky enough to also have a view of this from the lounge area in our suite, but more on that later.
The Gyle Hotel is faced by Archibald Campbell, who welcomes you into his home, now a boutique hotel with 33 unique and individual rooms, each one original and steeped in history. The interior design reflects a private residence that has stood for over 170 years, evolving with each new generation.
In every room there is solid oak flooring, vintage mirrors, fluted glass, bespoke English joinery, tactile Scottish textiles, metal industrial lamps, crisp comfy bedding, and upholstered headboards with Argyle pattern stitching. These unique features are all nicely brought together with an elegant palette of greys, charcoal, black and pewter with the occasional moss green accent. In short, it makes for a stunning setting.
We were booked into a junior suite and after a warm and friendly welcome, we headed there to find it was just as spectacular as the lounge. On entry, we had our living area with views of the internal terrace, plush couch and armchair, TV and full amenities.
Wandering through to the bathroom area, there’s a rainfall shower and an interesting repurposed Scottish airline trolly to hold all your grooming accessories, including a hairdryer. Finally, the spacious bedroom area comes complete with a king-size bed and a stunning Victorian window which allowed us to look out to the square.
All the pillows come adorned with an image of Gyle’s Scottie dog – this is indeed Archibald Campbell and if he is going to look after us here then he deserves the top spot on the bed! We were also treated to some exceptional craft beers and delicious Haggis crisps, and it’s little touches like this that set this place apart.
The location of The Gyle is perfect. You can wander along to Coal Drops Yard which is packed with 50 bars, shops and restaurants or you can jump on the underground and find yourself in any of the areas London has to offer. From tourist sights in the West End to shopping down Oxford Street, or Borough Market and Shoreditch over in the east, everywhere is within easy reach.
After a day exploring, the hotel is a warm welcome to retreat to. The cosy vibe and comfortable bed had us sleeping like babies. Breakfast can be served in the lounge or ordered to your room.
We opted to eat in the lounge and were served a high-end continental breakfast buffet with homemade pastries, fresh juices, Scottish oats, yoghurt, and fruit pot. Complimentary coffee and tea are available all day long to enjoy in the lounge and can be taken back to your room should you wish to retire there.
There is nothing that we would change about our trip. The hotel was everything and more in terms of décor, comfort, service and location and we most certainly will be visiting again. The Gyle is a bonafide London gem and truly exceeded our expectations.
Words by Ashley Conboy.
The Gyle London, 16-18 Argyle Square, London, WC1H 8AS
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