The Gyle Hotel London

Hi there! I am Archibald Campbell but my friends just call me ‘Archie’. I live in a row of heritage-listed Victorian townhouses, built in 1850 on Argyle Square.

It’s in the colourful borough of Camden, though some of my posher friends like to call it North Bloomsbury. To make no bones about it, it’s in Kings Cross and it’s totally cool. Really! It’s the real deal London. Argyle Square has seen curious events in its history, from being London’s largest ash dump in 1831 to getting bombed in the 1941 Blitz.

Even curiouser, it might be standing within a minute Space-Time wormhole created by accident in 1881, when scientists messed up local electromagnetic fields, during secret experiments at the Pancras Gasworks… Fiction or alternative reality? Who knows?

This could explain the surprising sightings in the neighbourhood, the occasional weird sounds coming from the green, why no two rooms are alike and why some ceiling cornices appear to disappear.

In any case, should you experience any sensory displacement while in residence, stay calm and have a cup of tea…or hang out with us in the TOAST B&B lounge, a true British institution (that’s Booze & Breakfast).

We have fine single malts, regional wines, craft beers, marmalades, cheeses, smoked fish, charcuterie …all survival essentials to sit-out the end of the world or greet the start of a new dawn.

Some days, the house cook will prepare something impromptu and leave it in the tipsy-turvy pantry. It’s pot luck but always a decent bite. Whenever you are in the ‘B&B’, if the world feels upside-down and you’re sober…then maybe that’s just the way it’s meant to be.

So where was I…? Ah yes! About your pad…There are just 33 keys here, so we have a cosy community of originals, seeking a personalised travel experience. They are all different spaces but designed with a common thematic scheme by a chap called Henry, a London story-teller and occasional time-traveller. To make life simple, there are six categories of accommodation to choose, from ‘Tiny King’ to ‘Junior Suite’.

The interior design reflects a private residence that has stood here for over 170 years, evolving with each new generation. So in every room, you will find solid oak flooring, vintage mirrors, fluted glass, bespoke English joinery, tactile Scottish textiles, metal industrial lamps, crisp comfy bedding, upholstered headboard with Argyle pattern stitching… all brought together in an elegant palette of greys, charcoal, black and pewter with the occasional moss green accent.

But wait! It does not stop here. They are also some rather zany details. Your luggage can be stored in drawers under the bed (that will keep anything else from hiding there). Your coffee table is on an original Victorian cast-iron coal hole cover. An airline trolley is repurposed to hold your bathroom toiletries.

The wardrobe stands as a whimsical homage to two British fiction writers: C.S. Lewis and Lewis Carroll. The lambswool bed throw is a conceptual graphic art piece to wrap yourself into Time and Space. Did I mention the credenza’s lion head knocker? It’s the same as on the door of 10 Downing Street.

The dashing wee laddie printed on the pillows is ‘me, myself and I’. If I am going to loyally look after you, every day, it’s only fair that I get the top spot on the bed…don’t you think?

So if you’re into Gardening and Astrophysics, Victorian London and Progressive House, Scotland and Nova Scotia…or even if you don’t, I will make sure that you are as pampered as I am.

Just don’t compare us to any other hotel, please! It’s just a modest residence. Make it your own to enjoy, anytime, whether for just a drink, a meeting or a good night sleep…it’s a dog’s life and one has to try living it fully. Carpe Diem!

THE CITY SUITES
Just a hop, skip and a jump from The Gyle’s main residence are the tranquil and spacious City Suites. These sleek and contemporary spaces offer everything that you could need for a family or a longer stay, whilst still being situated in our little corner of Camden, Argyle Square.

Contact-free check-in and check-out mean you can come and go as you please, with all of The Gyle’s wonderfully zany amenities on hand as and when you should want them.

The City Suites are equipped with everything you could need to stay in and hide from the world for a little while but, when you’re ready to emerge, don’t forget to ingratiate yourself with The Megaro Eatery.

Our very own Italian brasserie, it has all the treats and delights you could want to embellish your stay with a little bit extra – and, upon joining our KX Club, you’ll get that little bit extra with 10% off.

THE GYLE SUITE
When staying in the delightfully curious Gyle, what better than having a residence inside a residence to call yours. With a living room, bedroom, King beds and ensuite bathroom, our junior suites are perfect to enjoy everything our townhouse has to offer. You will find a Smart TV, High speed Wifi and air conditioning in every room.

FEATURE KING WITH BALCONY
Survey historical London from your private terrace in one of our balcony rooms. Enjoy a touch of the outdoors before heading back to your cosy room, heading down to your B & B lounge, grabbing a quick drink from the huge choice on offer and continuing your London adventure. You will find a Smart TV, High speed Wifi and air conditioning in every room.

THE TOAST LOUNGE
Whether you’re looking for a generous breakfast to prepare you for a day out there in the ‘real’ world, refreshments to help you through it or snacks with everything from single malts to craft beers to celebrate another day done, you’ll find it here, curated under my watchful eye. This place is the heart and soul of the house, and it’s open for you and yours to enjoy.

Go ahead, you can say it, I won’t be offended – there’s something a little odd about this room in particular! Or is there? Even the grass growing from the ceiling is strangely comfortable and familiar. So sit back and relax in this exquisite moment in time and space; we’re here for but the blink of an eye, so indulge and make the most of it.

Rooms: 33

Price: from 174 EUR per night

Source: www.thegyle.co.uk