In the know
- Our favourite rooms
- Don't expect masses of feline-flinging space – Rough Luxe's rooms are small and on the basic side – but that, of course, is the point. Generally, rooms get bigger the higher up the house you go. Rooms 1,5 and 8 are en-suite; the others share one bathroom between two rooms – but you'll never be sharing with strangers as Rough Luxe only books paired rooms to friends. Bedroom 8 at the top of the hotel is that largest and has a free-standing copper bath tub.
- Packing tips
- Pack light – there's not much bag-stashing room. Do slip a guide to contemporary art in your bag, though so you can nod knowledgeably when you're confronted with the arresting artworks that line every room.
- Also
- In addition to what's on offer in the small spa room, staff can arrange visits from reflexologists, beauticians, stylists and personal shoppers.
Current offers
- Smith card offer
- 10 per cent off all rooms and a bottle of champagne on arrival
More photos
Rough Luxe
London, United Kingdom[view map]
- Style
- Art-inspired shabby-chic
- Setting
- Crux of King’s Cross
There's, quite simply, no place like Rough Luxe. This is the antithesis of a conventional luxury hotel: an unprepossessing Georgian building in King's Cross where cracked, peeling paintwork and shreds of faded wallpaper sit alongside attention-grabbing artworks both ancient and modern and weathered retro areas give way to sumptuous designer comforts. From the moment you step inside, you're really not in Kansas anymore.
Need to know
- Rooms
- Nine, three of which are en-suite.
- Rates
- £155–£250, including Continental breakfast and tax.
- Check-out
- 11am, but this can be flexible; check-in: 1pm.
- Facilities
- Small spa treatment room, in-room beauty and massage treatments, free WiFi throughout. In rooms: free bottled water, hand-made toiletries. Some rooms have TVs – the sets come straight from circa 1983. Skype phones are available if you ask in advance
- Also
- Parking is at a premium in this part of London; the hotel has a few free spaces, but most cars will have to be stashed in the local NCP (£6 an hour). Pets are allowed by arrangement.
Food & drink
- Hotel restaurant
- There’s no restaurant, but an afternoon tea of sandwiches, scones and cakes (£30 a person) is served Monday to Saturday in the outdoor café or in the dining room – book in advance. Rough Luxe's manager, Leo, can get you into any number of nearby eateries, but if you’re stuck for somewhere, you can always dine with the owners – Leo's quite a cook.
- Dress code
- The clue's in the name. Anything goes, but if you're anywhere near Helena Bonham Carter in Fight Club, you've got a winning ensemble.
- Top table
- There's a communal table in the Dining Room for afternoon tea.
- Room service
- Teas, coffees, and light snacks are available throughout the day.
- Hotel bar
- Leo opens up his liquor cabinet on an honesty bar basis, and is happy to provide tea, coffee and alcohol at any time. He usually serves wine in the evening before guests go out for the night.
Also worth knowing
- Children
- Baby cots can be provided. Rooms 2 and 3, 6 and 7, and 9 and 10 can all be combined if you have young ones with you.
Smith Members offer
10 per cent off all rooms and a bottle of champagne on arrival
If you're a member of Mr & Mrs Smith, you can get special privileges at every Smith hotel you book through us. Just show your Smith card at check-in to claim the offer featured on every hotel page (like the one above).
Click here to become a Mr & Mrs Smith member
Smith travel team
If you'd prefer to talk to someone, or don't want to book online, call our travel team on 1 866 610 3867. We guarantee you’ll get the best available rates, and we don’t charge a booking fee.
Rough Luxe
1 Birkenhead Street
WC1H 8BA
