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The California

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Traveler (576)
360
Panoramas (24)
Room & Suite (303)
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About

#302 of 1,170 hotels in London
Location
4.7
Cleanliness
4.3
Service
4.2
Value
3.9
Travelers' Choice
The California is a charming, modern and quirky bed and breakfast, less than a minute's walk away from King's Cross and St. Pancras stations. Our 60 stylishly refurbished rooms, each one cosy and comfortable, are spread over four Georgian townhouses, and we've retained as much of the original architecture as possible; our windows, corridors and staircases are all original. This means that we don't have a lift, but we do keep our reception open 24 hours a day. We have high speed WiFi is throughout the hotel and have a fantastic little bar, lounge and private terrace for our guests to enjoy. We serve a great breakfast. Welcome to The California London. Visit anytime, explore every time.
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Property amenities
Paid private parking nearby
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Bar / lounge
Taxi service
24-hour security
Baggage storage
24-hour check-in
24-hour front desk
Wifi
Coffee shop
Breakfast available
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Snack bar
Non-smoking hotel
Shared lounge / TV area
Sun terrace
First aid kit
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Room features
Blackout curtains
Desk
Housekeeping
Safe
Bottled water
Coffee / tea maker
Flatscreen TV
Walk-in shower
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Electric kettle
Radio
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
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Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
3.0 of 5 stars
Languages Spoken
English, French, Spanish, Bulgarian and 5 more
4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles2,996 reviews
Reviews Summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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The California hotel garners praise for its stylish atmosphere and exceptional cleanliness, with guests consistently impressed by the spotless rooms and attentive daily service. While the compact rooms receive mixed reviews for their size and limited amenities, many travelers consider the hotel to be a good value, thanks in part to its strategic location near key train stations, making it a convenient base for exploring the city. However, guests should be prepared for potential noise disturbances, despite the hotel's efforts at soundproofing.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Stylish
Rooms
Cramped
Value
Pricey
Cleanliness
Mixed
Noise level
Mixed
Service
Helpful
Amenities
Satisfactory
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2,996Reviews25Q+A100Room tips
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Tim R wrote a review Yesterday
Worldwide2 contributions
Comfy and vibrant would come again this is a lovely place to stay and had some great time eating and chilling out in some really cool places the staff are lovely and highly reckoned we the breakfast we will come again for sure we love this place thank you
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Date of stay: February 2024
Service
Trip type: Traveled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Michael B wrote a review Mar 8
5 contributions1 helpful vote
We call in for a drink and decided to have a meal, there is so much selection, it was ordered and it was served on good time. The meal was fantastic and the pub was clean abd letter free, also the staff were very friendly. We will be coming back soon.
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip: Plenty of parking.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Yutong X wrote a review Mar 8
1 contribution
The hotel is very good! And Lady Alina is very nice to me! Very appreciate! The hotel's facilities are also very good, and the transportation is very convenient. The staff is very patient and the price is very affordable!The wine and food at the front desk are also very good kou
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Date of stay: March 2024Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Connector52138040476 wrote a review Feb 2024
1 contribution1 helpful vote
The staff at The California are extremely helpful and friendly, the rooms are comfortable, having Kings Cross just over the road, makes for a good location when sightseeing. Plenty of places to sit and relax, also a lovely little terrace. Would recommend
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
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Response from Emma Phelan, General Manager at The California
Responded 2 weeks ago
Dear Connector52138040476, Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful review. We are delighted to read that you had such a wonderful stay with us. We hope to welcome you back again soon. Kind regards Emma
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Heather G wrote a review Feb 2024
Boston, Massachusetts22 contributions8 helpful votes
Quirky, comfortable hotel close to Kings Cross/St Pancras. Complimentary water in room and coffee/tea in the lobby. Friendly staff. Clean room/ great water pressure/ full tub/comfortable beds. Plenty of room in the family room. They even stored our luggage at check out and arranged a cab to Heathrow.
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Emma Phelan, General Manager at The California
Responded 2 weeks ago
Dear heathergE7566KN, Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are delighted to read that you found all or staff friendly and the room had everything you needed during your stay with us. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon. Kind regards Emma
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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ccanrfc wrote a review Feb 2024
Belfast, United Kingdom22 contributions15 helpful votes
Lovely stay in the California. Placed in the recently refurbed basement room, which was extremely spacious and has a separate living area. I have previously read about the street noise and hustle and bustle - London is a busy place and Kings Cross is a busy area so it is what it is! Staff were excellent and extremely helpful. Location was perfect for access to the Underground, overground and express train to Luton Airport. Also within walking distance of Covent Garden, Westminster and Trafalgar Square. Extremely reasonably priced for a weekend stay in London. We will most certainly be back!
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Emma Phelan, General Manager at The California
Responded 2 weeks ago
Dear ccanrfc, Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are delighted to read that you enjoyed your stay with us and, you enjoyed our newest room. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon. Kind regards Emma
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Selina R wrote a review Feb 2024
1 contribution
The stay was very comfortable, location is perfect for anyone travelling via Eurostar and just being in central generally. All members of staff were welcoming and attendant. Innocent was happy to provide whatever I asked for, and the night shift gentleman was super friendly aswell. And lastly Alina made sure our checkout was fast and easy. Thank you all for a super stay.
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: If you have accessibility needs make sure to let them know in advance.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Emma Phelan, General Manager at The California
Responded 4 weeks ago
Dear Selina R, Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a positive review. We are delighted to read that you found all our team members welcoming and friendly. Thank you for your kind feedback in regards to two team members that stood out, I will be sure to pass on your kind words. We look forward to welcoming you back to stay with us again soon. Kind regards Emma
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Samuel K wrote a review Feb 2024
1 contribution
Everything is good. Amazing location (you can get everywhere in no time), nice area, cozy and very clean rooms, friendly staff. We visited London for four nights and this was the perfect hotel. And if you are planning to do the Harry Potter studio tour, this is an awesome location.
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Figure out how to close the windows, so that you have a qiut night.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Emma Phelan, General Manager at The California
Responded Feb 8, 2024
Dear V3274SVsamuelk, Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful review. We are delighted to read that you found our team members friendly and, our rooms cozy and very clean. We look forward welcoming you back soon. Kind regards Emma
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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novahb wrote a review Feb 2024
Skipton, United Kingdom22 contributions34 helpful votes
Comfy bed and very helpful, friendly staff. We were in a room at the back which was very quiet. . On the negative side the TV signal is poor so most of the channels are garbled and unwatchable. Irritatingly the WiFi isn't great, couldn't even download images on Instagram at times and it keeps dropping out, prompting you to reconnect frequently. The cleaner also needs to clean the top window frame - discovered it was filthy whilst opening it.
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: WiFi ain't great
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Emma Phelan, General Manager at The California
Responded 4 weeks ago
Dear novahb, Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are sorry to learn of some issues during your stay with us and, we thank you for your feedback which has been passed over to the appropriate teams. We do hope that you will join us again in the future where we hope to provide you with an even more enjoyable stay. Kind regards Emma
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Elisa M wrote a review Feb 2024
Lousa, Portugal36 contributions14 helpful votes
Cosy hotel. ..very close to King's Cross and St.Pancras. The staff was very friendly and helpful. We had everything we needed...good beds...a kind of continental breakfast ( we didn't want the English breakfast), tha was good and enough. My daughter has some disabilities, so we asked a room on the ground floor,and they got us a very nice one. It would be perfect, if it had a shower platform instead the bath tub ( but we didn't ask for one, so it was out fault). It was clean ,but,as I watch carefully , ir could be cleaner...specially the WC floor. During the night we hear some noise, but that 's normal, since se are in a busy place. Nevertheless I would stay there again.
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Date of stay: January 2024Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Emma Phelan, General Manager at The California
Responded 4 weeks ago
Dear Elisa M, Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are delighted to read that you found our staff friendly and, helpful. We are so happy that your enjoyed your stay with us, and that overall your room could accommodate all your needs. We do hope to welcome you back again in the near future. Kind regards Emma
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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PRICE RANGE
$146 - $254 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
california hotel london
LOCATION
United KingdomEnglandLondonRegent's Park / Kings Cross / Bloomsbury / Euston / Kings Cross /St Pancras
NUMBER OF ROOMS
61
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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THE CALIFORNIA $144 ($̶1̶8̶7̶) - Updated 2024 Prices & Hotel Reviews - London, England

Frequently Asked Questions about The California
Which popular attractions are close to The California?
Nearby attractions include British Library (0.2 miles), King's Cross Station (0.2 miles), and St. Pancras International Station (0.1 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at The California?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a lounge, and facilities for disabled guests.
Which room amenities are available at The California?
Top room amenities include a flat screen TV, blackout curtains, and a desk.
What food & drink options are available at The California?
Guests can enjoy a lounge, breakfast, and complimentary tea during their stay.
Is parking available at The California?
Yes, paid private parking nearby is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to The California?
Conveniently located restaurants include Indian Lounge, Pizza Union King's Cross, and Choppaluna.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at The California?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Hindi, and Romanian.
Are there any historical sites close to The California?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Houses of Parliament (2.1 miles), Tower of London (2.5 miles), and Churchill War Rooms (1.9 miles).
Is The California accessible?
Yes, it offers facilities for disabled guests. For specific inquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.