To begin this story I have to first share a slightly embarrassing fact about myself. I am in my late twenties and I still love the Spice Girls. Not ‘I think about them occasionally, mostly reminiscing’, love but ‘true, 2014, still obsessed’ love. When I went to their reunion concert in 2008 I cried like I was 10 years old at a One Direction meet and greet.
Now that I have successfully embarrassed myself I can continue my story of how I fulfilled a Spice Girls dream of mine by visiting the hotel where the music video for “Wannabe” was filmed. Their first single and a staple of my childhood. I have yet to enter a fancy hotel and not want to dance through the hallways terrorizing the patrons and staff. You will be comforted to know that I do restrain myself.
This past week on my one day layover in London I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I woke up bright and early, conned a couple of co-workers to join me and hopped on the tube. I was well prepared in advance and once we arrived at Kings Cross I knew exactly where to go.
The St Pancras Renaissance Hotel is minutes from the tube and beautiful right off the bat. As I walked up to the main entrance I could actually visualize horse drawn carriages bringing society’s finest up the steps. It’s no wonder why it was called one of the cities most romantic buildings. I revelled in the beauty for a couple more minutes and then I got down to business.
The famous scene in which the Spice Girls run into the building and then dance on the grande staircase was right in front of me. It took me a moment to dry my tears (yes, I shed a tear of joy) but was then quick to convince my friends to take a photo pretending to be them. I could not have expected it to be as amazing as it turned out.
I channeled my inner Posh, Baby, Ginger, Sporty and Scary and danced my way all the way out. I have been fortunate enough to visit London and it’s sights many times, but this day has got to be on the top of my list.
Even if you are not a Spice Girls fanatic like myself, I would highly recommend taking a stroll through this stunning hotel.
Cheers from 30,000 feet
@elzzster