With a restaurant boasting a Michelin star, a patisserie with coveted Cédric Grolet sweet treats being snapped up sooner than most can get their hands on, stunning suites that make you want to barricade the door, staff so friendly you feel like you’ve made friends for life, and so much more in between, The Berkeley has to be at the top of your list when seeking out a lavish London hotel to stay in.
Hotel
Boasting five stars, but offering so much more than this already high accolade assumes, The Berkeley is a haven amidst the busy streets of London. Its Knightsbridge location offers easy access to the highlights of the locale – Harrods, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Royal Albert Hall, Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace to name a few – but when you visit it will be difficult to pull yourself away from amenities that the hotel provides.
A rooftop pool that transports you with its heated waters and skyline views of neighbouring Hyde Park and the city beyond; a suave selection of dining options to please the palate from day to night; suites that stun the moment you set foot inside; a spa that relaxes and rejuvenates the most tense of muscles, The Berkeley is a place where you come to escape the stresses of your life and indulge in the best of the best, even if just for a day.
With an aura of instant luxury and staff members that make your stay as special as can be, The Berkeley has it right when it comes to making their guests feel special, and I felt this from the moment I stepped out of my taxi with my bags being whisked away before I could lift a finger. From the concierge to the reception staff, the bar manager to the breakfast waiter and anyone else I encountered, I felt well looked after and like a valued guest.
Rooms and suites
From resplendent rooms to stunning suites to pretty perfect penthouses, expect something special when you book a stay at The Berkeley. Devised by different designers, the accommodation options are varied and all offer a unique style with amenities to make your stay as pleasing as possible. Classic rooms offer the basics to be expected from a top hotel, and it’s fairly obvious that the more you spend, the more lavish your experience will be, right up to the sprawling (200sqm plus) penthouses.
Displaying expert craftsmanship, an instinctive blend of neutral tones and hardwood alongside a well-constructed flow, to create a space that feels instantly like home but styled better than you could ever hope to, the Grand Terrace suite is a slice of sophistication and a sanctuary from the bustle of central London.
I was wowed by the super stylish Japanese/British-inspired interiors with its abundance of teak, its cool, calm and clean palette, the curved design that emanated throughout and the plentiful touches of luxury and clever design elements that made me want to stay far longer than my designated one night.
The contemporary urban style of the Grand Terrace suite was designed in recent years by John Heah and allows its guests to settle into their home from home with ease. There were copious highlights including the dressing area, which bridged the gap between the lounge, bathroom and bedroom and boasted plenty of space to store clothes and a nook in which to get ready for the day ahead or a glamorous dinner.
An expansive terrace overlooking St Paul’s Church offers a welcoming spot to lounge or dine; a very well-stocked mini-bar; fresh flowers, fruit, Champagne and a sweet pastry to greet; electronically controlled curtains; Japanese Toto toilets; a standalone bathtub; privacy screens; marble-topped tables; curved edges and a well-designed desk area – everything you could need and want all wrapped up in one comfortable, stylish space.
Food and drink
From the Michelin-starred Marcus restaurant (by renowned chef Marcus Wareing) to the award-winning Prêt-à-Portea afternoon tea; French pastry chef Cédric Grolet’s selection of pastries and sweets, to indulgent light bites at the Berkeley Bar and Terrace; and the Blue Bar to breakfast to The Berkeley café, it’s safe to say that you’re sure to find plenty of ways to stay satiated here.
The Snug at the Berkeley Bar and Terrace
During my visit I was lucky enough to spend the evening in The Snug, a private room in the Berkeley Bar and Terrace with its own sound system and on the button service with characterful décor. I had wondered if a few bar snacks for dinner would be enough to please the epicure within, but I needn’t have worried, this is The Berkeley after all, where nothing seems to be done by halves.
If you’re with a small group and are seeking a super stylish and sumptuous space for a casual affair involving cocktails and smaller plates to share, The Snug room is the place to be. Decorated with soft blush pink leather seating, dark wood, marble tables and an arty colourful design on the walls, this little envy-inducing haven is the perfect spot to experience an evening of fun with a few guests in privacy.
Our dedicated waiter was on hand to provide us with cocktails, wines and spirits from the lengthy menu – I opted for a Rose Berry Pop (Grey Goose, Aker rose, crème de mure, lemon juice, strawberry bitter and champagne) which was light, fruity and just delicious, followed by an Espresso Martini, which you can’t go wrong with, in my opinion.
We devoured Martini olives, and salted and caramelised mix of nuts while making our menu choices and subsequently devoured some utterly delectable Angus beef fillet and blue cheese sliders; brioche toasted brie, Wiltshire ham and truffle sandwiches; Dorset crab tacos with pickled cucumber, lemon drizzle; and Corn-crusted prawns with a tomato and chilli relish. It was a great selection of food, truly delicious, each and every bite, and more than enough to keep the two of us well and truly satisfied.
Breakfast at the Collins Room
Served in the light, bright and fresh feeling Collins Room, breakfast is a leisurely, yet fanciful, affair that offers anything from a glass of Laurent Perrier, a ‘Berkeley boost’ juice, hot chocolate, artisan teas and mimosas to a range of deli plates, egg dishes, classics, sweet treats and boost bowls.
Omelettes, eggs Florentine, banana and chocolate waffles, a veggie full English, a charcuterie plate, smoked salmon croissant, and acai bowl – the options were plentiful and I wish I was staying for a few weeks just so I could try out everything on the menu. The highlight? The crate of full sized pastries being brought around to each table – just leave them all with me…
Spa
If the delightful scents of the Bamford toiletries in your bathroom leave you wanting more, then head to The Bamford Wellness Spa at The Berkeley to indulge a little deeper. Here you’ll find a retreat designed to soothe and rejuvenate, whether it’s a quick 30-minute head massage, a 60-minute deep tissue massage, a 90-minute facial or something else you seek. Exfoliation, body wraps, manicures, waxing, pedicures, lash tints – whatever you need to have you feeling and looking your best, you’re sure to find it here.
Sunny days can be spent at the guest-only rooftop pool, taking a leisurely dip and relaxing with a good book and cocktail, while there’s a gym for those seeking a more sporty stay.
In a nutshell
With the seemingly endless selection of luxury hotels to spend a night or two in in London how on earth does one make the decision? With all that elegant establishment The Berkeley has to offer, it’s a bit of a no-brainer really.
Factbox
Address: Wilton Place, London, SW1X 7RL
Tel: 020 7235 6000
Email: info@the-berkeley.co.uk
Website: the-berkeley.co.uk
See snippets of my travels on Instagram @tashheard_food_travel
All imagery provided by The Berkeley
