The Berkeley Hotel in Knightsbridge, London: Exclusive Review

The Berkeley

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contemporary, elegant, chic

Wilton Place Knightsbridge, London, England www.the-berkeley.co.uk

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Courtesy Maybourne Hotel Group
Courtesy Maybourne Hotel Group
Courtesy Maybourne Hotel Group
Courtesy Maybourne Hotel Group

At a Glance

Though it is a British institution that dates from the 1890s (and has been in its current location since 1972), The Berkeley has had no difficulty keeping up with the times, adapting to draw a younger, more fashionable crowd. The Michelin-starred Marcus attracts a buzzy set. And after a renovation of the 137 rooms, some have stayed true to their original style with subdued neutral blues and grays but with some contemporary and Art Deco touches. A few of the new rooms are decorated with a Japanese-style minimalist aesthetic in mind. As the next generation of regulars returns with children in tow, rooms can be outfitted with everything from high chairs and bottle warmers to child-size terry robes and slippers. Couples as well as families who appreciate sleek, contemporary design, world-class service and a comfortable ambience will be happy here; as will anyone looking for a serene spa, gym and a great pool in the city.

The Standout: The open-air rooftop pool, a rarity in the city, that connects to a secret garden and can be enjoyed year-round (with a retractable roof)
Don’t Miss: Prêt-à-Portea, a twist on tea featuring cakes designed after iconic fashion pieces

Indagare Loves

The Blue Bar, where celebrities flock to sample color-categorized concoctions
The range in style of the rooms—from Japanese Minimalist and Art Deco to child-friendly
The Hyde Park location, and the Victoria & Albert Museum and Harrods on your doorstep

The Berkeley Review

A warm welcome from the polished staff awaits as you exit the busy Park Lane into the Berkeley lobby. The check-in desks are discreet, blending in with the amber-colored wood surroundings and the sweet smells of decadent pastries waft in from the café as you gather your keys before being whisked off to your room.

As is typical of a British institution, The Berkeley has had no difficulty keeping up with the changing times, adapting to draw a younger, more fashionable crowd—in 1995, the hotel invited Jean-Georges Vongerichten to open a branch of the Vong here. The restaurant space is now home to the Michelin-starred Marcus, which draws a buzzy crowd at night. And the Prêt-à-Porte afternoon tea is one of the most unique in the city, featuring cakes designed after iconic pieces in fashion, which change every month. Those who check in, though, are less concerned with the dining options than with the old-fashioned comme il faut service, which guarantees that a stay there will be one with few surprises.

After a renovation of the 137 rooms, some have stayed true to their original style with subdued neutral blues and grays but with some contemporary and Art Deco touches. A few of the new rooms are decorated with a Japanese-style minimalist aesthetic in mind. Contact the Indagare bookings team to ensure you’re getting the room style you’d like.

As a third generation of regulars now stays at the property with children in tow, rooms can be outfitted by request with everything from high chairs, Game Boy Advances and bottle warmers to child-size terry robes and slippers. Another appeal for families, especially those visiting in the summer months, is the fantastic rooftop pool. There is also a serene Bamford Haybarn spa and gym.

Who Should Stay

Couples as well as families who appreciate sleek, contemporary design and value world-class service, location and a comfortable ambiance—without fuss; plus, anyone who wants a great pool in the city

Author

Indagare

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4 Comments

Indagare

5:31 pm | October 30, 2014

From an Indagare member: “The Berkeley was impeccable. The location was ideal and the service extraordinary. From the airport pickup to my seamless early check-in, it was all perfect. The room, views, and amenities make the Berkeley a very comfortable and enjoyable place to stay. My new favorite place to stay in London.”
Indagare

2:15 pm | November 24, 2014

From an Indagare member: “The Berkeley was perfect. The adjoining rooms, location and breakfasts were all lovely. The kids really enjoyed the pool in the afternoon. Thank you for steering us in that direction. Edward at the concierge desk was a great help.”
Indagare

3:46 pm | July 21, 2015

Indagare member B. M. reports: The Berkeley was just as good as the last time I stayed. The service is just fantastic. Being a return client, it was refreshing to see familiar faces who greeted me by name and offered small touches that really made me feel at home.
Indagare

9:47 pm | August 9, 2017

From an Indagare member: “Our initial suite at the Berkeley was too small and very claustrophobic. It was on the first floor, had low ceilings, and was very dark. We researched other suites once we got there and moved to the Opus Suite, which had better light with tons of windows and views from the 4th floor. It was incredibly spacious, with a living room, TV area, office and dining room, and worked much better for our family.”

London

The Berkeley

At a Glance

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The Berkeley Review

Who Should Stay

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The Berkeley Review

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