The Berkeley

Stunning luxury grande dame which has had a lavish make over to bring it bang up to date. The showstopper entrance designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners is a thoroughly modern addition (think glass and steel cables) to this turn of the century property. And the interiors echo this elegant, classic design with a modern twist. Rooms (many of which have views over Hyde Park or the pretty St Paul's church) and corridors are filled with marble and wood and the colour scheme is understated greys, pale blues and ochres, complemented by modern art works, which adorn all the walls, and carefully placed statement lighting and coffee table tomes. There's a range of little luxury extras too: Burberry trench coats for those who haven't packed properly, nespresso machines, and fabulous Dyson hairdryers all beautifully packaged in their leather binocular-style cases (just been added to my Christmas wish-list). The first floor has had a complete makeover by the acclaimed architects and designers Heah and co and offers a stunning array of terrace suites, with huge terraces (easily enough room for outside dining in warmer months) overlooking St Paul's church, plus others boasting features including fabulous Hyde Park views or one with a rotating gallery. Bathrooms throughout the hotel are similarly sumptuous - all marble with deep soaking tubs (some with separate hi spec rainshowers), and complimentary Bamford toiletries. Up on the seventh floor you'll find the delights of one of London's few roof top pools – come in the summer time and the retractable roof will have gone and well placed loungers on the surrounding terrace will be ideal for those who take their sunbathing seriously. Plus there's a secret garden which offers yet more outdoor relaxing space amid beautifully chosen greenery. The Haybarn Loft and Spa offers a wide range of treatments using Bamford products, plus a fully equipped gym. Once you've chilled out in the spa, it's time to put on your party frock and descend to the legendary Blue Bar. There's been an upgrade here too (with an extension to the front) but the essence of the iconic Lutyens Blue panelleing remains and the mixologists will whip you up whatever your heart desires. It's a cool spot and busy not just with residents having a drink before dinner. Dining conjures up a variety of options: the two Michelin starred Marcus, Pierre Kofmann's french brasserie or the Collins room (this is a particularly popular spot for the Berkeley's Pret-a-portea afternoon tea, where the cakes are influenced by the latest fashion trends).....we'd advise staying three nights and trying the lot! As you'd expect from such an illustrious establishment the service is impeccable; it is discreet (certainly not obsequious) and nothing is too much trouble. For a luxury stay that is in a prime location whether you're in London for the shops, the sights or the nightlife, and whether you're here as a couple or en famille, you really can't do any better than this stunning hotel, which offers classic elegant style and service all with a very modern and up to date twist!

 

Written by Sarah Empson

• Bar
• The Blue Bar, a fashionable Art Deco institution popular with celebs
• Restaurant
• The Collins Room restaurant and fabulous traditional afternoon tea
• Swimming Pool
• Outdoor Pool with great views
• Pet friendly
• Dogs are 7kg are permitted
• Airport transfer
• Safe
• Conference facilities
• Business Centre

• Satellite / Cable TV
• Concierge
• Disabled access
• 24 Hour room service
• Room service
• Child friendly
• Gym
• Spa

• Designer Shopping
• You're a stone's throw from Harvey Nicks and Harrods is just down the road.
• Close to nightlife
• London's West End is just a short hop on the bus or tube.

• Sights nearby

Why do people love staying in your hotel? Guests love to stay at The Berkeley for the relaxed sense of luxury and contemporary, innovative service experiences we offer. From the Berkeley Fashion trunk we can have delivered to your room to our rooftop Winter cinema or the Burberry trench coats in your wardrobe we try to charm and surprise at every turn!

What is there to do in the area or on site? There is something for everyone at The Berkeley , whether you want a gourmet two Michelin star dining experience at Marcus , try the latest cool cocktails in our recently redesigned Blue Bar or experience our legendary fashionista Afternoon tea – Pret-a-Portea where all the cakes are inspired by the latest season's fashion collections. We offer a unique rooftop pool overlooking Hyde Park and Knightsbridge where guests can relax or enjoy various aqua fitness classes as well as rooftop hula hooping in the summer months. We offer a variety of Bamford treatments from signature massages to facials as well as manicure and pedicures. Located in the heart of bustling Knightsbridge, the hotel has a wide selection of restaurants and shopping with Harrods and Harvey Nichols a stone’s throw away. Additionally we are next door to two of the great Royal Parks, Hyde Park and Green Park, as well as being situated within Belgravia, providing a quiet English village feel amidst the capital, with cobbled streets, bespoke stores and galleries.

What kind of breakfast do you offer? We have something for everyone with our speciality Berkeley homemade muesli, and our pasties and breads all freshly baked every morning in our Pastry kitchen. We also offer a varied buffet of meats, cheeses, pastries and fruits plus a selection of cooked options. International options such as Japanese are also available.

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? Yes we offer all meals – breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and supper. We have our newly designed Collins Room where our fashion themed afternoon tea, Pret-a-portea is served, created by our Head Pastry chef Mourad Khiat Additionally, Marcus Wareing’s two Michelin starred Marcus at The Berkeley offers modern British fare for lunch and dinner. Our concierge are also well versed in all the newest local restaurants and can pull strings to get a great table for the wide selection London offers from sushi to Indian.

Which are your most popular room types, and why? Our most popular room types currently are our brand new terrace suites by John Heah as they offer a relaxed, spacious environment with a residential feel as well as outdoor terrace space with views onto neighbouring St Paul’s Church. The attention to detail in the décor, the location, and the views give the guest a sense of calm whilst being situated in the heart of London. They also have particularly luxurious bathrooms.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms? We are very family friendly and can always offer extra beds or cots for children. We are also developing our rooms so that connecting rooms are widely available throughout the hotel to allow for travelling families to have the utmost comfort and convenience. We offer various toys and games for children upon arrival and our pool is also a big draw where we have a number of fun inflatable toys for them to enjoy. We are currently launching children's masterclasses to learn how to make out Pret-a-portea biscuits with our pastry chef in the bakery and come spring 2017 we will be working with top children’s party planner Sharkey & George who will be putting some London-centric activities together for our smaller guests.

What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers? The Berkeley team looks forward to welcoming Hotel Guru readers to enjoy the spirit of the hotel in one of the best spots in town where we embrace creativity, innovation, being tuned in to the city whilst always delivering the best five star service with charm and a smile.