"Knightsbridge's renowned luxury hotel is a firm favourite among the rich and famous, not least for its impeccable staff."
The Berkeley manages to toe the line between London luxury hotel institution and comfortable, home-away-from-home. How it manages this is largely on account of its excellent staff - though the polished, unpretentious atmosphere within certainly helps. It’s the sort of place where, on check-in, Sienna Miller casually saunters past on her way to the health club.
The facilities
The Berkeley boasts three restaurants, which are a massive draw for guests and non-guests alike. There’s the ultra-chic Boxwood Cafe, heading by Gordon Ramsey, the elegant Petrus, which serves up exquisite French cuisine, and the Caramel Room, the infamous home of fashionista favourite Prêt-a-Portea. This delectable afternoon tea service has an ever-changing selection of haute-design goodies, from Christian Dior pink chocolate bikini biscuits to the Chanel lime tea cakes.
This luxury hotel is not only about the food however. The Blue Bar, designed by David Collins, is a small but perfectly formed cocktail venue with a big personality. The wood panelling was actually part of the original Berkeley, when it stood in Piccadilly. Along with vintage cognacs and cigars, the bar has signature drinks ranging from the classic Berkeley Champagne Cocktail to the kookier Ginger Cosmopolitan.
After all of that indulgence, the Health Club and Spa provides a tranquil place to unwind. The spa is delicious, with a lengthy list of treatments available, from LaStone massage to traditional Balinese therapies. The main focal point within this luxury hotel, however, has to be the rooftop pool. It looks like a Roman villa, with a retractable roof for swimming under the stars.
The rooms
The Berkeley’s 214 bedrooms and suites take a lead from the rest of this luxury hotel; they are undeniably classic and English, but with a fresh, modern touch. The flat-screen televisions are hidden behind antiquated cabinets and the king and queen-sized beds have Egyptian cotton sheets and beautiful bedding. There are well-stocked mini-bars in every room, along with complimentary internet access and a pay-per-view service. There’s even a torch, left ‘just in case’.
The marble bathrooms of this luxury hotel are enormous; most have separate bathtubs. Asprey toiletries, soft towel bathrobes and slippers and huge walk-in showers are just some of the features that lift the Berkeley above many of its competitors.
Star rating:
Address: Wilton Place, London SW1X 7RL, UK
View rooms
Address: Wilton Place, London SW1X 7RL, UK
Booking info
Arrival:
Thu 21 Aug 2008
Departure: Fri 22 Aug 2008
No. adults: 2
Departure: Fri 22 Aug 2008
No. adults: 2
Check Availability
Who stays here
The Berkeley remains a firm favourite with A-list celebs. Past guests include Sienna Miller, Madonna and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Come for
- Afternoon tea
- Taking a swim under the stars in the rooftop pool
Not suitable for
- Budget Travel
Awards
"Best UK Business Hotel", Conde Nast (UK) 07; "Most Stylish Afternoon Tea of the Year for Prêt-à-Portea", Wallpaper 06
Children
The hotel has a childrens menu for room service. Cots, highchairs, bottle warmers, babysitting services, children's bathrobes and slippers and a selection of childrens books & board games are availalbe. A gift pack is given to children upon arrival as well.
Eating in
There is a choice of three restaurants - choose from destination eaterie Petrus for fine French cuisine, Ramsey's Boxwood Cafe or, last but not least, the more informal Caramel Room. Room service is 24 hours.
