StyleNest had the pleasure of staying at one of the London’s most prestigious, five-star hotels, The Berkeley.
Tucked away behind the luxury shopping district of Knightsbridge, you’ll find The Berkeley. As part of the Maybourne Group, which boasts some of London’s most premier hotels from Claridge’s to The Connaught, we like to think of The Berkeley as Claridge’s naughty little sister – full of that same charm and decadence, but younger and a little more fun and laid back.
From the moment we stepped foot in The Berkeley we were taken care of. Greeted by dapper doormen in bowler hats, checked-in swiftly and escorted up to our beautiful sleeping quarters, this is high flying at its finest.
Although we had London on our doorstep – Hyde Park sits pretty across the street and Harrods and Harvey Nicks are a mere meander away – we were staying put, sampling the wealth of fun The Berkeley has to offer.
Dining is at the heart of the hotel, with Michelin star chef Marcus Wareing in main residency, and Koffman’s French brasserie for more informal meals. But it’s The Berkeley’s afternoon tea that is truly unique and captures the hotel’s fun side. Prêt-à-Portea takes its lead from fashion, creating bite-size, edible clothing, shoes and bags from some of the world’s leading luxury designers. The Alexander McQueen biscuit bag and dainty Prada shoe that were waiting to be devoured in our room did not last long.
The rooms themselves are equally exquisite and each one individually decorated. Ours was all soft creams and gold finishes to keep things elegant, and in the huge bathroom we found Bamford toiletries and soft robes for a dose of pampered luxury. Out on our private balcony we found a charming little bird box and pot plants and a view overlooking the pretty Knightsbridge church of St. Paul’s. Sipping on a glass of champagne with the sun beating down, we couldn’t have felt further from the hustle and bustle of London below.
Post dinner we headed to The Berkeley’s Blue Bar. We sat up at the bar whilst the skilled mixologists decked out in pristine white dinner jackets served as up some fine tipples. Warm, welcoming and funny too, even if you were staying in the hotel alone you could come down to the bar and expect a great night. Drinks wise, we recommend the ‘Wee Pal’ if you’re a whiskey drinker or the ‘Lychee & Chilli Martini’ if you fancy some spice.
After a few cocktails and a much needed sleep made all the more pleasant due to The Berkeley’s huge, dream inducing beds, we headed to the hotel’s spa. Recently opened by luxury organic beauty brand, Bamford, the hotel’s Haybarn Spa brings a little of the country into the heart of the city.
The extensive menu lists Bamford treatments from Body Exfoliation to a Rose Upper Body and Facial Treatment, as well as treatments from cult beauty brand, Oskia. We chose the Bamford Body Signature Treatment – 85 minutes of pure bliss and we have to say, one of the best massages we’d ever had.
But it was The Berkeley’s true hidden secret that we were treated to last. Up on the 7th floor of the hotel you’ll find a rooftop pool. With an open roof lined with loungers we swam beneath the clouds, whilst panoramic views had us looking out over Knightsbridge and Hyde Park. You’ll be hard pushed to find a more impressive spot in Central London.
One thing’s for sure, we’ll certainly be returning to The Berkeley, whether it’s for their fashionable afternoon tea, the decadent cocktails or that pool. Let’s hope it’s all three.
Need To Know:
Rooms: 214
Rates: Doubles from £390 per room per night
Facilities: Restaurants, cocktail bar, spa, sauna, gym and rooftop pool. Children’s bed and cots available on request as are children’s packs and mini bathrobes. In-room treatments are available, CD/film library, WIFI, mini bar and Bamford toiletries.
Check in time: 2pm
Check out time: 12noon
How to get there: The Berkeley is located less than a 10minute car journey from London Victoria Station, and a five minute walk from Knightsbridge.
The Berkeley, Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RL Tel. 020 7235 6000 www.the-berkeley.co.uk