The Goring

We rarely give a 5 star review. If I could give 6 I would. The most beautiful hotel, spotlessly clean, every member of staff attentive and polite, and overall service outstanding. If you want to treat yourself, there’s nowhere better in London in my opinion.

I had wanted to stay at The Goring for some time, and it absolutely did not disappoint. Beyond the well-known headlines (London’s last family-owned five-star hotel, and of course where the Princess of Wales spent the night before her wedding), The Goring more than lived up to every expectation. To describe it simply as “quintessential British luxury” doesn’t quite do it justice. There is personality everywhere. Staying here feels less like checking into a hotel and more like arriving at a very elegant London home, one where the welcome is warm and entirely genuine (and the host conveniently holds a Michelin star). We stayed for two nights as a base for a theatre trip and for my daughter’s West End audition. Although slightly outside our usual West End epicentre, we deliberately chose Belgravia this time, and were so pleased we did. The location is superb: peaceful and refined, yet just 10 minutes by taxi to the theatres and within easy walking distance of Buckingham Palace, Knightsbridge, Mayfair, Chelsea, Westminster and Hyde Park. The hotel itself is immaculate. At 115 years old, it feels timeless rather than historic. From the moment head doorman Peter, who has recently celebrated his 60th year at the hotel, opened the door for us, we were welcomed like old friends. We were greeted by name and ushered into surroundings that combine understated grandeur with comfort. Check-in was seamless. Our bags disappeared almost as quickly as we were invited into The Goring Bar, where a perfectly made Negroni was already waiting, an inspired antidote to a four-hour journey. We were very kindly upgraded to a Belgravia Suite, which was a thoughtful touch and gave my daughter some extra privacy (and possibly protection from a father’s alleged snoring). The suite was beautifully appointed: silk-lined walls and elegant furnishings alongside modern technology and every amenity you could wish for. Champagne, chocolates and West End-themed treats for my daughter were waiting in the room, a small but meaningful gesture. The bathroom was spacious and beautifully appointed, with marble finishes, heated floors, separate bath and large shower, plush robes and Jo Loves toiletries, a nice nod to a Belgravia neighbour. The bed was among the most comfortable we’ve slept in anywhere, with an excellent pillow selection ensuring a perfect night’s sleep. As we explored the hotel, including a personal tour by the extremely knowledgeable and passionate Charlotte, we began to discover the more playful side of the property, revealing the personality of both the hotel and the family behind it. Mischievous monkeys hide within the hand-painted wallcoverings; a family portrait depicts generations reimagined as The Beatles; and seemingly formal paintings, which on closer inspection, place Queen Victoria alongside Edmund Blackadder and Snoop Dogg, dressed improbably as a shepherd. It is these unexpected touches that quietly distinguish The Goring from its peers. Dinner on our first evening was in the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, and again expectations were exceeded. Contemporary seasonal British cuisine, beautifully presented, paired with an exceptional wine list (a 2014 Puligny-Montrachet proved too hard to resist). Despite its reputation, the dining room felt relaxed and welcoming rather than overly formal. We were served by Laura and Conley (“Con”), both exceptional, knowledgeable, conversational, warm and genuinely interested in our stay. They discussed the menu in detail, remembered my daughter’s audition, and engaged with us in a way that felt personal rather than procedural. The kitchen also happily adapted a dish to suit my daughter’s preferences; the result was excellent; her plate left spotless. Breakfast on both mornings was equally impressive, and once again delivered with friendly, attentive service. And that really sums up The Goring. The elegance, heritage and refinement are exactly as you would expect for a hotel of its standing, but it is the service that truly sets it apart. Every member of the team, from Peter at the door to Michael, the Managing Director, from the concierge to housekeeping and the bar team (who made me more than one superb Negroni), took the time to speak with us and make us feel known. Luxury without pretension is rare. The Goring achieves it effortlessly. We’re already planning our return.

A genuinely warm welcome and an easy, seamless check-in — possibly helped along by the AMEX FHR rate and benefits. The room wasn’t large, but it didn’t feel cramped at all and had everything I needed. It was a Superior room on the 5th floor, intriguingly numbered 109, which suggests a top-to-bottom numbering system. Despite being next to the palace, the room was wonderfully quiet — the only noise I heard was what I assume was the Royal helicopter. The bed was exceptionally comfortable. A thoughtful welcome gift awaited me: raspberry jam and a fluffy sheep, which felt far more personal (and charming) than the usual chain-hotel biscuits. The staff were outstanding — genuinely keen to please and nothing ever felt like too much trouble (not that I was particularly demanding!). I was escorted to my room by Bella, who is a real credit to the hotel and seemed to be ever-present and helpful downstairs throughout my stay. Breakfast was superb. The dining room ambience was beautiful — relaxed, elegant, and classy. The garden looked lovely too, though sadly it was raining during my visit. Toiletries were excellent quality, and the miniatures may or may not have found their way into my bag. Honestly, apart from the lack of tea/coffee-making facilities in the room, I struggled to find anything to improve — and I’m hard to please! That said, the hotel has already added a tea tray and 2X size robe to my profile for future stays… how good is that? Housekeeping and cleanliness were exceptional. I even witnessed someone meticulously cleaning a restaurant chair — there was real care, precision, and pride in the work. A nice touch was not having to sign any bills during the stay — all food and beverage charges were simply posted to the room. This also removed any awkward tipping pressure, allowing me to decide where and when. There is a discretionary service charge added at checkout. Just stay here — you won’t regret it. I certainly didn’t, and I’ll definitely be back.

I took my wife here again for her birthday. As soon as you arrive it felt like a homecoming..the staff are all so friendly and helpful. The entire place just feels magical. The hotels restaurant The Dining room is fitting of the hotel as its fantastic. The food is to die for..service impeccable. Our last visit I was disappointed and surprised there was no coffee machine in the room . We requested one before we arrived and one was in our room on arrival! Me and my wife truly love this hotel ..it really is special. We can't wait to return once again!

Quite simply an exceptional hotel. Our first visit but hopefully not our last. The staff are warm and friendly and we were made to feel very special when we arrived. Our room was elegant and very clean. The bar area is lovely with great staff. Breakfast was something else. One of the nicest hotels I have stayed in .