In our Suite Staycation column, Gina Jackson – hotel expert and author of British Boutique Hotels – tours some of the best hotel suites in the UK. Next up, The Berkeley in Belgravia.
Best for: A standout sleepover in London’s Belgravia
Frequently hailed as the belle of Belgravia by those in the know, The Berkeley commands a prime west London address, holding court over Hyde Park and Knightsbridge’s swish boutiques.
Give us the lowdown
This glitzy London landmark is a byword for indulgence, with high-octane suites designed by a slew of acclaimed architects, and a medley of restaurants and bars overseen by world-famous chefs – each drawing a steady stream of visitors clamouring after Cedric Grolet croissants or a martini at The Berkeley Bar. With its reputation for razor-sharp service and next-level luxury, The Berkeley sets the ultimate gold standard for spoiling yourself in one of London’s most iconic settings.
What’s in the suite?
I stayed in one of the hotel’s signature pads: the Knightsbridge Pavilion Penthouse, which sprawls across an entire wing of the sixth floor, and is about triple the size of my apartment. Designed by architect André Fu, this statement suite features a wraparound terrace with envious views over Knightsbridge below, complete with a firepit ideal for huddling around as you sink sundowners under the stars. Golden light seeps into the glasshouse-like living room at all times of day thanks to shimmering floor-to-ceiling windows, alighting on a swoosh of a sofa here, a marble tabletop there – all set against a stylish palette of creamy furnishings and pale woods.
There’s everything you might need to hide away here for hours: a huge flat-screen TV, Bang & Olufsen speakers, and even a dining table and bar fashioned from pistachio-toned marble. The minibar is amply stocked: beyond a tempting selection of artisan snacks, there are also eye patches from 111Skin, iPhone chargers and cables in case you have forgotten yours, and something sweet from the in-house patisserie. The bedroom spills out in one direction, flowing into a walk-in closet kitted out with a Dyson Airwrap and fluffy bathrobes. There are two marble-draped bathrooms in the suite, the larger of which features a walk-in shower and freestanding tub.
How’s the crowd?
This is one of London’s most iconic addresses, and you’ll find an international crowd rubbing shoulders across the hotel’s various restaurants and bars, each of which lures a daily stream of day guests alongside hotel residents. The Cedric Grolet patisserie has cult-like status as one of London’s most exquisite pastry destinations, and rightfully so: you’ll find guests of all ages jostling in the queue, hankering after a taste of the elaborate viennoiserie on display.
Where can we eat and drink?
A smorgasbord of destinations to wine and dine span out from your hotel room. The Berkeley Bar is all smooth marble and pastel shades, where you can slurp martinis and nibble on steak tartare crumpets. From here, segue into dinner at La Môme, the latest addition to The Berkeley’s culinary offering: a South of France transplant with Art Deco furnishings, live music, and vast platters of handmade pastas and fresh seafood.
Guests can also slip next door to adjoining sister hotel The Emory, where you’ll feast on colourful, internationally-inspired dishes at ABC Kitchens. But the spot that undoubtedly draws the biggest crowd is the hotel’s centrepiece Cedric Grolet patisserie, where pastry chefs craft ridiculously laminated pastries and decadent desserts with almost lab-like precision. The adjoining Berkeley Café is all cloud-like bouclé banquettes and bronze touches for slurping coffees and nibbling croissants.
What’s on the to-do list?
There’s simply too much to fit in within 24 hours: you’ll need a couple of days to make your way through the food and drink offering alone. In the summer months, the sun-drenched rooftop pool is one of London’s best-kept secrets and most sought-after hangouts. When you’re not stretching out on one of the striped sun beds here, you’ll want to carve out some time at the serene spa.
Are there any stand-out touches worth mentioning?
On that note, as part of your stay, you’ll have exclusive access to Surrenne, the most luxurious members-only spa in London. This state-of-the-art wellness club is currently the hottest ticket in town, and spans four floors offering everything from a snow shower and Tracy Anderson studio to juice bar for getting your post-workout protein kick. For unwinding, there’s a skylit 22-metre pool framed by sleek cabanas, along with hushed treatment rooms, where an atlas-spanning menu of treatments (think everything from charcoal facials to knot-kneading massages) is on offer.
What should we know before we go?
You’re placed in prime location for making your way through the swanky shops and department stores that fan out from the hotel’s doorstep. Just minutes from The Berkeley, Harrods and Harvey Nichols beckon with their glitzy storefronts, while a slew of swish designer boutiques stretch out along Sloane Street. In the other direction, Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace are just a short stroll away.
What should we pack?
You’ll need something a little fancier for glitzy evenings at La Môme, but it’s worth remembering that stretchy waistbands will serve you well throughout your stay. Activewear and swimsuits are needed to make the most of Surrenne.
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Any Questions or Tips to add?