Arrival/Check-In: I arrived at the hotel on a bright spring day and was greeted warmly by the doorman and front desk staff. Check-in was efficient, and soon I was on my way to a Belgravia Suite on the second floor (European first). Although the suite faced the street, it was pleasantly quiet.
The hotel has been family-owned for more than a century, a rarity among luxury properties. Its understated country-house charm draws a loyal international clientele. During the recent royal wedding, much of the hotel was occupied by the bride’s family, a testament to its reputation for discretion and service.
Guest Quarters: The Belgravia Suite is decorated in classic English country-house style with tasteful furnishings and thoughtful details. The living room features a fireplace and two comfortable sofas arranged around a coffee table, plus a desk with convenient outlets, including a U.S. socket that made charging devices easy. A large flat-screen TV is also provided. The bedroom includes a king-sized bed, a dressing table and generous closet space with dresser drawers.
The bathroom is spacious and finished in marble from floor to ceiling. A wall-mounted TV sits above the deep soaking tub, and a separate stand-alone rain shower offers a relaxing alternative. The heated towel rail is a welcome touch, and bathroom amenities are Molton Brown.
Services and Amenities: The Goring’s sunlit restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the menu delivers consistently good food; I enjoyed an excellent dinner during my stay. Shortly after arrival I headed to the bar—still serving lunch—where I ordered a club sandwich and a lager. Staff quickly learned my name, and that attentive, personalized service continued throughout the hotel. The bar and lounge, styled with a gentlemen’s-club ambiance, open onto The Terrace, which overlooks The Veranda and a charming garden. During my visit a small, stylish wedding party enjoyed pre-event drinks on The Veranda, illustrating the hotel’s suitability for private celebrations.
While The Goring does not have an on-site gym, guests receive complimentary access to a nearby fitness club just a three-minute walk away.
The Experience: Beyond its attractive interiors, what stands out is the staff’s consistent warmth and professionalism. Every encounter, from arrival to departure, felt genuinely welcoming. Several friends who travel to London frequently have long recommended this hotel, and after a two-night stay I understand why. The location is excellent—between Buckingham Palace and Victoria Station—making theaters, shopping, museums and restaurants easily accessible by foot or a short cab ride. Located on quiet Beeston Place, the hotel benefits from minimal traffic noise.
GT CHECKLIST
Doorman/valet
Less than 10 minutes for check-in
Separate tub and shower
Large vanity
High-quality towels
Powerful, unattached hair dryer
High-quality bed linens
Large, flat-screen television
Large desk with convenient outlets
Large, complimentary laptop safe
Complimentary in-room WiFi
Complimentary bottled water
Stocked minibar
Ample lighting
In-room coffeemaker (not present)
Iron and ironing board
On-site restaurant
24-hour room service
24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center (not present on-site)
Turn-down service
The Goring
Beeston Place
London SW1W 0JW
United Kingdom
tel 44 20 7396 9000
thegoring.com