The Goring

The Goring is unique in being the last hotel in London still owned by its founders. This has numerous advantages, in that the hotel has more character than other hotels - it is traditional but with modern touches, it has a touch of English eccentricity and playfulness that makes it stand out, and it has a staff who are incredibly loyal to the hotel. My Belgravia suite was something between a first-class stateroom on the Titanic and a private room at a grand, country estate. Silk wallpapers. comfortable couches and bespoke furniture come as standard - as well as a very large sheep! The bed was exceptionally comfortable and all the little extra touches meant there was always something new to discover. The recently refurbished dining room looks magnificent and serves food whose excellence matches the surroundings. The eggs drumkilbo and the duck are particularly good. What really sets the hotel apart, however, are the staff. The footmen go the extra mile to anticipate what you might need and to make your stay extraordinary. Everybody else was brilliant, too, from the doormen and reception staff, to the concierge, waiters and housekeeping team. Michael runs a tight ship. If you want to stay at a grand hotel with faultless service and a touch of character, The Goring is the place for you.

The Goring is one very special hotel . From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave the staff are all fantastic. The goring really does feel special. Magical infact. I took my fiancee for her birthday and the effort all the staff went to to make her birthday special was fantastic. The goring Dining room restaurant is one of the best for food and wine..superb!...with service to match . My only criticism of the hotel is that there is no coffee machine or fridge in the room..or even a kettle! Which for a five star hotel is suprising ... Nevertheless a wonderful hotel and an experience to cherish. We will look forward to returning!

Our return to this amazing hotel, after an absence of 4+ years, found everything to be as fabulous as ever! Having had a 30 year relationship with The Goring, it is fascinating to see the development of this ‘very special place’ John Andrews, Director of Concierge, and his team together with the Doormen will ensure that your visit will be memorable. Special mention for Peter who has been there for oh so many years!! Incredible Staff throughout the Hotel who really do understand Hospitality.

So let’s start with the positives. This hotel gives a traditional warm welcome. It is special. Everyone is polite and kind. The night porter especially! He looked after us into the late evening and was so lovely. Nor the room service man was also really jolly and the breakfast tea served in your room is delightful. Having said that I have just read a previous review saying you could request tea making facilities . I was not aware of that. So pricey to have tea in the room but it was beautiful in its presentation! We stayed at the shangri la and the staff here are way more professional and just approachable. Michael was on reception and greeted us really well. We decided to upgrade to a room with a garden view. Unfortunately we were next to the linen cupboard so was woken early on each of our three days. The room itself was beautiful and had more room than the executive. Would I upgrade again? Probably not given that it was just really about some additional floor space. Another night manager told us the best floor to stay on is the first one. So noted for next time. Our view was ok but would have been better lower down. The staff are courteous and helpful. We didn’t eat here but the bar is wonderful and cosy. The only other downside was hearing one of the maids outside our room one morning. She sounded like she was arguing with someone. I’m sure it was just a blip but was rather loud. The side lights were not working by our bed although someone came up to investigate they never returned to fix which was a shame considering we had paid for an upgrade. Overall we had a lovely stay. The location to places is superb. Five minutes walk to the palace and local attractions. Just those couple of tweaks would have made it perfect.

I spent a night here when meeting friends in London and as I am gradually trying out all the London hotels I thought I’d give the Goring a try. Having walked from Paddington I walked in rather than got out of a cab and I wasn’t exactly overawed by the welcome. No door man to open the door for me and I had to go and find him to find me a cab on my way out. The receptionist was rather unfriendly although Michael the lovely young chap who showed me to my room made up for it. My room was comfortable and although I had requested a bath - what I got was the smallest bath in the world and practically impossible to get in and out of with an immovable shower screen blocking the way. I did appreciate the JO LOVES toiletries though. The room was very comfortable although I would have appreciated tea making facilities and sockets next to the bed. I didn’t try the restaurant or the bar as was meeting friends but the hotel was beautifully decorated for Christmas and quintessentially English in style.