Fodor's Expert Review The Berkeley

A grand dame renowned for its timeless elegance, The Berkeley has been wowing the high classes and the celebrity crowd for over 100 years. Located in Knightsbridge, adjacent to Hyde Park and a few streets away from both Harvey Nichols and Harrods, the hotel fits right in at the center of a neighbourhood famous for accommodating expensive tastes. The perfect hotel for a spot of indulgent escapism, the Berkeley demonstrates what it means to live how the other half live—and yes, that includes the chance to design your own custom Ferrari in the hotel’s Ferrari Atelier.

The quirk of a balcony overlooking bucolic grounds in the heart of this urban metropolis is worth paying for, so opt for a room with a garden view if you can stretch to it.

room

The Berkeley has been in the luxury hotel game for long enough to know that trends come and go but elegance never goes out of style. And the well-appointed rooms are elegance personified, with their luxe wallpapered walls, designer furniture and amazing beds perched upon lush carpet. Some rooms adopt a feint mid-century look, while others feature art deco elements.

bathroom

Glass and marble combine in the sumptuous bathroom suites that match the hotel’s refined glamor.

lobby

Polished marble floor is the perfect surface to bounce the light about from the beautiful dome lighting installation. Not a buzzing lobby but a place that encourages feelings of awe at the drama of the space.

Photo: autumn ???? @the_berkeley / @hbguidice

pool

Highly unusual for London, the Berkeley’s rooftop pool on the seventh floor is a place many a celebrity has announced their arrival to the masses. Guests can dip in the pool surrounded by a temple-like structure that’s more Rome than Knightsbridge. Sun loungers offer views of Hyde Park and city rooftops beyond the turquoise pool.

Photo: Making the most of the last couple of days off with @mrskirstyhall and the bump. This will do very nicely. Speedos at the ready! / @ryanghall

spa

A place to primp and preen before a night spent in one of the hotel’s desirable eating and drinking establishments, the Bamford Haybarn Spa is an in-house serenity suite made for pampering. A range of treatments and massage are available in the tranquil space.

gym

The ground floor fitness center has all the cardio machines of a well-equipped gym along with free weights and personal TVs.

dining

Two classy choices vie for your attention at the Berkeley; the bright, marble-clad Collins Room and its menu of modern classics, and Marcus, the two Michelin starred fine dining restaurant helmed by superstar British chef Marcus Wareing. The Pret-a-Portea Afternoon Tea is the Berkeley’s signature experience. When you think you’ve had tea and cakes served every which way, try this for an afternoon tea inspired by fashion.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Neither the Collins Room or Marcus encourage a casual environment, which means dressing up is a must to avoid sticking out like a sore thumb.

drinking

Swathed in hues of lilac flecked indigo, the Blue Room is undoubtedly one of the fanciest hotel bars in London. Designed by David Collins, the room is as impressive as the creative cocktails.