The Goring, London

The Goring has been run by the same family since Otto Richard Goring opened its doors in 1910. That’s four generations of hospitality refined to an art: gracious, warm, and utterly English. It’s the only hotel in London to hold the Royal Warrant (it’s where the Princess of Wales spent her last night as Catherine Middleton before marrying Prince William) – a distinction that speaks volumes.

Walk through the entrance and you’ll meet the lobby’s iconic chequered marble floor, witness to more than a century of arrivals. And beyond it lies something rare: the second-largest privately owned garden in Belgravia. Only Buckingham Palace has more green space. This manicured sanctuary offers a slice of calm you won’t find anywhere else in central London – visible from many rooms and from The Veranda, where afternoon tea is served against a backdrop of English greenery. Lose yourself in a book under the trees, sip champagne on the lawn, or simply breathe in the rare luxury of open space in the heart of the city.

LOCATION

Despite being steps from Buckingham Palace, St James’s Park, Chelsea, Westminster, and Mayfair, The Goring sits on a quiet Belgravia street that feels like a secret. It’s London’s handiest address, packed full of history and modern sophistication, with world-class galleries, royal parks, and Michelin-starred dining all within easy reach.

YOUR ROOM

The Goring’s rooms are a masterclass in English elegance. Walls lined in Gainsborough silk, antique dressing tables, dramatic drapes, and carefully curated artwork create a sense of timelessness, while crisp linens, marble bathrooms, and elegant furniture strike the balance between classic style and comfort. Families will love the connecting rooms, which provide space to spread out without sacrificing style. Our pick? The two-bedroom Royal Suite. Large, sumptuous, and fit for royalty (because it’s hosted them) this is where The Goring’s heritage and luxury are at their finest.

WHO IT SUITS

Gourmands will find their happy place here. The Michelin-starred and freshly refurbished Dining Room – with its bold red tones, bespoke hand-painted Fromental floral wallpaper, and sparkling chandeliers – creates a setting that’s equally as theatrical as it is refined. Add jazz nights in the bar to the exclusive chef’s table, and you have a recipe for a very memorable evening.

Families will love the hotel’s lively spirit. The private garden offers old-school pleasures: croquet on the lawn, dressing-up boxes brimming with costumes, children’s menus crafted with young palates in mind, and baskets of toys ready for adventure. It’s the kind of place where childhood memories are made.

WHY WE LIKE IT

The Goring doesn’t take itself too seriously. Yes, the opulence is undeniable through the silk walls, the chandeliers, and the royal connections, but look closer and you’ll find the playful touches that reveal the hotel’s true character. Hand-painted monkeys swig champagne cocktails on wallpaper, fluffy sheep double as footstools, and whimsy lives comfortably alongside the grandeur. As London’s last family-owned luxury hotel, the warmth here feels genuine. The staff – many of them long-serving – know instinctively what makes a stay special, and service always comes with a smile. Our insider tip? Don’t miss the cocktail bar. Order the house gin and tonic, settle into a velvet armchair, and let the evening unfold.

SUSTAINABILITY

The hotel has earned the Forbes Responsible Hospitality Badge in recognition of its environmental efforts and community engagement. Most impressive is their partnership with Hotel School, launched in 2017, which teaches core hospitality skills to people affected by homelessness. The mentoring team helps create sustained careers in hospitality, transforming lives while strengthening the local community. The Goring’s commitment to doing good runs as deep as its commitment to doing things well.