The Berkeley, Knightsbridge

Some London hotels trade on history and some on glamour. The Berkeley, tucked into Wilton Place between Knightsbridge and Belgravia, manages a bit of both while feeling noticeably more relaxed than its neighbours. It belongs to the Maybourne group, which also runs Claridge's and The Connaught, and it carries a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating, but its character is younger and more playful than either of its Mayfair siblings.

Location

The address is hard to beat. Hyde Park is a couple of minutes' walk away, Harrods and Harvey Nichols are just along Knightsbridge, and the quiet stucco squares of Belgravia start almost at the back door. Knightsbridge and Hyde Park Corner Underground stations are both close by, so the West End is an easy hop, but this is one of those addresses where most of what you want is within walking distance. If you are planning your stay around this part of town, our Knightsbridge and Belgravia area pages are a good place to start.

Rooms and suites

Rooms and suites have been designed by a roster of well-known interior designers, so no two floors feel quite the same. Expect generous space by London standards, serious attention to lighting and materials, and bathrooms built for a long soak rather than a quick shower. The terrace suites, several of which look out towards Hyde Park, are among the most sought-after hotel rooms in this part of London and are worth asking about for a special occasion.

Eating and drinking

The Berkeley has become a destination in its own right for food. Cedric Grolet, the French pâtissier whose sculptural fruit pastries have a cult following, is in residence here, and his Counter draws a steady stream of visitors who are not even staying at the hotel. La Môme London brings a Riviera-style restaurant to Knightsbridge, The Berkeley Café covers the more relaxed daytime end of things, and The Berkeley Bar and Terrace is a polished spot for an early evening drink before dinner elsewhere.

Wellness

The rooftop pool is the hotel's calling card, a rare thing in central London, with views over the rooftops towards the park. Below it, Surrenne Belgravia spreads across four floors with a gym, treatment rooms and wellness spaces, so there is no need to leave the building to unwind after a long day.

Who it suits

The Berkeley suits visitors who want five-star service without the formality of the grandest Mayfair hotels, and anyone who would rather spend their free time in Hyde Park, on Sloane Street or around the Belgravia squares than in the crowds of the West End. It is expensive, as you would expect, but the combination of location, pool and food makes it one of the most complete luxury stays in the city.

For more places to stay across the capital, head back to our London Hotel Guide, or browse the London Guide for more on what to do while you are in town. London Escort Guide also lists elite London escorts and independent London escorts across Knightsbridge, Belgravia and the rest of central London.