We recently had the pleasure of ascending the steps at The Goring where we were greeted with open arms by well-drilled doormen, who promptly took our coats and bags and showed us to the reception desk. There is an air of regality and elegance here that we can’t help but fall in love with; to put it simply, you are immediately aware that you’ve arrived somewhere very special.
Having finished with the business side of things, we were then personally walked to our suite on the second floor, accompanied by a brief introduction to the history of the hotel and the family that built this fine establishment. Opened in 1910, the building is now in the keeping of the 4th generation of Gorings. W is the closest hotel to Buckingham Palace and has been a firm Royal favourite for many years, since it first opened its doors. In 1990, George Goring accepted an O.B.E. from Her Majesty The Queen at Buckingham Palace for ‘services to the hotel industry’. This was followed by the appointment of a Royal Warrant to The Goring in 2013 – the only hotel to have been awarded a Royal Warrant for hospitality services. A noteworthy fact indeed but what was even more exciting was that a couple days before our stay, the restaurant was the much-deserved recipient of a Michelin star! How’s that for timing?
We were lucky enough to have a second floor room with a large balcony over-looking the hotel’s garden, the perfect spot for enjoying The Goring’s delicious breakfast offering. Each bedroom and suite at The Goring is uniquely decorated with lavish furnishings and considerate touches. The best suites are the work of Nina Campbell, Tim Gosling and Russell Sage. The latter using rewoven historic silks from the Gainsborough Silks archive for wall coverings and curtains. Designer Tim Gosling also worked his magic on the Lounge, Bar and Terrace, and Russell Sage created The Royal Suite in 2011, along the top floor of the hotel.
The bedrooms maintain a classic feel but the addition of subtle modern touches, such as remote-controlled curtains, impressive TV systems and in-room Cosmopolitans on-arrival, show how the hotel has moved with the times yet not at the detriment of the hotel’s luxurious character. What’s more, if you are lucky enough to find yourself staying in one of the hotel’s exquisite suites, you will be the lucky recipients of a team of footmen, who’s mission is to cater to your every need.
It really is a special place that delivers on every level from start to finish, with it’s latest renovation providing a delicious mix of modern design and British tradition, which oozes luxury at every turn. Guests will be forgiven for thinking they’ve stumbled on to the set of Downton here at the Goring but believe us when we say that this is no act, what you see is exactly what you get. We can not wait to return! Keep your eyes peeled for our in-depth review of their newly appointed Michelin-starred restaurant too.
Enjoy!
We The Food Snobs x
