The hype
Travelers adore the architecture and the unbeatable convenience for Gatwick Express, but many feel cramped in the standard rooms.
The Clermont London, Victoria
$200-350/ night
Book this if You need to be on a train at 6am or want to feel like a Victorian railway tycoon without the soot.
Why People Love It
- Direct private entrance from the hotel lobby straight onto the Victoria Station concourse
- The lobby is a jaw-dropping Victorian masterpiece with gold leaf and a massive chandelier
- Free minibar (soft drinks and snacks) in every room, which is rare for London
Quick Take: A stunning historic shell wrapping some shockingly small rooms and a noise problem that earplugs can't always fix.
Reviewed by @conciergekate: I felt like a character in a period drama the moment I walked in. The lobby is breathtaking, and having direct access to the Gatwick Express made my travel day effortless. If you want classic British luxury without the stuffiness, this is the spot.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'odd smell' of stale smoke or mustiness persists in some hallways and rooms despite the refurbishments.
- You have an early flight out of Gatwick (30 mins via train downstairs)
- You appreciate high ceilings and period drama over modern minimalism
- You want to walk to Hamilton (Victoria Palace Theatre) or Wicked (Apollo Victoria) in under 3 minutes
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally good daily service, though some reports of missed dusting on high surfaces and under beds.
- Bathroom hygiene: Mostly sparkling, but watch out for mold in the grout of older bathrooms and hair in drains.
- Maintenance: The building is old; expect occasional peeling paint, slow drains, or a window that doesn't quite seal shut.
- Linens & towels: Towels are decent quality but can feel a bit scratchy; linens are crisp Egyptian cotton.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells grand; hallways can smell musty or like stale smoke; AC units sometimes emit a damp odor.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Train station tannoy announcements (audible from 5am)
- Bus station traffic and idling engines directly outside
- Thin walls between connecting rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- Luggage storage is free before check-in and after check-out (must collect by midnight)
- The hotel has a private entrance directly into Victoria Station near the Gatwick Express platforms
- One elevator is often out of service, leading to long waits during peak times
What to pack
- High-quality earplugs or a white noise machine
- US/EU to UK power adapter (older rooms may lack USB ports by the bed)
- Slippers (carpets in some rooms feel a bit tired)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Studio Suite (worth the upgrade for actual floor space and a seating area)
- Superior King (avoids the 'shoe-box' feel of the Classic rooms)
Rooms to avoid
- Classic Double rooms facing the bus station (noise hell)
- Rooms near the service elevators (noisy and high traffic)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am a light sleeper and kindly request a room facing the internal courtyard or as far away from the Buckingham Palace Road bus station side as possible. High floor preferred to minimize street vibration.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is breakfast included?
Usually no. It costs around £21.50 per person. Reviews are mixed; you might find better value at a cafe in Eccleston Yards nearby.
Does the hotel have air conditioning?
Yes, all rooms have AC, but effectiveness varies and some units are reported to be noisy or smell musty.
Is there parking?
No on-site parking. You have to use the off-site APCOA car park at Victoria Station (~£40/day) or NCP Semley Place.
Can I leave my bags there for free?
Yes, they offer complimentary luggage storage for guests on arrival and departure days.
How close is the tube?
Literally downstairs. You can access the Victoria, District, and Circle lines without going outside if you use the hotel's station entrance.
Is it pet friendly?
No, pets are not allowed, with the exception of registered guide dogs.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Use the 'secret' back door in the lobby to bypass the street crowds and go straight to the train platforms.
- ✨
The Reunion Bar often has live piano music and is a surprisingly chill spot to work during the day.
- ✨
Don't pay for the hotel breakfast; walk 5 minutes to Tomtom Coffee House for a far superior morning brew.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'odd smell' in some corridors is a mix of old building mustiness and decades of stale smoke that won't go away.
💡You can hear the specific words of the train announcements from lower-floor rooms facing the station.
💡The 'Superior' rooms often have a sofa bed, making them a sneaky good value for families of 3.
💡Housekeeping can be inconsistent with replenishing the 'free' minibar – you might have to call to get it restocked.
💡The water pressure in the showers is excellent, a rare win for a Victorian-era building.
Local Playbook
Map
See where The Clermont London, Victoria is located and what's nearby.