The hype
Travelers obsess over the concierge team and the rooftop views, but many find the room layouts a bit 'style over substance' for the price.
Berkeley
$950-1,600/ nacht
Boek dit als You want the London fashion crowd energy, a rooftop pool scene that actually rivals LA, and breakfast by the world's most famous pastry chef.
Waarom mensen ervan houden
- The rooftop pool (one of London's only open-air ones) now has a public-access bar that buzzes all summer
- Cédric Grolet's patisserie is attached, meaning you get priority access to the viral croissants
- The location is unbeatable for shoppers—literally steps from Harvey Nichols and Harrods
Snel Overzicht: It’s less 'stiff upper lip' and more 'Instagram influencer'—expect high energy, high prices, and a lobby that feels like a runway.
Beoordeeld door @smtravels.x: I spent the weekend at The Berkeley and I'm still dreaming about that rooftop pool. Swimming with views of Hyde Park is unmatched, and having Cédric Grolet's pastries just downstairs was dangerous but so worth it. The suite felt like my own private London apartment.
Gast die hier verbleef zei
Reality check
The 'inner courtyard' view rooms literally face a wall—great for sleeping, terrible for the ego.
- You follow Cédric Grolet on TikTok and want those pastries without the 2-hour queue
- You prioritize a high-energy pool scene over a quiet library vibe
- You are traveling with a small dog (they are very pet-friendly, for a £100 fee)
Schoonmaak & Onderhoud
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally excellent twice-daily service, though a recent guest reported a serious shower drain clog that caused flooding (Nov 2024).
- Bathroom hygiene: Marble bathrooms are usually sparkling, but check the drains immediately upon arrival.
- Maintenance: The hotel is fresh from recent updates (and the new Emory next door), so wear and tear is minimal.
- Linens & towels: Top-tier, crisp, high-thread-count linens and plush robes.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of expensive candles and fresh pastries; no mustiness reported.
Sleepability™
7.5STIL
0-4LUID
4-7.5GEMATIGD
7.5-10STIL
- Street noise from Wilton Place/Knightsbridge on lower floors
- Music/bass from the rooftop bar on upper floors (7th/8th)
Voordat je boekt
Goed om te weten
- The rooftop pool is heated and open-air, a rarity in London.
- You get access to the new 'Surrenne' longevity club (connected to The Emory next door) which is world-class.
- Valet parking is steep at ~£65 per night.
Wat je mee moet nemen
- Swimwear that looks good on Instagram (the pool is a scene)
- Smart casual outfits for breakfast—no one wears pajamas to Cédric Grolet
Kamer Genie
Beste keuzes
- Grand Pavilion Penthouse for the wraparound terrace (if money is no object)
- Hyde Park View rooms for actual natural light and greenery
Kamers om te vermijden
- Inner Courtyard View rooms (often dark, facing a brick wall)
- Rooms near the service elevators on lower floors (can be noisy)
Kamer Aanvraag Genie – kopiëren en plakken
“I would appreciate a room on a mid-level floor (3-5) facing Hyde Park to avoid both street noise and rooftop bar vibrations. Please ensure it is not an interconnecting room unless requested.”
Veelgestelde vragen & Verborgen tips
Alles wat je eigenlijk wilt weten voordat je boekt.
Is the pool open to everyone?
Technically yes, non-guests can now book the rooftop bar/pool for specific slots, which has reduced the exclusivity for hotel guests.
How much is breakfast?
Expect to pay ~£45-50 per person for the full Cédric Grolet breakfast experience.
Is there still construction noise?
The major construction for The Emory next door is finished (opened April 2024), so the heavy drilling has stopped.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, small dogs (<7kg) are welcome for a £100 fee per stay.
Is there a spa?
Yes, you have the Bamford Wellness Spa (treatments) and access to the new Surrenne health club (gym/pool) next door.
What is the service charge?
There is a 5% discretionary service charge added to your accommodation bill, plus the standard 12.5-15% on food and drink.
Tips van Insiders
- ✨
You can order Cédric Grolet pastries for 'Click & Collect' to skip the massive queue and eat them in your room.
- ✨
The 'Blue Bar' is iconic, but the 'Berkeley Bar & Terrace' is often quieter and has better service.
- ✨
Ask the concierge for a 'Surrenne' tour immediately upon arrival to book your gym slots, as it gets busy with members.
5 dingen die je moet weten voordat je gaat
💡The 'discretionary' 5% room service charge is rarely mentioned at booking but appears on the final bill.
💡The walk from some rooms to the new Surrenne spa/gym can feel like a maze through corridors.
💡Standard rooms are surprisingly small (starting around 30-35 sqm) for the price tag.
💡The rooftop pool closes to children in the early evening, shifting strictly to an adult bar vibe.
💡You might spot paparazzi outside if a major celebrity is staying (Madonna is a known fan).
Lokaal Playbook
Kaart
Bekijk waar Berkeley zich bevindt en wat er in de buurt is.