Review / Why you should stay at The Berkeley in London: the luxury hotel – the ‘fun and naughty sibling’ to The Connaught and Claridge’s – boasts a rooftop pool and contemporary suites by a Hong Kong designer

Jun 24 , 2023

Luxury hotel The Berkeley is a world-class establishment in London. Photos: Handout

In contrast to luxury hotel chains like Four Seasons and Shangri-La, Maybourne Group’s 5-star properties like The Connaught and Claridge’s eschew a cookie cutter approach, especially at The Berkeley

This world-class establishment features Prêt-à-Portea – a fashion-themed afternoon tea where its ‘couture cakes’ are inspired by the season’s most striking looks, evoking outfits from Loewe and Hermès

London has plenty of luxury hotels. From global chains such as Four Seasons and Rosewood to Asian brands including Mandarin Oriental and Shangri-La (Raffles and The Peninsula are also set to debut there soon), the city offers many choices for those looking for a five-star stay.

The Berkeley Hotel is located between leafy Hyde Park and shopping haven Knightsbridge.

In-the-know visitors to London, however, tend to be regulars at one of the hotels under the Qatari-owned Maybourne Group. While you may not be familiar with the company, you’ve probably heard of its legendary London properties – Claridge’s, The Connaught and The Berkeley – all located not far from each other within the city’s centre.

The Maybourne Hotel Group has an array of luxury hotels in its portfolio, including Berkeley Hotel.

As someone who had the pleasure to stay at Claridge’s and The Connaught in the past – as well as a recent US addition to the Maybourne portfolio, The Maybourne Beverly Hills – The Berkeley had long been on my bucket list.

Situated between the leafy neighbourhood of Belgravia and the shopping haven of Knightsbridge, The Berkeley also boats the most beautiful backyard you could wish for: Hyde Park, which is just a stone’s throw away.

The terrace of Crescent Pavilion Penthouse designed by André Fu.

I took advantage of the vast expanse of greenery outside my doorstep not long after I checked in on a beautiful summer afternoon. I could have easily spent the whole day in my wonderfully appointed suite, designed by Hong Kong-based Joyce Wang (fellow Hong Kong designer André Fu is behind some suites at The Berkeley and various spaces at other Maybourne hotels).

The Berkeley Bar designed by Bryan O’Sullivan Studio.

What struck me about the decor of the suite, and The Berkeley in general, was its contemporary vibe and feel. Unlike Claridge’s and The Connaught, which are reminiscent of grand hotels of yore, The Berkeley is laid-back and intimate – the fun and naughty sibling to the more grown-up sisters, as a hotel staffer put it during a tour of the premises.

The Collins Room designed by David Collins.