The Goring Hotel, Belgravia, London, England – Review
By Jonathan Spira on 27 May 2015
If you want to understand the character of a hotel, look first at how it portrays its founder. In the case of the Goring, opened in 1910 by Otto Richard Goring, he is depicted in a painting as a bejeweled walrus. As if that were not enough, the property’s current managing director, David Morgan-Hewitt, is shown as a gorilla in a judge’s wig. Then there are the hotel’s sheep in residence. Get the picture?
The Goring, in the heart of Belgravia, recently celebrated its 105th anniversary has been a favorite amongst royals. The Queen Mother was a regular and the hotel served as the location for her last public appearance. In 2011, Kate Middleton and her family stayed in the Royal Suite and it was from the Goring that she left for Westminster Abbey.
I arrived at the Goring in the evening after a day full of meetings and was warmly welcomed by the staff. Check-in formalities were mercifully quick and soon I was in my room. Shortly after, I received a phone call asking if I’d like tea. A pot, accompanied by cookies, arrived moments later.
THE ROOM
My Most Splendid Room (yes, that’s the name of the room’s category) was exceptionally spacious as well as splendid. The Gainsborough silk-lined walls were stunning and the bespoke furniture, which included a plush sofa and several armchairs, made quite an impression.
The king size bed was fit for a royal and extremely comfortable. On it was a sheep, just sitting there. Indeed, I found many such sheep throughout the hotel (some substantially larger) and management encouraged me to take my sheep home as a souvenir.
I fell asleep as soon as I put my head down on the pillow, which was covered in fine Italian linens.
Click here to continue to Page 2 – Footmen, Dining, and Silk
