![\"Estimated](\"https:\/\/www.townandcountrymag.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/clock-regular.b2f2888.svg\")
4 min read<\/p>\n4 min read<\/p>\n
A large, open-air Cedric Grolet p\u00e2tisserie operation<\/a> might seem like an interesting choice to anchor a hotel lobby, but perhaps not if you know a bit about the Berkeley\u2019s history. Three-hundred years ago, the original Berkeley was a coffee shop, conveniently located on the corner of London\u2019s Piccadilly and Berkeley Street to fuel up coachmen on the mail route. Of course, they didn\u2019t have their espressos with a side of trompe l\u2019oeil apricots, perfectly piped Saint-Honor\u00e9s, and Dubai cookies<\/a>.<\/p>\n By the late 1800s, the Berkeley<\/a> had become a hotel and developed a different reputation: as the only place parents trusted to keep an eye on their debutante daughters, who liked to hang out there with the boys. Fast forward to 1972, when the hotel migrated to its current perch in Knightsbridge and moved into a seven-story building, with a few original details restored, like fireplaces in the suites, plus a pool on the roof\u2014London\u2019s first (and, for several decades, only).<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a hotel that continues to evolve, all while staying true to the unmistakable British sensibility that defines us,\u201d says Kostas Sfaltos, managing director of both the Berkeley and the Emory, its neighboring sister property.<\/p>\n Modernity and heritage, restraint and whimsy\u2014such balances can be hard to strike, but the Berkeley gets it. For the chic and moneyed crowd that, among other things, might like being walking distance to Harvey Nichols, this is the sort of the place that can be both refuge or scene, depending on your mood of the day. Want to turn a sunny London afternoon into a Riviera-style boozy brunch? Book a terrace table at La M\u00f4me. Need to private spot for top-secret Murdoch-level succession planning<\/a>? Ask about the Snug. And then there are the suites, designed to make you feel right at home with their comfortable couches and marbled tubs. Below, we asked Sfaltos to choose the best one.<\/p>\n What do you consider the best room at the property\u2014and why?<\/p>\n The Grand Pavilion Penthouse is my favorite. At more than 2,300 square feet, it\u2019s one of the largest and most beautifully appointed suites in London. Designed by Andr\u00e9 Fu, it\u2019s housed within a glass pavilion and framed by a wraparound terrace with panoramic views across Belgravia<\/a> and Knightsbridge.<\/p>\n A wraparound terrace is one of the Grand Pavilion Penthouse\u2019s defining features.<\/p>\n And it\u2019s meant to feel like a residential home\u2014which is ideal for long-term stays\u2014with two king bedrooms, including a master suite with its own private terrace, an expansive living room, a dining room for up to eight, and a fully equipped cocktail bar. There\u2019s a sense of flow and a quiet ease. Outside, a garden terrace with an open fire pit offers the perfect place to relax with family or friends.<\/p>\n How much does it cost per night?<\/p>\n From \u00a313,200 per night.<\/p>\n How would you describe the vibe of the hotel?<\/p>\n Stylish, playful, and refined. The Berkeley has a distinctive creative spirit\u2014it\u2019s a place where innovation and individuality are celebrated, and always grounded in a deep respect for our heritage. There\u2019s a sense of discovery woven through every stay, from the theatrical flair of the Chef\u2019s Counter at C\u00e9dric Grolet<\/a> to the serene calm of our suites.<\/p>\n The Berkeley\u2019s fa\u00e7ade.<\/p>\n What are some local attractions or secret spots that you like to recommend to guests?<\/p>\n We\u2019re located just steps from Hyde Park and within strolling distance of Harvey Nichols, Harrods, the Royal Palaces, and Royal Albert Hall. But there are also a few lesser-known places I love to share with guests. Rachel Vosper<\/a>\u2019s boutique in Belgravia is a true gem\u2014she created the Berkeley\u2019s signature scent, and her hand-poured candles are exceptional. I also recommend a visit to Motcomb Street, where Pantechnicon<\/a>, a former arts & crafts warehouse, has been transformed into a beautifully curated dining destination with standout restaurants like Sachi<\/a> and Am\u00e9lie<\/a>. And nearby, Fiona Finds<\/a> is a treasure trove of homeware, accessories, and unique gifts curated by Fiona Dreesmann.<\/p>\n What do guests find most surprising about the property?<\/p>\n Guests are often struck by how residential it feels. It has the warmth and privacy of a home, and yet within that setting, there\u2019s a remarkable range of experiences to discover, from the glamour of La M\u00f4me London<\/a> to the buzz of the Berkeley Bar and Terrace<\/a>. That sense of ease is also mirrored in the number of outdoor spaces. Many of our suites have private terraces, and the rooftop pool offers a rare opportunity to truly bask in the city.<\/p>\n The Snug, an intimate private room within the Berkeley Bar and Terrace, comes with its own sound system and call button.<\/p>\n![\"berkeley\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/31ed9485-573b-4f81-90a5-52db2980df42.jpg\" "\\"berkeley\\"")
The Berkeley<\/p>\n![\"Luxury](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ed458e45-3814-46a4-9c98-edfabde511e5.jpg\" "\\"Luxury")
The Berkeley<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/40511200-7985-4114-af33-e7167d26740d.jpg\" "\\"A")
The Berkeley<\/p>\n