Inside the Royal Suite

Secrets, stories and historic silks

If you’re curious to know why, out of all the five star hotels in London, the honour of hosting one of the most famous brides-to-be of the 21st century fell to The Goring, we will attempt to assuage our British modesty and explore the answer. The Goring’s Royal Suite is so named for a reason, although it wouldn’t be proper to name the bride who spent her last night here before becoming a princess at Westminster Abbey. The Royal Suite also recently played a starring role in Eugene Levy’s recent Apple TV series, The Reluctant Traveler. 

Described by Forbes as “arguably the most glamorous accommodation option in England”, the Royal Suite is at the very top of the hotel, on the fifth floor. Styled after a sumptuous English country house, the décor exemplifies British craftsmanship at its most excellent. Even the walls have a story to tell, decorated with the same Gainsborough silk as the Throne Room at neighbouring Buckingham Palace and the First-Class Dining Room of RMS Titanic. Leonardo DiCaprio is not included in your stay, but if he were, he would be having flashbacks.

The most important thing is to make yourself at home. Glide through what is now your dining room. Step out onto your balcony and take in sweeping views of the immaculate gardens below. You must, of course, rummage through the drawers to your heart’s content. Concealed within many of them, you will discover fascinating British military regalia along with historic letters handwritten by members of the Royal Family – details that take the Suite’s sense of history out of books and integrates them into the living experience of it. 

You may want to freshen up with a shower at some point. Good idea – just a quick head’s up that you will be joined by Her Majesty Queen Victoria (in a portrait behind the glass, before you think we’ve completely lost our marbles). By now, you might be wondering what time it is as you sink back into a plush velvet sofa in your private drawing room. The answer is cocktail time – and that shaking noise you hear is the Royal Suite’s private footman in red coattails, preparing you a dazzling concoction by the fireplace. If you think you need to unpack your bags first, you don’t. He’s done it for you. 

It is now time for dinner. Stroll downstairs to the Michelin-starred Dining Room. And if you wake up the next morning with a sheep in your bed, don’t be alarmed – everyone does. That’s Barbara. You are definitely at The Goring.