THE GORING

Last year we stayed at the Goring for two weeks and became family. You can't do that at the big 5 star hotels. So this year we visited London again and of course chose the Goring. If you like a small, traditional, classy hotel this is the place. The doormen remembered us by name (with some cheating I'm sure) but it was like coming home again. Don't look for palatial dining rooms here, just cozy traditional class. Our two favorites in the dining room are the special salt marsh lamb, and beef Wellington. One can't go wrong with either. I could go on and on about the place, but to us The Goring IS London, England. Need I say more. I'm not sure we will make it back next year, but I know another stay is in our future. Special lauds are due to Dane and Peter, two of the nicest and most helpful doormen at any hotel anywhere! The rest of the hotel staff from concierges to chamber staff are outstanding as well. It is a great kick to commune with the mostly non-British wait staff. I've only been back a week and am longing for another stay.

We visited the Goring for afternoon tea on a Saturday in mid-October. We had pre-booked for a group of four. Each year we visit London for a weekend for afternoon tea at a top hotel, so have experienced many of the best in the 12 years since this annual treat started. The Goring is an attractive building, much smaller than many other hotels we have visited and its staff were busy but extremely welcoming as soon as we arrived. While waiting for one of our group in the reception area we commented on the decor, and one of the reception staff heard, and immediately invited us through a door to see one of the private dining rooms which was exceptional. Afternoon tea was in the main dining room and the tables are spaced well apart allowing plenty of room for each group and privacy. As would be expected, everything is laid out precisely with great attention to detail. As soon as we entered the room, three staff gathered at our table and pulled our chairs out for us, and throughout the meal there were staff on-hand to make sure we had everything we needed. Four finger sandwiches were brought for each person and the plate was refilled as soon as we had finished, time after time. The scones were small but fresh and tasty and served with cream, and raspberry and strawberry jams. Again, the plate was replenished as soon as it was empty. The cake selection was good. Lovely decoration and tasty and this plate too was refilled. The tea selection was good, including some unusual blends. We were at our table for just over two hours and never felt hurried. The waiters who looked after our table were good company and very friendly adding to the relaxed atmosphere. Some top hotels we have visited seem to have a culture so formal it becomes unfriendly, but the Goring was great. We hope to visit again and stay next time.

A perfect venue for a London stay. No detail is missed in the hotel's desire to make your stay an unforgettable experience. We stayed in a Junior Suite which had three sizeable rooms - a beautifully furnished sitting room, a large bedroom and marble bathroom with both bath and shower. Three televisions including one at the end of the bath sums up the attention to perfection. Add to this the friendly attention of the staff for whom nothing was any trouble and faultless food in the beautiful dining room. I believe that no one can ask anything more of a hotel than The Goring provides.

Everything about our visit to the Goring was perfect from the welcoming arrival, to check in. The room was comfortable and spotless. Service could not be faulted anywhere in the hotel. Dinner was wonderful and breakfast even better. We will certainly visit again when we have the pennies. Thank you all.

What else is there to say that hasn't already been said in every review. However, my wife and I feel compelled to write a review. This is one of the nicest hotels we have ever stayed in. We exclusively stay in true 5 star hotels wherever we go. The service here is impeccable. It's all in the details and The Goring is well aware of that. The rooms are well appointed and the staff are friendly and helpful. In a hotel like this, you depend on the concierge and Patrick lived up to that high expectation. We will certainly be coming back next year.