It must have taken me around a minute to disembark from my train at Victoria Station, London’s busy railway hub and make my way into the echelons of the grand Clermont Victoria Hotel. In fact the hotel has its very own entrance from the Victoria station’s concourse and it could not have been more convenient.
Originally opened in 1862 as The Grosvenor Hotel, this Grade II listed building designed by architect James Thomas Knowles, has a sensational staircase that offers an immediate WOW factor – it’s first thing I saw once i had through the retro revolving doors.
The high chandeliered ceiling, the spacious reception area full of arches and the stained glass windows evoked a feeling of grandeur, the type that makes me want to stand up straight.
It’s a streamlined reception area with restaurants, lifts and service within easy reach. It feels easy.
Who for
The Clermont’s handy location by Victoria station makes this a perfect stayover for out of town theatre goers and travellers looking to stay for a night or two. It’s especially handy for business travellers attending a conference here.
Accommodation
The Clermont Victoria has 348 rooms that straddled wide, high-ceilinged, plushly put together corridors with lots of intricate detail.
Some are Classic rooms others expansive studio suites with several sizes in between. All have extremely comfy king-sized Hypnos Mattress beds, plush furnishings, and , most unusual for London, a complimentary mini-bar with water, colas and beers. A bowl of retro sweets was calling out to me – it brought back childhood sweetshop memories.
Clermont Classic
Clermont Superior bedroom.
Mine was the Superior Room, with plenty of space, a sofa and an ensuite with a bath (I like to give shower rooms a miss) and all mod cons.
Food & Drink
The Soak restaurant is a vibrant stylishly decorated venue with lovely arched windows. Either sit and sup your favourite tipple, (the cocktails look good) by grand central oval bar or have dinner – or both.
Soak Restaurant
The Soak Bar
It’s a convivial atmosphere with ambient lighting, lush floral decor and toe-tapping music in the background.
There are two great menus: one with British classics which comprises traditional fish and chips and burgers as well as fish and beef dishes and the other Asian-inspired dim sum provided by Ping Pong. There’s plenty of choice.
There is a Tea Lounge for afternoon tea of course and a Réunion Bar that serves Champagne and cocktails in an intimate setting in what was once the first-class lounge for the Belle of Brighton train.
An extensive buffet breakfast is served in the dining hall.
Facilities
There is a small gym, however, where the hotel excels is in its conference faciities. The Clermont Victoria offers ten meeting rooms packed with technology, each named after famous trains as a nod to its railway links.
The Orient Suite is the largest event space, able to host up to 120 people for a reception and 100 theatre style, featuring spectacular fireplaces and original stained-glass floor to ceiling windows flooding the space with natural light. Grand celebrations, high-profile gatherings and weddings often take place here.
How much
Rates start from £198 for a classic double. CHECK AVAILABILITY
What’s nearby?
London’s iconic structues including Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey are just a stroll away, as is the Apollo Theatre where Wicked is currently showing.
Incidentally, the Gatwick Express, departing from Victoria Station, offers a quick 30-minute journey to Gatwick Airport.
VERDICT: The Clermont Victoria is perfect for anyone in London for the night or two. Comfortable rooms, great food, and convenience. It’s a great choice
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