One night at the majestic Clermont, Charing Cross, a stay with a slice of London’s history preserved throughout the ages.
VISUALS & WORDS: Jasmine Perrier
This feature is produced in collaboration with The Clermont, Charing Cross
A LIVING AND BREATHING MUSEUM
When you walk straight out of Embankment Station, The Clermont, Charing Cross is hard to miss with its magnificent Grade II-listed Victorian building and covered ornate footbridge over Villiers Street, which was built in 1878 and connects the original building on the western side with the newer addition to the east. “The Queen Eleanor Memorial Cross, erected on the forecourt of Charing Cross railway station and outside the front of the hotel, is a Victorian replica of a memorial to Eleanor of Castile by Edward I of England. The cross has served as the symbolic ‘centre of London’ — becoming the reference point for measuring distances from the city!” Set right above the station, The Clermont, Charing Cross has shaped its legendary legacy since the 19th century. In fact, a small museum showcasing the history of the hotel can be enjoyed as part of the hotel stay.
The hotel was designed by Edward Middleton Barry, the architect behind the Royal Opera House and parts of the Palace of Westminster. His vision brought to life the grand staircase that rises through the center of the hotel — one of its highlights that is worth every step. Each time you take the carpeted stairs provides an opportunity to feel royal and explore the architectural beauty of The Clermont, Charing Cross. “At the turn of the last century, guests would often arrive with a large entourage. Their servants could be accommodated at the very reasonable price of 2p a night at the hotel! In addition, the hotel is designed to accommodate the voluminous dresses of Victorian ladies, with wide corridors, open spaces and sweeping staircases.” The Ballroom next to the restaurant on the first floor hits the same high marks, featuring a sculpted ceiling, stained glass windows, and imposing marbled pillars.
A STAY FULL OF WARMTH
The Clermont, Charing Cross has four categories of accommodations to choose from between 239 bedrooms and studio suites. Despite the size and busy pace of the hotel, you can feel an intimate and relaxed atmosphere between these walls. After checking in with Ana, we reach our Superior King Room on the fifth floor — the only time we use the elevators — and find it in a quiet corner down the hallway. Shortly after settling in, we are greeted with a delightful piece of layer cake, elegantly presented with a welcome note written with chocolate. A thoughtful touch that sets the tone for the kind of guest experience you can expect at The Clermont, Charing Cross.
The 28 sqm bedroom combines modern comfort, refinement, and serenity. Incorporating warm beiges, light grays, and pops of yellow, the color palette allows the wood elements and marble furniture to shine, which are reminiscent of the original historic building features. It creates a welcoming and exceptional living environment with a sofa facing the mini-bar — which includes complimentary refreshments like soft drinks and alcoholic beverages (they say it better: tuck in, it’s on them) — a Nespresso machine, an ample desk space which perfectly serves as a dining table if you are a solo traveler, as well as a large ensuite bathroom which has both a bathtub and spacious shower cabin, all stocked with Gilchrist & Soames products.
The opening of the hotel back in 1865 coincided with the completion of Charing Cross Station, making it an integral part of London’s expanding railway network. While our room is rather at the top of the building, we do sometimes hear a bit of noise due to the rail traffic, but it doesn’t result in any disturbed sleep from our side. The king-sized bed provides plenty of comfortable space to relax in and not let the outside world interrupt your night.
IN-ROOM DINING WITH A VIEW
Arriving at the hotel straight from a photoshoot, it is pleasant to have a reason to slow down and just enjoy the peacefulness of the place. The room comes with a view of the Thames, the Golden Jubilee Bridges, and even The Shard, London’s tallest building. At night, the illuminated city from our window looks even more magical. This remains our landscape for dinner as we fancy room service and order from The Clermont Restaurant & Bar. The menu reflects the cosmopolitan nature of London and is rather budget-friendly for a high-end dining experience. Thirty minutes after our call, a waiter shows up at our door with our tasty dishes. After taking a good look at the menu on our TV, we opt for the Bao Buns (recommended as the Chef’s favorite) and the classic Fish & Chips — because we are in London after all, and by choosing this dish, £1 is donated to a Clermont Hotel Group hospitality. Alternatively, the hotel has a list of partners you can order from, and then collect it at the reception hassle-free.
A ROYAL BREAKFAST
The next morning, we head over to the restaurant on the first floor for breakfast, where every detail whispers sophistication. We are treated with exceptional care and guided to a table with a velvet booth seating in the glass conservatory which overlooks the Strand. The location on its own is a treat to start the day with as you step into Victorian grandeur and opulence. It is 8AM on a Saturday and we are shortly joined by other guests between families and couples of all ages, but nothing feels rushed or too bustling. The breakfast buffet is absolutely fabulous. Au menu: a great selection of freshly baked pastries, fluffy pancakes and Belgian waffles, a proper full English breakfast, and all other continental breakfast essentials. Then, it’s already time to check out. We walk down the grand staircase to be awed one last time — until our next visit.
Although an overnight stay is hardly enough to even skim the surface of The Clermont, Charing Cross, it is an enchanting place in the heart of London to escape to. They undeniably work hard to preserve and showcase the history of this iconic building, while constantly reinventing it to ensure it remains a place loved through generations. “It holds so many memories for so many. We want to see grandchildren coming back one day with their own grandchildren.”
BOOK YOUR STAY NOW
The Clermont, Charing Cross, Strand, Charing Cross, London WC2N 5HX
Follow @theclermontlondon
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