Stylish Stay: The Goring, London

It's a favourite of the Duchess of Cambridge, and the location she spent her last night of freedom before her marriage to Prince William. The dining room is designed by the Queen's nephew David Linley; and the bottled water is straight from Blenheim Palace. With all it's royal connections, one would expect this historic London landmark hotel to be the epitome of luxury; and it is.

If you haven't spent a night being looked after by The Goring, you haven't experienced true luxury. This is as good as it gets, and boy is it good!

We arrived in the small ornate lobby to a warm welcome from the concierge and front of house team. It was rightly formal and polite; but not overly so, and we were made to feel right at home in the hotel's bar with a drink and snacks, while our check-in was processed.

The bar is the ideal place for people-watching, and after spending time watching the staff interact with guests, you quickly realise the number of returning patrons who have frequented on numerous occasions.

We were escorted to our room where our luggage was waiting. It was what The Goring calls 'The Most Splendid Silk Room' (£945 per night including breakfast).

The decor was opulent and immaculate, and the room was full of antiques; including padded historic Royal Gainsborough silk 'wallpaper' designed for Buckingham Palace. It really is a room fit for a princess.

The bathroom in 'The Most Splendid Silk Room' is grand and marbled; with a set of three rubber ducks reminding you that whilst this hotel does luxurious excess to perfection, it is still down-to-earth and all about meeting guest's needs.

The deep bath, Molton Brown toiletries and a four-stage light switch that goes from 'Bright' to 'Oooh!', a soak here is ecstasy.

Copyright: The Goring

We had our dinner in the hotel's dining room from the two-course Pre-Theatre menu (£33). It has a formal atmosphere; but the waiting staff help guest's feel at ease by treating them like the most important person in the room. Our meal was delicious and intricately prepared. Dinner was an experience rather than just a simple opportunity to eat food.

Suitably stuffed, we returned to our room, and fell peacefully to sleep in the incredibly comfortable bed; wondering what Kate Middleton was thinking on the floor above just one year before.

Like dinner, breakfast was served in the dining room. There is something wonderful about eating the first meal of the day with a stiff white tablecloth and solid silverware. Our smoked salmon and scrambled egg was plentiful and cooked to perfection, and was the perfect way to round off the most relaxing and pampering stay we have ever had.

For more information on The Goring, and their current special offers, visit www.thegoring.com Rooms cost from £360 to £6,300 per night.

Photographs are copyright of Twinkle Style & Travel Magazine