A chic retreat

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Staff at The Berkeley are friendly and efficient.

A boutique hotel within a stone's throw of London's shopping hotspots and offering the most innovative afternoon tea concept in town, The Berkeley is a must sell to any top-end client seeking a quintessentially English experience, says Gemma Greenwood.

Having lived in the Middle East for almost three years now, I have become accustomed to the hit-and-miss service standards at hotels across the region - sometimes exemplary, at other times, shocking, but rarely consistent.

It was therefore a rare pleasure to experience some old-school hospitality during my recent stay at The Berkeley, Knightsbridge - a boutique hotel in the heart of London's West End where the service is seamless and the staff have the freedom to express their personality and expertise when interacting with the guests.

As soon as I arrived and was greeted by the immaculately-dressed porter who smiled at me, took my luggage and opened the doors to The Berkeley, I knew that I was in for a treat.

The lobby area was small and intimate creating a residential atmosphere that is often lost in bigger properties and all staff were helpful and friendly, not stuffy, and anticipated my needs.

Check-in was conducted in a civilized fashion - I sat down in a comfortable chair and all my needs were attended to before I was escorted to my room. A few minutes later, the tea I had requested at check-in arrived on a silver tray with all the necessary accompaniments, followed by my luggage.

My room featured all the usual amenities and was tastefully decorated in whites and neutral tones. The view from the window was of lush green trees and neighbouring houses as even though The Berkeley is located off busy Knightsbridge and is just minutes from Hyde Park Corner, it has found a quiet haven on the residential Wilton Place.

Close by, of course, are some of the best shopping hotspots London has to offer - Sloane Street, Kings Road and of course, the big department stores that have made Knightsbridge famous amongst the world's big spenders - Harrods and Harvey Nichols.

With so much prime fashion real estate on the doorstep, it's enough to drive fashionistas wild, confusing them as to where they should start their shopathon.

Fortunately, The Berkeley has put together the ‘Insider's Shopping Guide' - a pocket-sized map detailing the top brands and their whereabouts, as well as highlighting Berkeley's particular favourites.

They include Harvey Nichols, Lulu Guinness, Smythson of Bond Street and Jo Malone, but of course, every other brand, from Prada to Pringle, Gucci to Gina and Burberry to Browns is within easy walking distance of the hotel.

After so much shopping you need sustenance and although London boasts a bevy of restaurants and bars, there is really no need to leave The Berkeley.

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