You know what caught me off guard about The Clermont? It’s actually got this old-school London elegance thing down without feeling stuffy about it. I mean, you’re literally on The Strand – which, if you haven’t walked it, is basically this grand boulevard that connects everything you want to see in central London. The building itself has this beautiful Victorian facade that somehow doesn’t get lost among all the newer developments around Charing Cross.
The thing is, most people think staying right in the heart of Westminster Borough means you’ll be dealing with constant chaos, but honestly, once you’re inside The Clermont, it’s surprisingly peaceful. The rooms have that solid, well-built feel you get in proper London hotels – thick walls that actually keep the street noise out (though you’ll still hear the occasional siren, because, well, it’s London). What I really appreciated was how they’ve managed to keep the character of the building while updating everything that actually matters. The beds are genuinely comfortable, not just hotel-marketing comfortable, and the bathrooms are spacious enough that you don’t feel like you’re getting ready in an airplane lavatory.
Location-wise, you’re spoiled here. Covent Garden is literally a five-minute walk – and I mean the real Covent Garden, not just the touristy market bit, though that’s great too. You can pop over to Somerset House for exhibitions, or if you’re feeling fancy, the Savoy is practically next door (their afternoon tea is worth the splurge, by the way). The Embankment is right there when you need that Thames view, and you’ve got both Charing Cross and Embankment tube stations within easy reach. Actually, the walk to the South Bank takes maybe ten minutes if you don’t mind crossing Waterloo Bridge – which you shouldn’t, because the views are incredible, especially around sunset.
What really sold me on this place was the staff’s approach. They’re helpful without being hover-y, and they actually know the neighborhood. When I asked about getting to Borough Market early on a Saturday (before the crowds hit), the concierge gave me this whole route that avoided the main tourist streams – turns out he lives in Southwark and does that exact walk regularly. It’s those kinds of insights that make a difference when you’re trying to experience London like someone who actually lives here rather than just checking boxes off a list.
The Clermont sits in that sweet spot where you’re paying for a proper central London location and decent quality, but you’re not getting gouged for marble bathrooms and doormen in top hats. It’s a solid four-star that doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. Honestly, for the location and the fact that you can walk to the National Gallery, the Thames, and some of London’s best pubs without ever needing the tube, it’s pretty hard to beat. Just book early if you’re coming during theatre season – everyone figures out eventually that staying on The Strand is basically like having the city’s living room as your front yard.