The Clermont, Charing Cross – Review
By Roger Crow, July 2025
It’s one of the busiest Saturdays of the year in London as thousands of folks have descended on the capital for Pride.
This weekend has been planned for weeks, and when the chance to review one of the best hotels in London arose, I didn’t need asking twice.
Life is all about those unforgettable days when everything seems to go right, and having caught the first train to London at the crack of dawn, we’re at The Clermont, Charing Cross around 9am. Far too early to experience our room as check-in isn’t until 3pm, but thanks to the excellent Charlie on front desk, we’ve left our bags, and the hotel will text us later when our room is ready.
As the city gears up to celebrate one of the most epic events we’ve been witness to, and rainbow flags adorn every shop, pub, and street corner it’s a quick trip to the National Gallery, where I can finally savour Turner’s 1838 painting, The Fighting Temeraire. The fact that local attraction is free is extraordinary; the last attempt a few years ago had been fruitless as it was being re-hung in another gallery, and as a fan of Skyfall, the chance to soak up that masterpiece while following in the footsteps of Daniel Craig is a joy.
“Unique”
The other major free event of the day involves a trip to the London Palladium for the matinee performance of Evita. Myself and a mate are two of the thousands lining the street outside, waiting for that balcony performance of ‘Don’t Cry For Me Argentina’. Inside the Palladium, our wives are savouring the drama. I spend seven minutes stood on tiptoe filming a shaky cam version of Rachel Zegler’s stunning balcony rendition. Inside, the audience are apparently gobsmacked by the crowd, and the fact that myself and a mate are in full view of the cameras. Fame at last.
After drinks, and a delicious Mexican meal, we spend an hour watching the closed-off streets by the Strand filled with recovering party revellers. Then it’s time to retire for the night.
By the evening we finally check in to The Clermont, and we definitely saved the best for last. We collect our bags from reception, along with beautiful bamboo room cards. Talk about eco-friendly and unique.
Like the National Gallery, every corridor of the hotel also looks like a work of art. A gorgeous tree at the base of an elegant staircase is a must for photo ops, there’s a Starbucks for caffeine lovers, and exquisite dining rooms for either breakfast or dinner.
Our room on the sixth floor is equally amazing, and wonderfully spacious, especially as our last stay in the smoke was in one of those budget hotels so small that if you stuck a key in the door you’d break a window. (Thanks Les Dawson for that gag).
“Spotless”
There’s a spotless bathroom, complete with bath, easy-to-use power shower, and one of those little things that makes all the difference – spotless bathroom seals. No, not the honking variety. That stuff that can attract mould flecks lets the side down in some hotels, and this looks like it was applied that morning.
The room features a sofa and table at one end, and a huge, super comfy bed at the other. The view overlooking London is exquisite, as is the well-stocked cooler, with a selection of free beverages and snacks. Yes, free. Not like some of those mini bars where you can just touch a bottle of gin and get charged £20. I’ve no idea what the pricing is like in other rooms, but this was a beautiful touch.
As ever, one of the key priorities with all my hotel reviews: can I get a decent cuppa? In this case, thankfully yes. There’s one of those elegant pod coffee machines, or a kettle which can rehydrate you in no time, along with a range of teas, UHT milks*, sweeteners, sugars, biscuits. The works.
* Should you want to buy a bottle of milk, or anything else, there’s no shortage of shops on your doorstep. We’re on the cusp of Charing Cross station, so just about anything you want to buy is on the doorstep.
“Fabulous touch”
Given the hustle and bustle of the crowd on the street outside, the fact none of that sound can be heard in our room is a joy.
I could have gone to the on-site gym, if I’d not just had a seven-mile walk around town. The miles weren’t the issue, but the tiptoe camera work for Evita had really taken its toll. Having been on the go for 17 hours, that bed is a joy as we collapse into it. And there’s no peripheral noise from other rooms either which is an added bonus.
Now pillows can be a deal-breaker for many, so there’s an actual pillow menu by the bed. If the ones in your room don’t take your fancy, a call to front desk can sort that issue. A fabulous touch.
After a perfect night’s sleep, we’re dressed and ready for breakfast in one of London’s most beautiful dining rooms. We help ourself to cereal while freshly made coffee is brought to our table. I order an omelette, and make a few slices of toast. It’s as relaxed as a Sunday breakfast should be. The fact we’re in one of the best spots in London is a joy.
“Gorgeous experience”
After packing and soaking up the ambience of our room one last time, it’s time to head back home. Check-out is as smooth as the arrival, thanks to the fabulous staff. And they’re more than happy for me to take my bamboo door card as a keepsake.
Like the Pride celebrations, or the National Gallery, The Clermont, Charing Cross is a tribute to London, a gorgeous experience that lingers in the mind for days afterwards.
Obviously given its location and calibre of facilities, it’s not the cheapest hostelry in London, but if you’re celebrating a big birthday, major event, or just like to push the boat out, then this is a hotel you’ll never forget. In a word? Outstanding.
A double room for two sharing, prices start at £264 throughout July
To book call 020 7523 5052 or visit theclermont.co.uk
Adopted Yorkshireman Roger Crow developed a passion for film and TV in the 1970s and 1980s. He has been a published film and TV reviewer since the 1990s; a world travel and restaurant critic since the noughties, and for the past decade has assessed the pros and cons of live gigs and theatre productions around the UK. His ideal day would involve reviewing a performance of Bat Out of Hell, followed by a Pad Thai while being serenaded by Texas on a cruise around Europe.
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