you can't beat the location and you can't beat the bar service ... from the Scotch selection to the quality of the tea (this from a coffee drinker).

I recently stayed 3 nights there for work and I'll be back ... on the plus side: the rooms are bigger than other rooms I have stayed in (London scale), 9/10 of the staff are well trained and very friendly, the hotel 'feels' comfortable & the bathroom was a classy modern and a good size.

But; TV was old, not enough power points, expensive internet, the food is overpriced for the quality but there are plenty of options nearby.

We came for dinner in May and as a result of the fantastic service and quality all round, we decided that it was a good venue for my 50th birthday celebration. So I invited 6 people to dinner and we stayed the night and so enjoyed breakfast too.
Everything was as good , if not even better that in May. No resting on their laurels for the Goring. Full marks. I'd recommend it thoroughly as would all other guests.

Rooms are rather small and the carpet looks like the horseguards had recently passed through. Beds are an overdose of feathers, not a good night’s sleep.
Bar you have to be taken to a table even if the place is empty. Numerous staff are constantly “patrolling”, a little intrusive, and start hovering when you are two thirds down your glass.

My husband and I treated ourselves to a night at the Goring in early October, as we had tickets for 'War Horse' and the following day, we were going to visit Buckingham Palace, and the hotel was conveniently sited to be able to stroll there easily. We decided to have afternoon tea, a very substantial spread that we knew would keep us going until after the show. A good tea, although not as special as 'afternoon tea' as we had enjoyed at Reid's in Madeira. Tea was served in a very yellow conservatory, with extraordinarily ornate drapes, overlooking an attractive garden, an oasis of calm in central London. Our room was elegantly decorated and furnished with David Linley furniture, beautifully made with light woods although rather massive for my taste. Heavy satin drapes, and silk lined walls completed the picture. However the whole was let down by finger marks on the drapes, and black mould marks where the mastic joined the bath and the marble surround---very evident whilst sitting on the loo!!!
Our main comment was the stifling feeling off being 'over-flunkied'!! Too many people milling around the reception area, one was tripping over them all!! Best thing was the very good coffee that we enjoyed, with a sandwich, on our return from the theatre, and again when we returned from our visit to Buckingham Palace, prior to collecting our cases and returning home. If you love 'over the top' then this is the place for you-you will love it. If you prefer perfect, but understated service, look elsewhere.