You’re standing right in the middle of it all. Literally. If you walk out the front doors of The Clermont London Charing Cross, you aren’t just in Central London; you are at the official point from which all distances to the city are measured. It’s the bullseye. Most people rushing through the station downstairs have no clue that a Grade II listed Victorian masterpiece is sitting right above their heads, buzzing with a sort of quiet, polished energy that makes the chaos of the Strand feel like it's a million miles away.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a miracle this place feels as calm as it does.
The hotel, formerly known as the Amba Hotel Charing Cross, underwent a massive rebrand and refurbishment to become part of The Clermont Victoria’s sibling duo. It’s a bit of a flex, really. They took a building designed by E.M. Barry—the same guy who did the Royal Opera House—and leaned hard into that high-Victorian opulence without making it feel like a stuffy museum where you're afraid to touch the curtains.
What Most Travelers Get Wrong About the Location
People see "Charing Cross" and they immediately think of the rail terminal. They think noise. They think commuters with briefcases knocking into them. They think "transit hotel."
That is a huge mistake.
While the entrance is tucked right next to the station, the interior is an architectural fortress. You've got these massive, thick walls and high ceilings that swallow the sound of the city. Once you’re inside, the vibration of the trains is basically non-existent. You are three minutes from Covent Garden, five minutes from the National Gallery, and about ten seconds from the Northern and Bakerloo lines.
It's weirdly convenient.
Most people don't realize that The Clermont London Charing Cross actually occupies a building that helped define the London skyline in the 1860s. It was built as one of the original "grand railway hotels." Back then, these were the peak of luxury, designed to show off the wealth of the British Empire to anyone arriving by train. Today, that translates to floor-to-ceiling windows and some of the best people-watching views in the entire UK. If you get a room facing the Strand, you can just sit there with a coffee and watch the world go by. It’s better than Netflix.
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The Architecture is Actually Pretty Wild
If you’re into design, you’ll notice the staircase first. It’s this sweeping, grand affair that looks like it belongs in a period drama. It’s not just for show; it’s a legitimate piece of structural history. The hotel features an incredible amount of original Victorian molding and gold leaf that would cost a fortune to replicate today.
But it’s not all old-school.
The designers managed to shove a lot of modern tech into these 19th-century bones. The Wi-Fi is fast—like, actually fast, not "hotel fast"—and the rooms have plenty of USB ports. It’s a tricky balance. You don't want to feel like you're staying in a sterile Apple Store, but you also don't want to struggle to find a plug for your phone behind a heavy mahogany wardrobe.
Room Realities: Size and Style
Let's be real for a second: London hotel rooms are usually tiny. You often pay $400 a night to sleep in what is essentially a decorated shoebox. The Clermont London Charing Cross is a bit of an outlier here because the Victorian floor plans allowed for some serious volume.
The "Superior" rooms are the standard, and they’re decent. But the "Studio Suites" are where things get interesting. These rooms often feature separate seating areas and massive bathrooms.
- High ceilings? Check.
- Nespresso machines that actually work? Check.
- Free mini-bars? Surprisingly, yes. This is a huge win. They usually stock them with local snacks, water, and juice, and they don't charge you $9 for a KitKat.
One thing to watch out for is the internal-facing rooms. Some people hate them because you don't get the city view, but if you are a light sleeper, these are your best friend. They are tomb-quiet. If you want the "London" experience, ask for a high floor facing the front, but bring earplugs just in case the sirens on the Strand get rowdy.
Eating and Drinking Above the Chaos
The Soak is the hotel’s main bar and restaurant, and it’s kinda gorgeous. It’s got this oval-shaped bar and a lot of velvet. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a cocktail before heading to a West End show.
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Is it the best food in London? No. We have to be honest. London is one of the greatest food cities on earth, and you have world-class spots like Rules or J. Sheekey literally steps away. However, for a hotel breakfast or a late-night drink, it holds its own. The breakfast spread is a massive buffet—think full English, pastries, smoked salmon, the whole bit. It’s reliable.
Then there’s the Afternoon Tea.
Everyone goes to The Savoy or The Ritz for tea. Those places are great, but they are also incredibly expensive and hard to book. The tea service here is a solid alternative. You get the same tiered stands, the scones, and the clotted cream, but it’s a bit more relaxed. You don't feel like you're being judged for using the wrong spoon.
The "Secret" Terrace You Need to Know About
There is a small outdoor terrace area that most guests completely miss. It’s one of the few places in this part of London where you can sit outside and not be surrounded by 5,000 tourists. It’s a literal breath of fresh air.
If you are staying here for work, this is the spot to take a call.
The Logistics: Getting There and Moving Around
Because you’re at Charing Cross, you’re basically a cheat code for London transport.
- Trains: Southeastern services go straight to Kent if you want a day trip to the coast or Canterbury.
- Tube: You have the Bakerloo and Northern lines right there. If you walk five minutes to Embankment, you add the District and Circle lines.
- Walking: You can walk to Trafalgar Square in about 60 seconds. Southbank is just across the Golden Jubilee Bridges.
One thing to keep in mind: the area around the hotel is always busy. If you are arriving by Uber or taxi, tell them to drop you at the specific hotel entrance on the Strand. If you just say "Charing Cross Station," you might end up in the middle of a bus lane with a very confused driver.
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Is it Worth the Price Tag?
Prices at The Clermont London Charing Cross fluctuate wildly. During peak tourist season or a major bank holiday, you’re going to pay a premium. However, in the "shoulder" seasons—think late October or February—you can often snag a room for a price that makes other 4-star hotels in the area look like a rip-off.
You’re paying for the location.
If you want a trendy, minimalist boutique hotel in Shoreditch with neon signs and a DJ in the lobby, this isn't it. This is for people who want to feel like they are "in" London. It’s for people who want to walk out the door and see the Nelson’s Column. It’s for people who appreciate a bit of history but still want a shower with good water pressure.
Critical Insider Tips for Your Stay
Don't just book the first room you see on a travel site.
First, check the hotel's direct website. They often have "member" rates that are 10% cheaper just for signing up with an email. Second, the gym is in the basement. It’s functional, but let’s be honest, you’re in London. Your "gym" is going to be the 20,000 steps you take walking to the British Museum and back.
Also, the Eleanor Cross—the big ornate monument right in the station forecourt—is a replica. The original was built by King Edward I in the 1290s. The one you see now was built in the 1860s to drum up interest for the hotel and station. It’s still a cool piece of history, and it makes for a great landmark if you get lost.
Practical Next Steps
If you're planning a trip, here's how to handle The Clermont London Charing Cross like a pro:
- Request a Room Upgrade: If you are celebrating anything (even a fake anniversary, though I didn't say that), mention it at check-in. This hotel has a lot of oddly shaped "character" rooms that they often move people into if the house isn't full.
- Use the Concierge: The staff here are old-school. They actually know the neighborhood. They can get you into restaurants that look "full" on OpenTable.
- Skip the Station Food: You are at the gateway to some of the best food in the world. Walk ten minutes north into Soho or seven minutes east into Covent Garden. Avoid the chain cafes in the station concourse unless you’re in a massive rush.
- Download the App: The Clermont has a bespoke app for guest services. It’s actually useful for ordering extra towels or checking out without waiting in line at the desk.
Staying here is about embracing the grand, slightly chaotic, totally historic heart of London. It’s not perfect, but it’s authentic. And in a city that’s becoming increasingly corporate and sanitized, that Victorian charm goes a long way.
Pack comfortable shoes. You're going to be doing a lot of walking, mostly because everything you want to see is right outside the door.