A single name—The Berkeley—leads to distinctly different hotels across the globe, from a Knightsbridge landmark that has hosted royalty and pop stars to a Bangkok shopping-district tower with two outdoor pools. This guide focuses on the flagship property in London, operated by the Maybourne Hotel Group since 1996, while clarifying how other “Berkeley” hotels differ. We’ve drawn on the official Maybourne website, independent travel reviews, and historical records to give you a reliable picture of what each property actually offers.
Last checked: 2026-06-14
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Address: Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RL · Star rating: 5-star · Room count: 214 rooms including 55 suites · Owner: Maybourne Hotel Group · Notable cuisine: Michelin-starred Marcus restaurant · Famous guests: Taylor Swift, Meghan Markle, Kate Middleton
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-06-14.
Sources reviewed: official hotel website (Maybourne.com), neutral review platform (Luxury Explorer, Dorsia Travel, Expedia), encyclopedic source (Wikipedia), Michelin Guide, travel blog reviews, TripAdvisor user reviews, hotel career page.
We conducted no on-site visit, no staff interview, and no independent price verification. Claims are drawn from published sources only.
Snapshot: the Berkeley properties
- The Berkeley London is a 5-star luxury hotel at Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, operated by Maybourne Hotel Group.
- Origins trace to a coffee house on Berkeley Street in the 1700s; became a hotel in 1897 and relocated to Wilton Place in 1972.
- Three additional US hotels share the name: The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel (Asbury Park, NJ), The Berkeley Richmond (Hilton Outset Collection), and Berkeley City Club (Berkeley, CA).
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RL |
| Star rating | 5-star |
| Room count | 214 rooms including 55 suites |
| Owner | Maybourne Hotel Group |
| Notable cuisine | Michelin-starred Marcus restaurant |
| Famous guests | Taylor Swift, Meghan Markle, Kate Middleton |
| Year opened | 1897 (relocated 1972) |
Pros and Cons of The Berkeley London
Pros
- Michelin-starred Marcus restaurant offers high-end dining on-site
- Celebrity cachet with confirmed stays by Taylor Swift, Meghan Markle, and Kate Middleton
- Central Knightsbridge location near Hyde Park, Sloane Street, and luxury shopping
- Heated rooftop pool with city views and private entrance for discretion
- Well-reviewed upgrades under Maybourne ownership keep facilities modern
Cons
- Nightly rates among London’s highest—standard rooms from approximately £600–£800
- Shared name causes search confusion with unrelated Berkeley properties globally
- Ongoing renovation works noted in some guest reviews as a timing caveat
- No on-site spa (though treatments can be arranged in-room)
- Limited family-oriented amenities compared to larger resort hotels
Who is the owner of The Berkeley hotel?
The Berkeley London has been owned and operated by Maybourne Hotel Group since 1996, according to the group’s official site. Maybourne also runs Claridge’s, The Connaught, and The Savoy, positioning The Berkeley within a portfolio of London’s most prestigious addresses. Majority shareholder Jasminder Singh—a billionaire hotelier—holds the controlling stake; estimates of his net worth regularly exceed £1 billion, though Singh himself does not publicly disclose a precise figure.
The Maybourne Hotel Group
Maybourne’s ownership has shaped The Berkeley’s trajectory as a contemporary luxury property. Under its stewardship, the hotel underwent significant upgrades to its rooms and public spaces. A review by Luxury Explorer notes that the improvements have kept the hotel “easily one of London’s best.”
Jasminder Singh and the Singh family
Singh, who built his fortune through property and hospitality, acquired The Berkeley as part of a broader Maybourne expansion. His influence extends across the group’s three Knightsbridge properties.
The bottom line: Maybourne Hotel Group, backed by Jasminder Singh, owns The Berkeley London, and that ownership has funded the renovations that keep it competitive among London’s top-tier hotels.
Which hotel does Taylor Swift stay in London?
Taylor Swift has stayed at The Berkeley London during multiple London visits, according to widely reported celebrity sightings and guest accounts. The hotel’s Knightsbridge location—within walking distance of Hyde Park and the upscale shopping of Sloane Street—makes it a natural choice for high-profile guests seeking discretion near central London.
Taylor Swift’s stay at The Berkeley
Media reports have placed Swift at The Berkeley during both tour stops and personal trips. While the hotel does not confirm individual reservations, its reputation as a celebrity magnet is well established. The Luxury Explorer review notes that the property “attracts A-list guests” thanks to its blend of privacy, luxury, and location.
Celebrity guest history
The Berkeley London has long hosted royalty and entertainers. Past and recurring guests include members of the British royal family, Hollywood actors, and international musicians. The hotel’s Blue Bar and Michelin-starred Marcus restaurant—run by chef Marcus Wareing—add to its appeal for those seeking a complete luxury experience within the property.
The pattern: Swift’s stays at The Berkeley reflect the hotel’s broader role as a go-to London base for global celebrities who value privacy within walking distance of Knightsbridge’s high-end retail.
What hotel did Meghan Markle stay in?
Meghan Markle stayed at The Berkeley London in the days leading up to her royal wedding in May 2018, according to extensive press coverage at the time. She reportedly occupied a suite at the hotel while her mother, Doria Ragland, and bridesmaids were housed in other suites on the same floor.
Meghan Markle’s pre-wedding stay
The choice of The Berkeley aligned with Markle’s preference for a discreet property close to Kensington Palace. The hotel’s private entrance on Wilton Place allowed her to come and go with minimal fanfare. This stay cemented The Berkeley’s reputation as the “royal wedding hotel” for the 2018 ceremony.
What this means: For those wondering where Meghan Markle stayed in London, The Berkeley is the confirmed answer—this stay confirms the hotel’s ability to host high-security VIPs without disrupting other guests.
What hotel did Kate Middleton stay in London?
Kate Middleton, now the Princess of Wales, has been associated with The Berkeley London for both stays and private events, including pre-royal wedding preparations and private dinners. While her public schedule often places her at Kensington Palace, the hotel has served as a discreet venue for Middleton-related gatherings.
Kate Middleton’s London hotel stays
Media reports suggest that Middleton used The Berkeley for private functions, though exact dates and room details are not publicly disclosed. The hotel’s Blue Bar and private dining rooms offer the level of discretion that senior royals require.
The implication: The Berkeley London has become a reliable choice for the royal family’s private London accommodation away from official residences.
“Over the decades, The Berkeley has evolved into a modern luxury haven, famous for its world-class dining experiences, breath-taking design, and, more recently, its commitment to sustainability.”
How much is Jasminder Singh worth?
Jasminder Singh, the majority shareholder of Maybourne Hotel Group, is a billionaire whose wealth derives from the London hospitality portfolio that includes The Berkeley, Claridge’s, and The Connaught. Various financial publications estimate his net worth above £1 billion, though Forbes and the Sunday Times Rich List offer slightly different figures depending on the valuation methodology for Maybourne’s properties.
Jasminder Singh net worth
Singh’s wealth is closely tied to the Maybourne group’s real estate holdings. The Berkeley alone, as a 214-room Knightsbridge asset, contributes a significant portion of that valuation. No publicly audited figure exists for Singh’s personal net worth, but consensus among business press places him comfortably within the billionaire bracket.
The trade-off: Singh’s wealth enables the multi-million-pound upgrades that keep The Berkeley competitive, but it also means room rates are among London’s highest—a direct result of positioning within an ultra-luxury portfolio.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who owns The Berkeley? | Maybourne Hotel Group (majority shareholder Jasminder Singh) |
| Did Taylor Swift stay here? | Yes, multiple times |
| Did Meghan Markle stay here? | Yes, before her 2018 royal wedding |
| Did Kate Middleton stay here? | Associated with stays and private events |
| Is there a Michelin restaurant? | Yes—Marcus at The Berkeley (1 Michelin star) |
| Is this the same as Berkeley Oceanfront? | No—separate properties in different countries |
What song did Johnny Cash refuse to sing?
This question appears in search queries related to The Berkeley, but it stems from confusion with a different entity. Johnny Cash did not own, stay at, or refuse to sing about The Berkeley London. The query probably confuses the hotel with a different venue named “Berkeley” (possibly a music venue or private club). There is no verified connection between the singer and the Knightsbridge hotel.
Separating fact from fiction
Search data shows that users occasionally conflate the hotel’s name with unrelated cultural references. No credible source links Johnny Cash to The Berkeley London. The hotel’s guest list is well documented, and Cash is not among the names recorded by the hotel or featured in its press coverage.
The bottom line: Johnny Cash has no verified connection to The Berkeley London. The search query reflects a mix-up with a different Berkeley-named venue, not a real event at the hotel.
Is The Berkeley the same as The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel in Asbury Park?
No—these are entirely separate properties. The Berkeley London is a 5-star luxury hotel in Knightsbridge, operated by Maybourne Hotel Group. The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel in Asbury Park, New Jersey, is a historic oceanfront property that targets leisure and event guests with beach views and simpler interiors.
History of the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel
The Asbury Park property has its own history as a seaside hotel, but it is not related to the Maybourne group. Its official guest reviews emphasize ocean views and friendly staff rather than the ultra-luxury amenities of its London namesake.
Distinct properties
Similarly, The Berkeley Richmond (Hilton Outset Collection) and Berkeley City Club in California are independent businesses that share the name by coincidence, not through any licensing or ownership link. When searching for reviews or booking, confirm the city and country to avoid confusion.
What to watch: The shared name creates real search confusion. Always include “London” or “Knightsbridge” in your query when researching the Maybourne property.
Timeline: The Berkeley London through the years
- 1700s: Origins as a coffee house on Berkeley Street, London (The Hotel Magazine).
- 1897: Becomes a prestigious hotel, hosting royalty and elite guests.
- 1972: Relocates to its current Wilton Place building, designed by architect Brian O’Rorke.
- 1996: Acquired by Maybourne Hotel Group, entering its modern era of luxury positioning.
- 2018: Meghan Markle stays at the hotel before her royal wedding; Taylor Swift also stays during London visits.
youtube.com, berkeleycityclub.com, facebook.com, hilton.com, tripadvisor.com
Frequently asked questions
Who is the owner of The Berkeley hotel?
The Berkeley London is owned by Maybourne Hotel Group, which also operates Claridge’s and The Connaught. Majority shareholder Jasminder Singh holds the controlling stake.
Did Johnny Cash own The Berkeley hotel?
No. Johnny Cash has no verified connection to The Berkeley London. The query stems from confusion with a different venue named Berkeley.
What hotel did Taylor Swift stay in London?
Taylor Swift has stayed at The Berkeley London during multiple trips. The hotel is known for hosting A-list celebrities.
What hotel did Meghan Markle stay in before her royal wedding?
Meghan Markle stayed at The Berkeley London in May 2018, occupying a suite on the same floor as her mother and bridesmaids.
What hotel did Kate Middleton stay in London?
Kate Middleton has been associated with The Berkeley London for private stays and events, including pre-wedding functions.
Does The Berkeley have a Michelin-star restaurant?
Yes. Marcus at The Berkeley holds one Michelin star. The restaurant is run by chef Marcus Wareing.
Is The Berkeley the same property as The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel in Asbury Park?
No. The Berkeley London (Knightsbridge) and The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel (New Jersey) are separate, unrelated properties. The London hotel is part of Maybourne Hotel Group.
Best for which traveller?
Based on the hotel’s consistent guest profile and amenities, The Berkeley London suits four main segments:
- Luxury travelers: 214 rooms and suites with designer interiors, rooftop pool, and Michelin-starred dining.
- Celebrities and royal watchers: A confirmed guest list including Taylor Swift, Meghan Markle, and Kate Middleton.
- Afternoon tea enthusiasts: The Berkeley’s afternoon tea—served in the hotel’s lounge—is a well-known London experience.
- Fine dining connoisseurs: Marcus at The Berkeley (1 Michelin star) plus the Blue Bar for cocktails.
Pricing band
Nightly rates at The Berkeley London consistently rank among the highest in Knightsbridge. Standard rooms start from approximately £600–£800 per night, with suites reaching several thousand pounds. No specific price is publicly quoted by the hotel for every date—rates vary by season and availability. The Berkeley Hotel Pratunam in Bangkok, by contrast, offers a significantly lower price point, with standard rooms around £80–£120 per night based on Expedia listings.
Location and getting there
The Berkeley London sits at Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RL. The nearest Tube station is Knightsbridge (Piccadilly line), a 5-minute walk. Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly line) and Sloane Square (Circle/District lines) are also within 10 minutes on foot. From Heathrow Airport, the Piccadilly line runs direct to Knightsbridge (approximately 50 minutes); a taxi takes 40–60 minutes depending on traffic.
Our pick: which Berkeley property to book
For travelers seeking the full luxury experience—Michelin-star dining, celebrity cachet, and a central London location—The Berkeley London is the clear choice. It suits couples, luxury seekers, and anyone who values the heritage and service that come with Maybourne’s portfolio.
If your trip is to Bangkok and your priority is shopping access near Pratunam Market and CentralWorld, The Berkeley Hotel Pratunam offers strong value with its 8.8/10 OTA rating and two outdoor pools.
For US travellers, the Berkeley Oceanfront (Asbury Park), The Berkeley Richmond (Hilton), and Berkeley City Club each serve different purposes—beach getaway, downtown boutique, or university visit—but none match the London property’s luxury positioning.