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ICON 360: Exclusive virtual reality video tour of The Goring

Since opening in 1910, The Goring has established itself as a firm favourite of the Royal Family. - Richard Booth
Since opening in 1910, The Goring has established itself as a firm favourite of the Royal Family. - Richard Booth

Welcome to ICON 360: Telegraph Travel's new virtual reality video series, taking you on exclusive 360-degree tours of some of London's most prestigious five-star hotels.

The first hotel in the series is The Goring, one of London’s most notable places to stay and a favourite of the Royal Family.

Filmed with a 360-degree camera, the footage allows you to explore the space in a number of ways. If you're watching on a desktop or laptop, you can change your viewpoint by placing the cursor directly on the video to click and drag around each room.

If, however, you are watching on a mobile phone or tablet, simply point the device in the direction you want to look. If you're lucky enough to have access to a virtual reality headset, you can use this video for an even more immersive experience.

For more than 100 years The Goring has welcomed aristocrats, dignitaries and royalty, all drawn by the hotel's distinctive British sense of style and tradition.

Part of the hotel's enduring appeal is its long and storied association with the Royal Family. Indeed, The Goring is one of only two hotels to have been awarded a Royal Warrant, the other being The Ritz London.

The hotel was founded in 1910 by Otto Goring and remains in the family to this day, with Otto's great-grandson Jeremy now at the helm. It is the last family-owned luxury hotel in London.

The Goring found itself firmly in the limelight in 2011, when the soon-to-be Duchess of Cambridge stayed in the Royal Suite the night before her wedding to Prince William.

The Royal Suite is the hotel’s most expensive accommodation, with rates starting from £8,400 a night.

It is a suitably grand affair, with royal artefacts concealed throughout, from handwritten letters in desk drawers to military regalia in the wardrobes. 

Personal touches included handmade chocolates and crystal decanters filled with the guests’ choice of drinks. Service, meanwhile, is overseen by a dedicated (and liveried) footman.

• The best luxury hotels in London

goring hotel royal suite
The Duchess of Cambridge stayed in the Royal Suite the night before her wedding to Prince William.

Even in the suite's master bathroom, an oil painting of Queen Victoria hangs in the shower. Naturally it is protected by aircraft-strength safety glass. The lavatory is an original by Thomas Crapper, dating from the 19th century.

Downstairs is The Dining Room, which is The Goring’s only restaurant and a favourite of the Queen’s. 

It was awarded a Michelin star in 2015, and currently holds three rosettes from the AA Guide.

Head Chef Shay Cooper's inventive menu features predominantly classic British food, including such high-end staples as Romney Marsh lamb and Cornish fish. 

The Queen Mother was said to have been especially fond of the Eggs Drumkilbo, made using lobster and Clarence Court eggs. It is one of the restaurant's most enduringly popular dishes.

The space itself was designed by David Linley to maximise the sense of natural light. Come evening, it is lit by Swarovski crystal chandeliers.

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goring, london, garden
The Goring is one of the few hotels in central London to have a garden.

Across the hallway is the Bar & Lounge. Here, vintage champagnes and single malt whiskies are served alongside an extensive range of both classic and signature cocktails.

A fire is lit in the hearth during winter months, creating a cosy refuge from the elements, while in warmer weather the doors to the terrace are opened and service spills out into the garden.

This open space, comprising a veranda and lawn, is a rare feature for a London hotel. It is often used for private functions and parties, as well as to host The Goring’s pop-up events.

Read Telegraph Travel's full expert review here