Located on The Strand in the heart of London, The Clermont Charing Cross is a quintessentially British railway hotel originally opened in 1865 as an integral part of London’s expanding railway network.
Designed by Edward Middleton Barry, the architect behind the Royal Opera House and parts of the Palace of Westminster, this Grade II listed building is a testament to the grandeur of Victorian design, featuring intricate carvings and imposing turrets as part of its imposing façade.
Inside, the hotel has been meticulously restored to preserve its original charm while offering modern amenities. One of the most striking features is its grand staircase leading up to the first floor restaurant and bar, a magnificent example of Victorian craftsmanship, which has welcomed visitors for nearly 160 years.
The Clermont Charing Cross offers 239 elegantly designed rooms, many with views across famous London landmarks. The hotel is also home to a ‘secret’ covered footbridge, built in 1878, that connects the original building on the western side with the newer addition to the east, and stretches over Villiers Street between Embankment and The Strand, allowing guests to view the hustle and bustle of one of London’s busiest areas from above.
The Clermont Restaurant & Bar provides a culinary experience that reflects both the rich history and contemporary vibrance of London. Guests can enjoy traditional British cuisine with a modern twist, hearty breakfasts, classic afternoon teas, and innovative cocktails in a picturesque setting overlooking Trafalgar Square. Additionally, the hotel, along with its sister hotel The Clermont Victoria, is the official hotel partner of the hit musical Wicked, and the hotel’s Wicked-themed afternoon tea and cocktails provide guests with a taste of theatrical charm.
This London’s bustling mid-point is only steps away from Trafalgar Square and London’s West End, perfect for exploring London’s cultural landmarks. Charing Cross Station is directly connected to the hotel, providing access to the Bakerloo and Northern lines, while Leicester Square tube station, found less than 10 minutes away, provides direct access to Heathrow Airport.
Elevate Your Meetings with Timeless Charm and Cutting-Edge Facilities
The hotel’s meeting and event spaces reflect the grandeur of its era, with nine versatile rooms each demonstrating original Victorian features. The Ballroom, the largest of these spaces, can host up to 200 guests for receptions or 120 for banqueting events featuring a grand sculpted ceiling, stained-glass windows and imposing marble pillars.
An adjoining breakout area makes this space ideal for social dinners and corporate events.
With views over The Strand and Charing Cross Station, all nine additional meeting rooms are conveniently positioned off one central corridor ensuring a seamless set-up for conferences, meetings and events.
Rooms include The Adam Suite with a configurable space for any event set up for up to 40 guests, and The Regency Suite suitable for more intimate banqueting events and receptions for up to 120 people. Each space in the hotel features Victorian high ceilings and original chandeliers, and historic paintings and décor with unlimited, lightning-speed WiFi and high-specification AV equipment.
All event spaces have natural daylight, high original ceilings and can be used separately or together, and are ideal for social gatherings, corporate events and film shoots, as well as for wedding parties looking for traditional British charm and grandeur.
The Clermont Charing Cross seamlessly integrated into the capital’s railway history
The Clermont Charing Cross is deeply intertwined with the history of London’s railway expansion, opening in 1865 just a year after Charing Cross railway station began operations in 1864.
The hotel was conceived as an integral part of the station complex, providing elegant accommodation and grand public rooms overlooking the bustling station concourse. It served as a prestigious gateway for travelers arriving in London, reflecting the importance of the railway as a symbol of progress and connectivity in Victorian Britain.
The hotel’s location directly above the station and its covered footbridge over Villiers Street, built in 1878 to link different parts of the hotel, emphasise its unique integration with the railway infrastructure. This close relationship made The Clermont not just a place to stay but a vital element of the railway experience, welcoming visitors with Victorian grandeur and modern comfort for over 150 years.
Approaching its 160th anniversary in 2025, The Clermont Charing Cross continues to be a true London landmark, offering a unique blend of history, tradition and contemporary comfort.
For more information on the Railway’s 200-year celebration and to follow the history, please follow the link here.
About Clermont Hotel Group
Clermont Hotel Group, the largest hotel owner-operator in London, encompasses three unique brands, offering a rich and diverse portfolio spanning 16 hotels and over 5,000 bedrooms, and over 120 meeting and event spaces across the capital.
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