I spent an afternoon at Kate Middleton's favorite luxury hotel in London, and the dress code was so strict that my friend almost wasn't admitted inside

Mikhaila FrielJan 7, 2023, 18:22 IST

Mikhaila Friel, left, at The Goring hotel where Kate Middleton, right, spent the night before her wedding.Mikhaila Friel/Insider, Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images

I visited The Goring, a five-star hotel where Kate Middleton stayed before her wedding.
My friend and I were impressed by the friendly staff and beautiful decor in the hotel bar.

The Goring is a luxury hotel in London that Kate Middleton stayed in the night before her royal wedding.

Kate Middleton photographed before her royal wedding on April 29, 2011, left, and The Goring hotel, right.Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images, Mikhaila Friel/Insider

I visited the hotel during Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June.

The entrance of The Goring hotel had signage reading "Thank You Your Majesty" for the Queen's Jubilee in June.Mikhaila Friel/Insider

Although I didn't have a room, I knew from researching the hotel's website that the bar accepted walk-ins.

Guests enjoy drinks at The Goring hotel's bar area.Mikhaila Friel/Insider

I was impressed by the bar's stunning decor and the excellent customer service.

The bar area at The Goring hotel.Mikhaila Friel/Insider

As I waited for a friend to arrive, I ordered a royal-themed cocktail called The Coronation Cup.

The Coronation Cup cocktail at The Goring.Mikhaila Friel/Insider

Later, I had to use the bathroom near the hotel lobby — it was immaculate.

Mikhaila Friel in the bathroom at The Goring hotel.Mikhaila Friel/Insider

Like the rest of the hotel, the bathroom was beautifully decorated.

The ladies bathroom in The Goring.Mikhaila Friel/Insider

I wasn't aware that there was a dress code before arriving at the hotel, and I soon learned that it was strictly smart casual.

Mikhaila Friel at The Goring Hotel in London.Mikhaila Friel/Insider

Pat and I were asked to move to the back of the room because he was wearing shorts.

Mikhaila's friend, Pat, in The Goring bar.Mikhaila Friel/Insider

Pat ordered a Victory Tea, a cocktail inspired by Winston Churchill.

The Victory Tea at The Goring.Mikhaila Friel/Insider

We had an amazing time, and learned an important lesson about dress codes along the way.

Mikhaila and Pat at The Goring.Mikhaila Friel/Insider

I'm an American who has visited Paris 20 times. I think these 8 hotels have some of the best views of the Eiffel Tower in the entire city.

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