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When it comes to impressing elite guests, it seems sumptuous decor and good service can only go so far - now dishy staff are adding an extra element to hotel stays.

The Goring - the London hotel beloved by the elite and the Middletons' accommodation choice ahead of the Royal wedding - has unveiled its new secret weapon following a luxurious revamp.

A team of hunky footmen have added a touch of Downton Abbey-style glamour to the the iconic hotel.

Two of the dashing footmen give a suitably stylish welcome to guests alongside the statue of The Goring founder Otto Goring

The introduction of footmen at The Goring is designed to recreate the glamour of the Downton Abbey era

In a move more associated with the bronzed and beautiful workers at American retail Goliath Abercrombie & Fitch, the historic London hotel is relying on charming - and attractive - gentlemen to wow guests as they serve each of the suites.

Managing director David Morgan-Hewitt explains: 'Everyone has butlers – but people with real style have footmen.'

With scarlet tailcoats, gold-trimmed waistcoats and dashing smiles, these welcoming chaps are the first stage of the charm offensive for guests arriving at The Goring.

Managing director David Morgan-Hewitt claims that everyone has butlers, but people with real style have footmen

The charming workers, dressed in scarlet tailcoats and gold-trimmed waistcoats will add another level of service to the historic hotel

The footmen look like they could have walked straight out of American fashion chain Abercrombie & Fitch - famed for only hiring good-looking workers

Mr Morgan-Hewitt adds: 'In the days of Downton Abbey footmen were something of a luxury and therefore a status symbol. 

'Footmen performed a less essential role than the cook, maid or even the butler and were part only of the grandest households. 

'And since a footman was for show as much as for use, a tall footman was more highly prized than a short one and good looks, including well-turned legs, which were shown off by the traditional footman's dress of stockings worn below knee breeches, were an advantage.'

The hotel released the first images of its footmen to announce the new additions to the team 

The Front Hall has had a beautiful upgrade with luxurious hand-painted wallpaper as part of the hotel's overhaul

The five footmen will work to ensure guests in the hotel suites have everything they need

The footmen are the final flourish for the hotel, which has undergone a huge overhaul to be reopened by The Duchess of Cambridge last month.

Adding her own paint strokes to the hand-painted wallpaper in the Front Hall, the Duchess of Cambridge declared the hotel officially re-opened on March 2.

And the paintbrush was of course handed to the Royal by Oscar, one of the newly-engaged footmen. 

The hotel has unveiled a stylish new look, with handpainted wallpaper in the Front Hall and re-landscaped gardens

The new-look hotel was unveiled on March 2, just in time for its 105th birthday

The Goring is where the Middleton family stayed in London for the Royal wedding in 2011

The hotel assures guests the footmen are chosen for their personable character and communication skills and have been trained to The Goring's impeccable standards by long-serving members of staff.

They include John Andrews, the head concierge who is also known as 'Big John' and has been called upon to help train staff in various organisations, such as the ground staff at Gatwick Airport during the 2012 London Olympics. 

Mr Morgan-Hewitt says: 'Service is what we are known for - and is what matters most in a good hotel. 

'The introduction of footmen to look after our most esteemed clients adds another dimension to that excellence we work to every day.'