Claridge’s radiates art deco glamour. This Forbes Travel Guide Five-star London hotel has been opening its doors to guests since 1856, becoming a regular go-to for a roll call of who’s who, including Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, Audrey Hepburn, Cary Grant, Bing Crosby, Alfred Hitchcock, Lulu Guinness and Kate Moss.
One of the reasons the hotel is a star in its own right is its impeccable, make-it-happen service. Claridge’s once installed a Jacuzzi in a room at the request of a guest. Simple requests receive the same attention to detail — ask for restaurant recommendations and the concierge will instantly furnish a list of names and addresses and will have one hand on the phone to get you into the hottest new restaurant.
Moments from Bond and Oxford streets, the hotel sits in the heart of Mayfair. You don’t have to venture far for London’s best shopping, restaurants, galleries and parks, making Claridge’s a prime place to check into during a visit to the capital.
One of the reasons the hotel is a star in its own right is its impeccable, make-it-happen service. Claridge’s once installed a Jacuzzi in a room at the request of a guest. Simple requests receive the same attention to detail — ask for restaurant recommendations and the concierge will instantly furnish a list of names and addresses and will have one hand on the phone to get you into the hottest new restaurant.
Moments from Bond and Oxford streets, the hotel sits in the heart of Mayfair. You don’t have to venture far for London’s best shopping, restaurants, galleries and parks, making Claridge’s a prime place to check into during a visit to the capital.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- This is a historic hotel. A diplomat once called Claridge’s and asked for the king, and the phone operator famously replied, “Certainly sir, but which one?” And while that was back in 1947, it still happens — more than eight heads of state stayed at Claridge’s during the Summer 2012 Olympics. But it’s also a celebrity hot spot. Everyone from Audrey Hepburn to Anne Hathaway has checked in there. And guest Spencer Tracy once said, “Not that I intend to die, but when I do, I don’t want to go to heaven. I want to go to Claridge’s.”
- Snag a seat in the intimate Fumoir Bar. While there are only a handful of tables, the dim lighting, dark wood walls, etched mirrored murals, black-and-white vintage photos and eggplant-colored velvet banquettes give the small space a glamorous ’30s feel.
- The 1898 art deco décor is best seen in the dramatic Foyer. The elegant look hasn’t changed, though designer Thierry Despont added one modern touch — an elaborate sculptural chandelier from Dale Chihuly made up of more than 800 curlicue glass pieces that hangs above an oversized display of white roses in the middle of the room.
- To enjoy The Foyer at its best, make a reservation for afternoon tea, an institution at the luxury hotel for more than 100 years. You’ll enjoy live piano music while you sip from the aqua-and-white-striped teacups.
- For the best accommodations, peruse the suites. Designers David Linley, Guy Oliver and Diane von Furstenberg helped give the spaces a timeless art deco elegance.
Things to Know
- The London hotel works with a well-known designer for the creation of its fabulous Christmas tree (previous collaborators include Dolce & Gabbana, John Galliano and Alber Elbaz) — an annual must-see event.
- If the provided pillows don’t lull you into sleep, call the front desk to choose from 12 different options, including a V-shaped one that helps your back and a crescent variety that sits around the neck.
The Rooms
- If you want opulence, check into the Royal Suite. It draws design inspiration from Queen Elizabeth II’s 1953 coronation, specifically her embroidered gown and the celebratory dinner that was at Claridge’s. Notice the hand-painted dining room wall coverings with the United Kingdom’s national flowers: roses, thistles, shamrocks and daffodils.
- The Claridge’s Suites evoke the Victorian and art deco eras with details like an ornate fireplace. They also boast a marble bathroom, grand entrance hall and spacious sitting room.
- The Empress Eugenie Suite was named for Napoleon III’s wife, who considered the hotel her second home. In her honor, the regal suite injects French touches into the art deco design. There’s a garland chandelier made of hand-cast glass droplets and gold leaves, and there’s a Louis XV-style desk with gilded accents.
The Restaurants
It makes sense that celebrated chef Daniel Humm’s first London restaurant, Davies and Brook, would be at Claridge’s — it’s here where a 15-year-old Humm first fell in love with the kitchen. Davies and Brook tells its story through fine art, fabulous drinks and a flavorful menu of British favorites done with a global touch.
The Foyer & Reading Room remains one of the top places in London to experience the delicious Victorian ritual of afternoon tea. It offers symmetrical sandwiches, perfect patisserie and a curated selection of teas by connoisseur Henrietta Lovell. You also can dine here for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- You’ll always find a crowd in Claridge’s Bar.
Londoners sit in the red leather stools, armchairs and sofas for some
after-work champagne — the bar carries more than 50 labels, including
Louis Roederer Cristal Brut — under the silver-leafed ceiling.
- Slip behind an original Lalique door panel to find The Fumoir, a dark, intimate bar bathed in deep purple. You will want to unwind with a brandy in this inviting hideaway.
Amenities
Bar
Meeting rooms
Restaurants
Spa
Getting There
Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1K 4HR
TEL44-20-7629-8860
