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.
- 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 jade-and-white-striped teacups.
- For the best accommodations, peruse the suites. Designers David Linley, Guy Oliver, Diane von Furstenberg, Rigby and Rigby, Michelle Wu and Bryan O'Sullivan helped give the spaces a timeless art deco elegance.
- 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.
- 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 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.
An ode to the artistic haunts of Provence and Italy, The Painter's Room is a stylish hideaway. Step from the monochrome corridor into a cocooning space, where fine lines and bright accents form a striking canvas for creative spirits and seasonal bites.
With the art deco doors to Claridge's Restaurant open, a new chapter in the hotel's long history begins. Last known as Claridge's Restaurant over 20 years ago, this classic-yet-contemporary spot is once again operated in house — serving up modern twists on British flavors across breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Bringing café culture to the property for the very first time, Claridge’s ArtSpace Café has its own dedicated entrance on Brook’s Mews bedecked with awning and flag.
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.
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