Claridge’s has always been the very definition of Britishness: storied, grand and glamourous. Founded in 1812, the hotel has played host to the world’s social elite, a favourite haunt of royals and A-listers alike who for more than a century have been coming for the luxurious feels, comfort and privacy that Claridge’s delivers in spades.
Courtesy Maybourne Hotel Group
From the moment you walk through the hotel’s revolving doors, step on to Claridge’s glossy checker-tile floor, clock the hotel’s sweeping grand staircase and the iconic Foyer & Reading Room restaurant, you’ve entered an era. One that’s at once old-world and sumptuous, yet incredibly modern and discreet, located in the heart of London’s Mayfair district.
For more than a century, the hotel has played host to Winston Churchill, Audrey Hepburn, Cary Grant, Mick Jagger, Lady Gaga, Kylie Minogue (and so many of these famous faces have been immortalized in portrait form by Claridge’s artist-residence David Downton). Queen Elizabeth and the Duke Edinburgh also frequented the hotel regularly for dining. Claridge’s was a favourite spot – the royal couple chose it as the venue for their ruby wedding anniversary party in 1992.
Courtesy Maybourne Hotel Group
Always reinventing while maintaining its original charm is something Claridge’s has excelled at. In 2023, the hotel unveiled the final phase of some spectacular new additions, created over an intensive seven-year renovation, which included a five-story excavation under the hotel to house the glorious new Claridge’s Spa as well as its own art gallery space.
Above ground, a new wing adds 75 guest rooms, plus a new top floor, which spans the entire rooftop of Claridge’s and is home to the plushest hotel sleep in London, The Penthouse at Claridge’s. The space was designed by Rémi Tessier, measures a sprawling 1,500 square metres, with the most breathtaking 360-view of the city. The Penthouse has a heated pool, private outdoor piano pavilion, and the largest private collection of artworks by Damien Hirst. It is magnificent, embodying the perfect mix of old-meets-new style and cool.
The Property
Claridge’s Hotel, London, UK
What brought you to this hotel?
It’s an icon I have wanted to experience forever, especially at holiday time when everything in London is extra-special. A trip for my birthday was the perfect present.
When did it open?
Claridge’s was founded in 1812 by William and Marianne Claridge. The aspiring hoteliers began what would become the legendary property we know today at 51 Brook Street running the hotel in a single dwelling home. By 1854 the Claridge’s bought up five adjoining buildings to expand their business, formally opening Claridge’s proper in 1856.
Any history to the place?
Where to start? It was a visit in 1860 from Queen Victoria and Prince Albert that gave Claridge’s a royal stamp of approval making it the place to stay for royals and European heads of state. In 1893 Claridge’s was bought by Richard D’Oyly Carte, owner of the Savoy, who closed the hotel for extensive renovations and re-opened it in 1898. In 1929, 80 new guest rooms and Claridge’s famed Ball Room opened, making it the centre of London society life. That opulent space was completely restored in 2021 and returned to its original art deco grandeur. It remains London’s most exclusive address for weddings and events. The history of Claridge’s is extensive and the best way to learn about its past (and realize how the hotel is planning for the future) is to watch The Mayfair Hotel Megabuild, a three-part docuseries produced by BBC Two, which dives into the recent renovation.
Location, location, location:
Courtesy Maybourne Hotel Group
Claridge’s is situated in the tony Mayfair area of Central London. I felt like a London local waking up in a luxury flat taking in views of the gingerbread-coloured Georgian townhomes. One morning over tea and The Telegraph at my in-room desk, the most perfect, sparkly rainbow appeared outside my window over the chocolate-box rooftops. It felt like a pixie-dusted scene straight from the pages of J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan.
Designed for everybody?
Absolutely. During my stay, I spent a lot of time soaking up every square inch of the space and people watching. The guests were multi-generational from Gen Z to Boomers. The common thread connecting them all: Great style. Everyone was so chicly dressed, and the fashion vibes ranged from vintage eccentric to cool, quiet luxury. There were people at the hotel for business meet ups, girl-hangs over afternoon tea, and Christmas tourists.
Breakfast in bed:
Courtesy Maybourne Hotel Group
Room service breakfast is one of my most favourite luxuries in life, so it’s a huge surprise I chose not to experience it in Claridge’s style, but I wanted to be where the people were and take in every facet and divine little detail of this magnificent hotel, which meant having a daily full English – with all the spoils: eggs, streaky bacon, sausage, black pudding, grilled tomato, baked means, and mushrooms – in The Foyer & Reading Room. The restaurant is equal parts cozy and cool. Breakfast is also available in the stunning new Claridge’s Restaurant, which was another standout feature added as part of the hotel renovation. You can absolutely experience this breakfast greatness in your room too. Order ahead the night before using the whimsically illustrated breakfast menu placed on your pillow at turndown.
What you loved:
Courtesy Maybourne Hotel Group
Everything! My guest suite was a particular highlight. I stayed in the magnificent Brook Suite, located in the newly opened addition. Measuring 115 square metres, it felt like having my own flat in Mayfair. Though it was new, the space felt as though it was part of the original hotel thanks to the romantic Georgian-meets-Victorian décor. The suite, complete with fireplace, looked over Brook Street, a decadent Emperor bed, a writing desk and private study, a powder room and a main bathroom, which had a Japanese Toto toilet and a massive soaker tub. I also had access to 24-hour butler service.
Another small detail was the Jonathan Ward Kartushya scented candle. Ward is a London-based small batch fragrance maker whose scents pervade the Claridge’s lobby. I bought the Kartushya candle – Sri-Lankan black pepper, cedarwood, ginger, Russian birch tar, patchouli, and peat – for home. it’s a treasured memory of a most special and decadent travel adventure. As Spencer Tracey once famously said “I don’t want to go to heaven. I want to go to Claridge’s!” I’m with you, Spencer.
Need to Know:
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Nespresso coffee machine and pods
• Kettle
• Bamford Geranium toiletries
• Dyson Supersonic hair dryer
• Heated towel rack
• Lighted makeup mirror
• Bang and Olufsen speakers
• Mini bar stocked with British treats
• 90+ International Channels
• 24-Hour Butler Service (suites)
• Bathrobe and slippers
