Review: Claridge’s - London
Claridge’s Royal Suite | Photo Credit: Claridge’s
Amenities
9 On-site restaurants
Art Deco overload
Legendary traditional Afternoon Tea
The Review
Background
As it is said: “do not despise the day of small beginnings,” Claridge’s can attest to this. The renowned hotel started off in one house at 51 Brook Street, and by 1856 it was composed of 6 buildings. By 1860 Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were frequent visitors, along with other royalty and European heads of state. Each decade has seen Claridge’s at its best with raging soirees, renovations, royal births, a place of exile for monarchs, it has been a declared foreign territory, a home to the biggest names in Hollywood, and has partaken in partnerships with fashion designers and artists. Part of the Maybourne Group, a Qatari-owned British luxury hotel operator, the hotel is like a living room in London’s Mayfair, a place that brings together the community to dine, stay, and relax. Coming in summer 2025 is Claridge’s Bakery where Chef Richard Hart will lead a British focused menu of breads and sweet treats.
The Lobby | Photo Credit: Claridge’s
Where Is It?
Located in Mayfair, it’s a stone’s throw from Oxford Street. From Claridge’s you can walk to Soho, Piccadilly Circus, Whitehall, Marble Arch, and if it’s a good day, you can easily walk to Knightsbridge.
What’s It Like?
As Hollywood actor Spencer Tracy said: “I’d rather go to Claridge’s than to Heaven when I die,” it’s just that great. From the time that you walk into the lobby and take in the energy of the hotel, you realize you’re someplace special. There’s a kinesthetic energy to the hotel, but also a welcoming energy with kind staff that are willing to help. There is Art Deco influences throughout the hotel that bridges yesteryear with the modern.
Rooms
Photo Credit: Claridge’s
There is the original wing of the hotel and a newer wing. Both wings are superb and either suits guests for their stay. The only difference is that the original wing has a different kind of design character that’s not found in the newer wing. The Claridge’s Room style rooms infuse the old Art Deco influences with modernity. With 1 King bed (twin beds are possible), it can sleep up to 3 people. There is a sizable wardrobe with a vanity mirror, and a large TV. These room types offer views of Brook or Davies Streets, as well as Brook’s Mews. The design of these room types is feminine in essence with warm colored walls, floor to ceiling windows, and shagreen lamps. Quaint, cozy, and luxurious, this room or even suites are all comfortable and exude Claridge’s hospitality.
Food and Drink
Breakfast is served in the Foyer restaurant or can be ordered via room service. From a Full English Breakfast, to an Arab style breakfast or a Japanese style breakfast there is something for everyone.
The Fumoir Bar has been a fixture since 1929 and is quaint with its wood paneled walls. You can do more than have a cocktail, it’s a place to grab a coffee or even dine. But, having a cocktail or mocktail is recommended. You can’t go wrong ordering a Paper Plane. Claridge’s Restaurant turned one year and to celebrate, it’s operating under a new menu. Bryan O’Sullivan Studio did the design work, tying in the hotel’s iconic Art Deco style with a modern design. The bar sits at one end of the room where guests can order a cocktail or mocktail. The Ambre Highball is a favorite with notes of stone fruit. Produce is seasonal and sourced from local British suppliers. If you’re into seafood, then you must try the Seafood Tower with crab, scallops, langoustine, and clams. Or the Potted Shrimp Scone also hits the spot. New additions on the menu include the Tomahawk of Herefordshire beef with fries, girolles and Bérnaise sauce that can be shared for two. It’s nice to pair the steak with Dauphinoise potatoes and Hispi cabbage. The Dover Sole, either grilled or Meunière is also a good choice.
Claridge’s Restaurant | Photo Credit: Claridge’s
Meetings
The hotel can accommodate large-scale meetings, seminars, conferences, business lunches and dinners, networking cocktail receptions, and private board meetings. There are different types of rooms available from bright Art Deco meeting rooms, to more masculine feeling rooms of wood paneled walls with long tables and Louis XV arm chairs. Their versatile meeting spaces can fit different types of corporate events, including a menu from the hotel’s executive chef, as well as audio-visual equipment. The hotel also can host weddings and celebrations.
Leisure
Claridge’s Spa is a still and quiet world away from the kinesthetic energy of the hotel. Designed by architect André Fu, the spa is meant to mirror traditional Japanese temples and Zen gardens in Kyoto. Personalized treatments for the skin and body are available, by MZ Skin and Augustinus Bader. Josh Wood, a British hair color expert has an onsite salon; and holistic and sensory massage treatments are also available. Away from the hustle and bustle of the lobby, it allows guests to pull out of the kinesthetic energy of the city and plug into wellness with signature facial and massage treatments, as well as the indoor pool, a sauna and steam room for detoxing.
Indoor hotel pool in the spa | Photo Credit: Claridge’s
The gym includes NOHrD, PENT and Peloton equipment and is filled with up-to-date and personalized equipment. Personal trainers can be scheduled to train guests in their room or at the gym. The spa area is fully equipped to handle your wellness and fitness needs while at the hotel.
Events
Art Deco Tour: if your interested in this architectural design style, Claridge’s is doing half an hour tours on June 6, July 4, August 1, and September 5th.
There’s also a dancing class dedicated to the 1920s Charleston dance, and a Great Gatsby dinner. Find out more.
Verdict stay here. It’s luxury done right.
Best For personalized service and attention to detail.
Don’t Miss the indoor pool.
Price the average nightly rate for the Claridge’s Room is £888 per night, but when you book in advance there is a 20% savings. The rate is non-refundable and prepayment is required at the time of booking.
Contact Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1K 4HR | claridges.co.uk
