Claridge's

Give me the lowdown: Since its 1812 opening, Claridge’s has played host to British high society and discerning international guests. It is the jewel in the crown of the Maybourne Hotel Group, which has another two properties in London and recently expanded to the French Riviera and LA.

What’s the vibe? Classy English eccentricity set in gleaming art deco surrounds. Many of the Claridge’s suites received a facelift as part of a 2022 renovation, which saw various designers take on responsibility for a smaller number of rooms each. Many are characterised by the Regency style, with mid-century touches and a colour palette that prioritises muted earth tones, immediately invoking a sense of calm and luxury.

More on that refurb: A seven-year, huge-scale excavation project that hollowed five storeys of earth beneath the property took place between 2015 and 2022. It brought about a new Japanese-inspired 7,000 sq ft spa, a 25m swimming pool, a gym, hair salon, as well as multiple event spaces, staff restaurants and an expansion of the existing food and beverage offering. The hotel now has an in-house chocolatier and bakery; space for a subterranean gin still is in the works.

Eating and drinking: The hotel has long played host to some of the biggest names in the restaurant world – Simon Rogan, Daniel Humm, Gordon Ramsay – though in 2023 it eschewed big names to open signature dining option Claridge’s Restaurant, which majors in British cuisine served at fine dining level. It’s ably supported by Claridge’s Bar, which serves one of London’s finest Martini cocktails.

Who comes here? Known for its discretion, Claridge’s has long been a bolthole of celebrities, politicians and royalty. Mick Jagger is a regular, Winston Churchill was a weekly visitor and Queen Elizabeth II referenced the hotel as one of her favourite spots for lunch, preluded by that legendary Martini.

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