London is home to many glamorous institutions. But there may be none more glamorous than Claridge’s. This Mayfair icon, with its red-brick facade and dazzling opulence, has been welcoming royals, A-listers and other members of high society for more than 200 years. It’s no wonder it’s just been named one of the greatest luxury hotels in the world.
The five-star establishment came in at number seven in the newest list of the ‘50 greatest luxury hotels on Earth’ by luxury lifestyle guide Robb Report (although that’s four places down from its ranking last year, and in the past it’s held number one spot). The guide wrote that Claridge’s has ‘formal but effortless service in a building that reeks of history, buzzy restaurants and bars plus rooms with a reassuring whiff of Victoriana that subtly nods to Britain’s heyday’.
Time Out wholeheartedly agrees. We recently declared Claridge’s the best hotel in London. Editor-in-chief Joe Mackertich said in a five-star review: ‘Inarguably one of Europe’s finest hotels, Claridge’s has a top-to-bottom vibe that exudes art deco glamour, historical significance and smoky old-world naughtiness.’
He added: ‘Unlike a lot of expensive hotels, Claridge’s pulls off high-end luxury with an alarmingly easy-going, joyful expression. A lot of the staff have been there for decades, and the sense of communal affection for the hotel is infectious.’
There are 269 elegant rooms throughout the hotel, which have hosted the likes of Kate Moss, Audrey Hepburn, Mick Jagger, Alfred Hitchcock and Queen Elizabeth II.
Most recently, the hotel welcomed a new restaurant and cocktail bar, Dante Mayfair. The New York-born institution launched as a permanent feature of the hotel in mid-June following a wildly popular residency there. There’s also the opulent Foyer and Reading Room which offers a delightful afternoon tea, the sultry Fumoir bar and the stunning L’Epicerie, an intimate chef’s table experience where you get to dine in the middle of the kitchen.
Below ground, guests can wind down in the gorgeous 7,000-square-foot spa, get a sweat on in the swanky gym or top up on their drinks collection in the wine cellar. You can find out more – and, if you’re feeling flush – book a stay on Booking.com here.
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