Claridge's Ranked 1st in 50 Greatest Luxury Hotels on Earth 2023
Claridge's
Brook Street
Mayfair
London W1K 4HR
Timeless Elegance in Mayfair
Set in the heart of Mayfair, Claridge’s is an art deco icon and a byword for understated elegance. Since the 1850s, Claridge’s has excelled at the finer things in life: glamorous design, inspiring dining, impeccable service. There are many 5-star hotels in London but nowhere quite like Claridge’s.
About the hotel There is nowhere quite like Claridge’s. The hotel began life in 1856 and soon attracted royal notice. During the 1920s it became an English institution; an art deco landmark, loved by movie stars and statesmen, fashion designers and global dignitaries. To this day, we continue the dedication to service that made us a byword for luxury. Step into the lobby and prepare to be whisked away to an age of timeless art deco glamour. Whether this is your first visit or you are making another fond return, you will be treated like an old friend.
History & Heritage
It started life as a single house, but Claridge’s was soon transformed into an art deco masterpiece favoured by royalty and the most distinguished figures of every generation. 1800 - 1900 1800s, Small beginnings: William and Marianne Claridge are running a hotel in a single house at 51 Brook Street. In an ambitious move to expand their business, they buy the adjoining five buildings in 1854. Claridge’s opens in its own right in 1856. 1860, Royal visits: As Claridge's reputation grows, it is visited by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The hotel soon becomes a favourite of heads of state and royalty throughout Europe. 1898, Grand reopening: Bought in 1893 by Richard D'Oyly Carte, owner of the Savoy, the hotel is promptly closed to allow a significant re-design led by C W Stephens – the man responsible for Harrods – and the hotel re-opens in 1898. 1920 - 1940 1920s, Flappers' delight: In the vibrant years after the end of the First World War, flappers, bobs and the bright young things of London make Claridge's their place to party and the ballroom echoes to the songs of Gershwin, the sounds of jazz and the steps of the Charleston. 1929, Decorative transformation: Eighty new rooms and a stunning ballroom are added. Oswald Milne, a pioneer of the art deco movement, transforms the lobby. Much of the decoration, including work by Basil Ionides and a beautiful Lalique door panel, remains to this day. 1940s, Refuge for kings: Claridge's reputation as a haven for dignitaries is enhanced when many exiled heads of state use it as a refuge during the Second World War. The Kings of Greece, Norway and Yugoslavia remain there for the duration.
1945 - 1970
1945, Prince's birthplace: At the request of Winston Churchill, suite 212 is declared Yugoslavian territory so that Crown Prince Alexander II can be born on his own country's soil. Churchill stays at Claridge's following his election defeat.
1950s, Hollywood home from home: Along with leaders in fashion and finance, Hollywood stars adopt Claridge's as their London residence. Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, Audrey Hepburn, Yul Brynner and Bing Crosby are all guests. Spencer Tracy says he'd rather go to Claridge's than to heaven when he dies.
1970s, Designer coup: Fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg begins her long relationship with Claridge's, resulting in her first interiors work being commissioned by the hotel. Her fellow guests include Aristotle and Jackie Onassis, and The Queen Mother, whose favourite table in the restaurant is always dressed with sweet peas.
1990 - 2014
1990s, Loving restoration: In 1996, Claridge’s enjoys a restoration led by designer Thierry Despont. He creates Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's, The Foyer, The Reading Room and The Fumoir. In 1999, designer David Collins transforms the Causerie into Claridge’s Bar, with a brief to slip quietly into the new millennium while keeping a firm hold on the last one.
2000, The It-hotel: Claridge’s is adopted by a new generation of models, designers, musicians and artists. Kate Moss celebrates her 30th birthday here. Jade Jagger and Lulu Guinness describe the hotel as their ultimate treat and Alex James says Claridge’s is just “perfect”. Diane von Furstenberg launches four rooms and suites she designed as part of her first interiors project.
2012, Fashion leader: David Linley, a long-time friend of Claridge’s, completes his work on the 25 Linley Suites. There will be more evidence of his eye for detail and contemporary touches with the launch of the new business centre. David Downton continues as Claridge's first fashion artist-in-residence.
2014, Fera at Claridge's opens: Fera at Claridge's opens under the Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan. The interior of the restaurant, created by widely acclaimed British designer Guy Oliver, reflects the creative and natural style of the cuisine, as well as Claridge's art deco architectural heritage.
2019, Davies and Brook opens: Claridge’s new restaurant, Davies and Brook, opens under the acclaimed Chef Daniel Humm. In a relaxed yet refined setting, the restaurant focuses on warm, inviting, and engaging hospitality with delicious and beautiful cuisine.
2021, Ballroom reopens after full restoration: Led by Blair Associates Architecture, the Ballroom is returned to the grandeur of old. From the striking three-tiered ceiling to the concealed light glinting off Palladium-leaf pilasters, original art deco details are revealed and authentic features recreated.
Discover the suites at Claridge’s – each one a unique combination of beautiful design, comfort and glamour. As well as being among the most spacious in London, our selection of signature suites have been imagined by leading designers and couturiers.
Timeless Escape
Dedicated to golden age luxury and modern glamour, our seasonal London staycation invites you to soak up the best of Mayfair.
This retreat begins with timeless cocktails inspired by the Bright Young Things – the High Society set that dazzled Jazz Age Claridge’s – and a keepsake copy of Claridge's Cocktail Book. Then it’s promenades and picnics in London’s Royal Parks, with a walking map that will also point you towards the capital’s cultural gems – courtesy of the Claridge’s Concierges. In between, pause for drinks at The Berkeley Bar and Terrace, let Carlos Place capture your heart at The Connaught or take it to the terrace back at Claridge’s Bar, compliments of your Maybourne credit.
Claridge's ArtSpace Café
Bringing café culture to Claridge’s for the very first time, Claridge’s ArtSpace Café has opened, with its own dedicated entrance on Brook’s Mews bedecked with awning and flag. Open daily with a focus on breakfast and lunch, the Café offers a vibrant menu with crêpes as a signature, alongside bagels, bespoke galettes, salads that shift with the seasons, croque monsieurs and madames, mega madeleines and Claridge’s cakes galore. Designed by renowned British architectural designer John Pawson, the Café features a gallery-like patisserie counter, marble communal table as a central spot, and entry down to Claridge’s ArtSpace – a vast gallery which rotates exhibitions, free for all to view. At the ArtSpace Café, everything is designed for takeaway for those on the move, allowing Claridge’s to be eaten alfresco or ‘al desko’ for the very first time.
