For over two centuries, one address in Mayfair has been synonymous with the very pinnacle of British luxury — Claridge's. From hosting royalty and heads of state to defining the Art Deco aesthetic in London, this is not merely a hotel; it is a living institution.
Photo by Samuel Regan-Asante on Unsplash
This guide covers everything worth knowing about Claridge's — its 200-year history, room categories and signature suites, afternoon tea (one of London's most sought-after reservations), restaurants and bars including the newly launched Dante Mayfair, the spa, its extraordinary roster of notable guests, cultural programming, events, and practical information for planning your visit. Whether you're booking a suite, reserving afternoon tea, or simply curious about one of London's greatest landmarks, you'll find everything here.
Few hotels anywhere in the world can claim a story as rich — or as long — as Claridge's. The hotel's origins trace back to the early 19th century, when a modest lodging house stood on the same Brook Street site. By the 1850s, the establishment was being run by William and Marianne Claridge, whose name it still carries today. The Claridges built a reputation for discretion and impeccable service that attracted an aristocratic clientele, and in 1860 they sold the business to Richard D'Oyly Carte — the impresario behind the Savoy — who merged it with an adjacent property to create a more substantial hotel.
Through the latter half of the 19th century, Claridge's grew steadily in both size and reputation. A major rebuilding programme in the 1890s saw the original structures largely replaced, and by the Edwardian era the hotel had firmly established itself as the preferred London address for European royalty. Queen Victoria reportedly said that visiting Claridge's was 'like visiting a foreign king.' That wasn't hyperbole — at various points, the corridors housed so many visiting monarchs that it was quipped the hotel was 'the annex to Buckingham Palace.'
The most visually defining chapter in Claridge's history came in the 1920s and 1930s, when the hotel underwent a sweeping Art Deco redesign. Architects Oswald Milne and Basil Ionides were among those who shaped the interiors, introducing the geometric grandeur, mirrored surfaces, and monochromatic elegance that remain the hotel's visual signature today. The foyer — with its Dale Chihuly glass chandelier (added later, in 2014) and black-and-white marble floors — is perhaps the most photographed interior in any London hotel. That combination of original 1930s bones with carefully chosen modern additions is exactly what makes Claridge's feel both timeless and alive.
The hotel has never been content to rest on its history. Significant renovation works in the 2000s and 2010s refreshed guest rooms and public spaces without disturbing the architectural DNA that makes the place special. The opening of new dining concepts — most recently the permanent London home of Dante, the acclaimed New York bar — reflects an ongoing commitment to remaining relevant without becoming unrecognisable.
Claridge's standing is not just a matter of reputation — it is consistently validated by the hospitality industry's most rigorous independent bodies. The hotel is recognised by Forbes Travel Guide as a Five-Star property, one of a small number of London hotels to hold that status. Its dining outlets have attracted AA recognition, and the hotel regularly features in the world's leading luxury travel rankings. For guests in the research phase comparing London's finest hotels, these third-party endorsements matter: they confirm that the Claridge's experience is not simply a legacy claim but one actively earned.
Today, Claridge's is part of the Maybourne Hotel Group, which also operates The Connaught in Carlos Place and The Berkeley in Knightsbridge. Each property has a distinct personality, and understanding those differences is useful if you're deciding between them. The Connaught is the most intimate of the three — a townhouse-scale hotel known for its Irish-influenced service culture and the celebrated Hélène Darroze restaurant, which has held multiple Michelin stars. The Berkeley, set in Knightsbridge, takes the most contemporary approach: its rooftop pool and more modern design sensibility attract a younger, fashion-conscious clientele. Claridge's, by contrast, is the grandest — unmatched in scale, Art Deco heritage, cultural programming, and the sheer weight of its history. Together they represent the gold standard of London luxury hospitality, but Claridge's, with its 200 years and its particular cultural gravity, occupies a category of its own.
Staying at Claridge's is not simply a matter of booking a bed for the night. The rooms here are expressions of a design philosophy — one that prizes artistry, craftsmanship, and the sense that every detail has been considered.
Claridge's offers accommodation across several distinct design vocabularies. Victorian rooms carry the warmth of a more ornate era — rich fabrics, deep colours, and a sense of settled grandeur. Art Deco rooms are the hotel's signature: geometric patterns, lacquered surfaces, and that particular 1930s restraint that somehow manages to feel both minimal and opulent. Contemporary rooms, designed by David Collins Studio and other leading names, bring a more modern sensibility while remaining unmistakably Claridge's in their quality and finish.
All rooms include butler service — worth noting not just as a luxury amenity, but as a genuine differentiator. A Claridge's butler isn't a decorative title; they're a knowledgeable, discreet point of contact who can arrange almost anything.
At the top of the hierarchy sit two extraordinary accommodations. The Penthouse is the hotel's most celebrated suite — a multi-room residence set beneath a glass-roof terrace with panoramic views across London's rooftops. It has hosted some of the world's most famous faces, and spending a night there is about as close as most people will get to the experience of owning a private apartment in Mayfair.
The Residence takes a different approach. Wrapping around the exterior of the building with private terraces, it offers an almost residential sense of space and privacy — rare in central London, where even the grandest hotels can feel hemmed in. Both suites represent the upper limit of what luxury hospitality can offer, and both are, understandably, in extremely high demand.
What separates Claridge's rooms from those of other five-star London hotels is harder to articulate than it might seem. It's not just the thread count of the linens or the depth of the baths — it's the coherence of the whole. Each room feels designed rather than decorated. There's a difference, and you feel it the moment you walk in.
Where The Ritz leans into French gilded opulence and The Savoy into Edwardian grandeur, Claridge's occupies a distinct niche — Art Deco restraint combined with genuinely residential scale and a butler service model that few London hotels can match at this level. The Mandarin Oriental and Four Seasons may offer comparable facilities in some respects, but neither carries the same sense of architectural and cultural continuity. At Claridge's, the building itself is part of the experience.
Classic rooms start at around £700 per night, with suites beginning at approximately £2,000 and rising significantly for the flagship accommodations. Booking directly through claridges.co.uk or the Maybourne website typically offers the best rate guarantee and access to exclusive packages. For the Penthouse or Residence, enquiries are best made directly with the reservations team by phone.
Afternoon tea at Claridge's is, without question, one of the most iconic dining experiences in London — and one of the most in-demand reservations in the city. Served in The Foyer & Reading Room — the hotel's grand central atrium, with its soaring ceilings, tiered chandeliers, and the gentle sound of a live pianist — it is the kind of occasion that justifies making an occasion of it.
The menu follows the traditional format: finger sandwiches (cucumber, smoked salmon, egg mayonnaise), freshly baked scones with clotted cream and Claridge's own preserve, and a selection of exquisitely made pastries and cakes. That last element changes seasonally — spring menus lean toward lighter floral and citrus notes, while winter brings richer, spiced creations that reflect the time of year. It's worth checking the current menu before booking if seasonal variety matters to you.
The tea list is extensive — around 30 varieties, from classic Assam and Earl Grey to more unusual single-estate selections. Prices run from approximately £85 to £115 per person. Adding a glass of champagne is strongly recommended, and the upgrade is well worth it for a special occasion.
Claridge's accommodates a range of dietary requirements and allergens with the same attention to detail applied to the standard menu. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available, and the kitchen team can adapt the menu for guests with specific allergies. It is best to communicate any requirements at the time of booking rather than on arrival — the team will ensure everything is prepared in advance.
"Booking 4 to 6 weeks in advance is strongly advisable during peak periods. Walk-ins are rarely possible and should not be counted on."
This is the most important practical note for anyone planning a visit. Afternoon tea at Claridge's fills quickly — booking 4 to 6 weeks in advance is strongly advisable during peak periods (December, the school holidays, and spring weekends in particular). In quieter periods, two to three weeks' notice is usually sufficient, but earlier is always better. Walk-ins are rarely possible and should not be counted on.
For a seamless experience, see our guide to the best afternoon teas in London for context on how Claridge's compares to other celebrated venues across the city.
Bookings can be made directly through the Claridge's website at claridges.co.uk. Online booking is available and straightforward — select 'Afternoon Tea' under the dining section, choose your date and party size, and confirm. The team will contact you ahead of your visit to confirm any dietary requirements.
Beyond afternoon tea, the food and drink offering at Claridge's has expanded and evolved in ways that make it genuinely exciting — not just for hotel guests but for Londoners who may never set foot in a guest room.
This is the most exciting recent development in Claridge's dining story. Dante — the legendary Greenwich Village bar founded in 1915, named the World's Best Bar in 2019 and 2021 — now has its permanent London home within Claridge's. Dante Mayfair brings the original's celebrated aperitivo culture to Mayfair: Negronis, spritzes, and seasonal cocktails served alongside a menu of Italian-influenced small plates and dishes.
The setting is distinctly Claridge's in its refinement, but the atmosphere has a warmth and accessibility that makes it feel welcoming even if you've never visited before. It's worth a visit in its own right, entirely separate from any hotel stay.
For something more intimate, Claridge's Bar remains one of London's finest cocktail rooms. Low lighting, plush seating, and a menu of classic and signature cocktails make it the kind of place where a single drink can easily become three. The bar team knows their craft, and the atmosphere — particularly on a weekday evening — is unmatched in its particular brand of hushed, unhurried elegance.
Not every visit to Claridge's needs to be a grand occasion. The ArtSpace Café offers a more casual entry point: exceptional coffee, croissants, and pastries served in a modern gold-and-marble setting. It's ideal for a morning meeting or a quick stop between appointments — and it's a perfectly reasonable way to experience Claridge's if a full afternoon tea or dinner isn't on the agenda.
Claridge's private dining rooms are available for everything from intimate birthday dinners to large corporate receptions. The kitchen team can create bespoke menus, and the events team handles every logistical detail. The spaces themselves — panelled rooms with period features and impeccable service — lend any occasion a weight and atmosphere that is simply not replicable elsewhere in London.
Luxury hotels often treat their spa as an afterthought — a room with a few treatment tables and a plunge pool tacked on at the basement level. Claridge's takes a different view.
The Claridge's Spa offers a thoughtfully curated menu of treatments that draws on both traditional and contemporary wellness approaches. Signature experiences include herbal compress massages — warm bundles of aromatic herbs applied with a rhythmic technique that works on both muscle tension and the nervous system — alongside bespoke facial and body therapies tailored to individual needs. The therapists here are genuinely skilled, and the treatment rooms have that particular quality of stillness that's hard to achieve in a busy city hotel.
The spa facilities include a swimming pool, steam room, and relaxation areas. Day visitor access is available, meaning you don't need to be a hotel guest to book a treatment or use the facilities — though guests naturally have priority access and dedicated booking windows. The pool is elegant rather than large, designed for quiet immersion rather than lap swimming.
For hotel guests, the spa is a natural extension of the Claridge's experience rather than a separate amenity. A morning treatment followed by afternoon tea in The Foyer, or a pre-dinner massage before an evening at Dante Mayfair, represents the kind of seamlessly curated day that the hotel is designed to facilitate. The concierge team can help build a bespoke itinerary around spa and dining bookings — it's the sort of joined-up planning that turns a hotel stay into something more memorable.
First-time spa visitors should book well in advance, particularly for weekend appointments, which fill quickly. The spa team can advise on treatment combinations and will ask about any health considerations before your visit. Booking is available through the Claridge's website or by calling the spa directly. Arriving 20 to 30 minutes before your first treatment is recommended — it allows time to change, settle into the environment, and get the most from the experience.
There are hotels with impressive guest lists, and then there's Claridge's. The distinction matters, because the figures who have passed through these doors haven't just been wealthy or famous — they've been, in many cases, the most powerful and consequential people of their era.
Claridge's relationship with the British Royal Family is long and close. Queen Victoria visited; King Edward VII made it a favourite haunt; and the hotel has maintained a special connection with the monarchy ever since. Members of the Royal Family continue to attend events and functions at the hotel, and the association is considered one of the defining features of Claridge's identity.
Perhaps the most extraordinary chapter in Claridge's guest history came during the Second World War. As European governments fell to Nazi occupation, Claridge's became a refuge for royalty and governments-in-exile. King Peter II of Yugoslavia, King George II of Greece, and King Haakon VII of Norway were among those who stayed. The hotel effectively functioned as a diplomatic outpost for displaced European sovereignty.
"In 1945, Crown Prince Alexander of Yugoslavia was born in Suite 212. To ensure that the Crown Prince was technically born on Yugoslav soil, Winston Churchill temporarily designated Suite 212 as Yugoslav territory for the birth."
The most famous story from this period — and arguably the most famous story in the hotel's entire history — involves Suite 212. Whether or not the legal designation was ever formally enacted remains a matter of debate among historians, but the story has become part of the Claridge's legend — and it's told with evident pride.
Beyond wartime, Claridge's has hosted an extraordinary parade of heads of state, presidents, and prime ministers. Charles de Gaulle stayed during the war. Dwight D. Eisenhower used it as a base. The hotel's combination of security, discretion, and impeccable service makes it the natural choice for visiting dignitaries — and that reputation has compounded over generations.
The list of artists, musicians, actors, and cultural figures associated with Claridge's is equally impressive. Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn, Audrey Hepburn, and countless others made it their London base. More recently, it has remained the hotel of choice for contemporary celebrities, fashion figures, and global entertainers who value privacy alongside prestige.
The honest answer is that Claridge's has cultivated something that cannot be manufactured quickly: a culture of genuine discretion. Staff don't discuss guests. The hotel doesn't trade on its famous clientele for publicity. That restraint — in an age of social media and constant exposure — is itself a form of luxury, and it's precisely why the people who most need privacy keep choosing Brook Street.
Claridge's has always understood that great hotels are cultural institutions as much as commercial ones. The art programme running through the property reflects that understanding.
Throughout the hotel, guests encounter a rotating series of artistic installations — sculptures, large-format photography, and commissioned works — that change periodically and reflect the hotel's ongoing engagement with the contemporary art world. This isn't art as wallpaper; many of the pieces are significant works by established artists, chosen with the same care applied to every other element of the guest experience.
Claridge's role as a patron of the arts extends beyond simply displaying work. The hotel has a history of commissioning pieces directly from artists — including site-specific works created for particular spaces within the building — and has hosted private views and cultural events in partnership with galleries and arts institutions. These events are not open to the public in the conventional sense; they reflect the hotel's position as a genuine participant in London's cultural life rather than a passive backdrop to it.
Every November, Londoners and the international press await one announcement with genuine anticipation: who will design the Claridge's Christmas tree this year? Since the tradition began, the commission has gone to some of the world's most celebrated designers and fashion houses — John Galliano, Dolce & Gabbana, Karl Lagerfeld, Burberry, and many others. Each year's installation becomes a talking point, a social media moment, and a pilgrimage site for Londoners who queue to see it in the lobby. The tree is, in its own way, a piece of public art — and it perfectly encapsulates Claridge's ability to make even a seasonal decoration feel genuinely special.
Beyond the art programme, Claridge's occupies a unique position in London's cultural life. It has appeared in novels, films, and television programmes. It has hosted fashion weeks, charity galas, and private views. It is, in the truest sense, part of the fabric of the city — not just a place to sleep, but a place where things happen. For many Londoners, it functions as a kind of civic living room: the place you go to mark the moments that matter.
There are venues, and then there are venues that make an event feel genuinely significant. Claridge's is firmly in the second category.
A wedding at Claridge's is, for many couples, the pinnacle of what a London celebration can be. The hotel offers a range of event spaces — from intimate private dining rooms for 20 guests to larger ballroom-style receptions — and the events team handles everything from floral arrangements and menus to accommodation for guests travelling from abroad. The combination of Art Deco interiors, five-star catering, and that particular Claridge's atmosphere (hushed, elegant, entirely focused on the people in the room) makes it a setting that photographs beautifully and feels even better in person.
For corporate clients, Claridge's offers meeting rooms and event spaces equipped with the technology and support services expected by international business. The appeal, beyond the obvious prestige of the address, is practical: the hotel's events team is experienced, responsive, and accustomed to working with clients who have high expectations. Confidentiality is handled with the same care applied to guest stays — an important consideration for sensitive business discussions.
Claridge's programmes a calendar of seasonal events throughout the year — Christmas and New Year celebrations, themed dining experiences, and cultural evenings tied to the art programme. These events are often ticketed and sell out quickly; signing up for the Claridge's newsletter or following the hotel's communications is the most reliable way to hear about them first. To enquire about events, contact the events team directly through claridges.co.uk.
Beyond the core experience of staying or dining, Claridge's offers several ways to engage with the brand — whether you're planning a trip, looking for a gift, or simply want to take a piece of it home.
Claridge's periodically releases seasonal packages and promotional offers through its website. These typically include city escape packages (combining accommodation with breakfast or spa access), dining experiences tied to seasonal menus, and spa day packages for non-residents. The offers change regularly, so checking claridges.co.uk directly — rather than relying on third-party booking platforms — is the best approach. Direct booking also tends to offer better rates and additional perks.
The Claridge's Shop sells a curated range of branded merchandise and gifts: monogrammed items, fragrances, candles, stationery, and other products that carry the Claridge's identity into everyday life. It's a genuinely considered collection — not the generic branded merchandise you'd find in most hotel gift shops — and several items have become sought-after in their own right. The shop is accessible both in-person at the hotel and online.
For those looking for a gift that genuinely impresses, Claridge's gift vouchers are available for stays, afternoon tea, spa treatments, and broader dining experiences. They're redeemable across the hotel's services and come presented in packaging that reflects the Claridge's aesthetic. For milestone birthdays, anniversaries, or significant occasions, they represent a thoughtful and genuinely memorable option. Gift vouchers can be purchased through the Claridge's website.
Whether you're arriving for a three-night stay or simply dropping in for afternoon tea, a few practical details are worth knowing before you go.
Claridge's is located in Mayfair. The nearest London Underground stations are Bond Street (Central and Jubilee lines, approximately a five-minute walk) and Green Park (Jubilee, Victoria, and Piccadilly lines, approximately eight minutes on foot). From either station, the walk takes you through some of Mayfair's finest streets.
Taxis and private cars can drop off directly outside the hotel on Brook Street. The hotel does not have its own guest car park, but several NCP car parks are available nearby. If you're arriving from a London airport, the hotel concierge team can arrange a car service — it's worth requesting this in advance, particularly for early morning arrivals.
Standard check-in is at 3:00 pm and check-out at 12:00 noon. Early check-in and late check-out can sometimes be arranged, subject to availability, and are best requested in advance rather than on arrival. The hotel welcomes well-behaved dogs in certain room categories — an increasingly valued policy that reflects a broader shift in how luxury hotels think about travelling with pets.
There is no strictly enforced dress code for guests staying at the hotel. That said, the atmosphere is formal enough that most guests dress accordingly — smart casual is the minimum you'd feel comfortable in, and many visitors to the bar or restaurant dress more formally. For afternoon tea, smart attire is expected and fits the occasion naturally. Trainers and sportswear are generally out of place in the public rooms. The etiquette is straightforward: be respectful of the space and other guests, and the staff will take care of everything else.
The Maybourne Hotel Group has published sustainability commitments covering energy reduction, responsible sourcing, and community engagement — commitments that apply across Claridge's and its sister properties. For guests who factor environmental practice into their travel decisions, current details on Claridge's sustainability initiatives are available directly at claridges.co.uk.
The most direct route is through claridges.co.uk or the Maybourne Hotel Group website. For complex bookings — multi-room requirements, special occasion arrangements, or long stays — speaking directly with the reservations team is recommended. Luxury travel agents (particularly those affiliated with Virtuoso or similar networks) can also access preferential rates and added amenities.
Claridge's is not easily summarised. Over 200 years, it has been a home for displaced royalty, a stage for the greatest Art Deco designers, a dining destination, a cultural institution, and — above all — a hotel that has somehow managed to remain at the very top of its field across every era it has inhabited.
What makes it genuinely remarkable is the accumulation of detail: the history embedded in the walls, the craftsmanship in every room, the dining that moves with the times without losing its sense of occasion, the spa that actually delivers, and the staff who make you feel — whether you're staying for a week or stopping in for a cup of tea — that you're exactly where you're supposed to be.
From the Suite 212 wartime story to the annual Christmas tree that stops London in its tracks, from Dante Mayfair's aperitivo culture to the hushed elegance of Claridge's Bar, this is a place that earns its reputation every single day. Independently recognised by Forbes Travel Guide and consistently celebrated by those who know London's luxury hotel landscape best, it remains the benchmark against which others are measured.
Ready to experience Claridge's for yourself? Book your stay, reserve afternoon tea, or explore current offers directly at claridges.co.uk — and discover why this Mayfair icon has been the choice of discerning guests for over two centuries.
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