See how the other half lives in the elegant Claridge’s Hotel London. Since its opening in 1898 by Richard D’Oyly Carte in London’s Mayfair, this luxury hotel has catered to the rich and famous. Its old connections with royalty has inclined some to say that it is an extension of Buckingham Palace. But it was not always so prominent.
Claridge’s History
The hotel was originally two adjacent hotels that merged when Mivart’s Hotel was sold in 1854 to the neighbouring, smaller hotel owned by Mr and Mrs Claridge. Its links to royalty was solidified when Empress Eugenie, wife of the French Emperor Napoleon III, entertained Queen Victoria in the hotel. In 1898, the new Claridge’s Hotel London was built by George Trollope and Sons for hotelier Richard D’Oyly Carte whose Savoy Theater brought together Gilbert and Sullivan.
Claridge’s elegant blend of original art deco and touches of Edwardian and French (from its £49 million renovation completed in December 2001) cannot be more evident than in the Manacudo Fumoir which nonetheless retains its turn of the century charm.
After WW1, aristocrats who could not afford a London house stayed in the hotel. Famous guests include Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn, Alfred Hitchcock, Mick Jagger, Brad Pitt and U2, while its main restaurant is run by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay.
What To Try At Claridge’s
Guests at Claridge’s Hotel London give the opulent hotel excellent reviews, despite the high price tag that comes with the service. The members of the staff are well-trained and polite, as if instructed to treat all patrons as royalty.
At Tripadvisor.com, a website for budget travellers, this luxury hotel has
Claridges Bar
won over even penny-pinching tourists who feel they got their money’s worth at one of the best hotels in London.
Read the Tripadvisor Reviews here
Even its least expensive suite is not lacking in lavishness: the bed is large and comfortable, the room has plenty of wardrobe space, and there is a flat screen TV and the usual add-ons you can expect from a 5 star hotel.
Check Claridge’s availability now-Treat Yourself
A stay at Claridge’s Hotel London is also incomplete without sampling the Gordon Ramsay Restaurant. Up to seven guests can stay at the Chef’s Table, where one can gain insight into the workings of a world-class kitchen. If you want a taste of British luxury, this is the place to visit.
Afternoon tea is also a must here. Claridge’s offer over 30 types of tea and their delectable scones are so light while the sinfully rich cakes are to die for. Customers are thrilled with the staff’s impeccable service and some keep coming back for more. So if you want to try it, you have to book the grand lobby for afternoon tea in advance.
Where To Find Claridge’s
Claridge’s Hotel London is centrally located at London’s prestigious Mayfair and a quick 30-second walk to Oxford Street.
If you want opulence served with a dash of history, book a night at Claridge’s Hotel London, and feel what it’s like to be treated like royalty.
Filed under Claridges, Claridges Hotel, Claridges Hotel London, Claridges London by on Feb 10th, 2011. 
