The List

Claridge's
Claridge's
Claridge's

16

Claridge's

London

The darling of the London luxury scene

Give me the lowdown: Since its 1856 opening, Claridge's has played host to British high society, global dignitaries, revered designers and discerning international guests. It is the jewel in the crown of the Maybourne Hotel Group, which has another three properties in London and two further afield on the French Riviera and in LA.

What's the vibe? Sumptuous 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 with splashes of regal pale blue, immediately invoking a sense of calm and luxury.

More on that refurb: A seven-year 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 square-foot spa, a 25-metre 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, as well as a subterranean fitness centre.

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 and is currently the home to a limited-time cocktail residency from New York's Dante bar until January 2026.

Celeb spotting: 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 even referenced the hotel as one of her favourite spots for lunch.

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