London
England


The Experience

Claridge's is a one-off, managing to be both a bastion of British traditionalism as well as a bold trendsetter, exuding a sense of charisma and timeless style. Never resting on its laurels, it stays ahead of the game by constantly reinventing itself -- first spotting the trend for celebrity chefs, for instance, and securing Gordon Ramsay and with him a Michelin star. At the same time, it's a temple to 1930s Art Deco chic, with the marble checkerboard hall, the exuberant sweeping staircase, Lalique glass panels, ornate ironwork and banisters, mirror paneling and signature emerald-striped china. At Claridge's, for all its newfound popularity with a young and fashionable crowd, the grandeur remains undimmed.

The Rooms

The favored haunt of royals, Claridge's is also the original hip hotel, and many of the suites remain an inspiring showcase for the best British talent. Guests can request either traditional Victorian-style interiors or the sleek chic Art Deco rooms in the 12 different categories of rooms and suites (the price rising incrementally with the amount of space). Across the entire spectrum, however, these are the largest rooms in London, with peerless bathrooms boasting the luxury of natural light and soup-plate-size showerheads.

The Service

Liveried doormen, waiters and butlers in coattails seem to be blessed with photographic memories, recalling faces and names years later.

The Highlights

Former staff quarters have been transformed into the Olympus Fitness and Beauty Suites, with a good range of beauty treatments and steam room and showers. But like everyone else, you'll likely find yourself being drawn to the David Collins-designed bar downstairs. Upholstered in scarlet leather and silver leaf, its daring, sassy decor is the perfect place to watch the antics of the well-heeled Mayfair crowd, air-kissing while picking at the contents of lacquered Bento boxes of sushi, the favored snack du jour. Vintage champagne is required fuel, but the excellent variety of cocktails, both traditional and original, combined with the exciting and glamorous atmosphere, has re-established the Claridge's Bar at the forefront of the London social scene.

-- Catherine Fairweather

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