Claridges Hotel London
Claridges Hotel London – A Potted History
In the early 19th Century William and Marianne Claridge owned and ran a hotel at 51 Brook Street. Their neighbour was the famous Milvart hotel that encompassed five houses. In 1854 the Claridges purchased the Milvart and until Milvarts death in 1856 two years later, the hotel was called Claridges, late Milvart.
Claridge’s reputation grew over the coming years but really took off when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert arrived at the hotel to visit Empress Eugenie of France who had made the hotel her winter residence.
In 1893 Claridge’s hotel was bought by Richard D’Oyly Carte who had it completely re-built. The new hotel re-opened in 1893.
It has been the choice for many stars, socialites and the crowned heads of Europe for over 100 years. During World War II many crowned heads of Europe escaped to London and made Claridge’s hotel their home from home. In 1945 Winston Churchill decreed that Suite 212 would be designated part of Yugoslavia so that Crown Prince Alexander, the heir to the throne, could be born on Yugoslav soil.
Since the war – and especially during the 50s – many stars have stayed at Claridge’s hotel. They number quite a few but a non-exhaustive list includes Audrey Hepburn, Cary Grant, Yul Brynner, Katherine Hepburn and Bing Crosby.
In the 90s the Art Deco heritage was upgraded with a modern twist and to this day the hotel remains as London’s Art Deco Jewel.
A perfect place for the high-powered business person or a luxurious destination if you just want to indulge yourself or a loved one.
Award-Winning
It has won many awards over the years but a few that have been won in the recent past are;
Top Tea Place 2010 by the Tea Guild
Conde Nast Traveller-Gold List 2010 by Conde Nast Publishing Group
Bronze Award 2009 by Green Tourism London
Best British Hotel 2008 by Telegraph Travel Awards
Runner-Up Best European Hotel 2008 by Ultra Travel 100
Restaurants
We start with the Reading Room. Enjoy a contemporary menu in this magnificent Art Deco restaurant. It boasts a relaxed atmosphere with two cut-marble fireplaces, elegant mirrors, suede walls and leather columns. The restaurant has a capacity of 40 people and the dress code is elegant smart casual.
Afternoon Tea At Claridge’s serves the best afternoon tea in London. An English tradition at its finest, it serves a choice of 30 teas from around the world, an immense array of finger sandwiches and freshly-baked apple and raisin scones with jam and Devonshire clotted cream.
Claridge’s has won the Award of Excellence by the Tea Guild every year since 2007 and Best Afternoon Tea in 2006, adding to the reputation and excellence of Claridge’s hotel.
Live musical entertainment is served up for the diners at the Foyer. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a light meal and cocktails. In 1999 the Foyer was restored by acclaimed architect Thierry Despont, the centerpiece of which is a light sculpture made from 800 individually-blown glass pieces hanging from the 18ft-high ceiling. Dress code is ‘elegant smart casual’.
Gordon Ramsay At Claridge’s has been covered in great detail in another article on this site (see the link to the right).
Fitness
Whilst staying at Claridge’s you may want to burn off some of those calories built up in the fantastic restaurants and bars. At the top of the hotel is Claridge’s Fitness. Decorated with beautiful glass columns, the finest chrome fittings and rich hardwoods, the gym is light and airy with everything you’ll need to encourage you to stay fit. There’s a range of cardio-vascular machines as well as free weights ranging from 1Kg-22kg. To quench your thirst there’s also a well-stocked juice bar.
I hope we’ve given you enough of a taste of this majestic hotel and whether you’re visiting England on business or on vacation, will feel that a visit or a stay at Claridge’s hotel is going to be high on your list of priorities.
Location
Claridge’s hotel , situated in the heart of Mayfair, is perfectly placed for West End shopping, Theatreland and the City. It is also very close to Hyde Park. Its official address is Brook Street, London W1K 4HR
