There are some cities with amazing points hotel, where I’ll gladly return to the same hotel every time I visit. London isn’t one of those places. I’ve reviewed a countless number of points hotels in London over the years, and they’ve ranged from average to quite good. For our four nights in London this time…
Continue reading: Review: Claridge’s Hotel London
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
While an incredible property you really did score as to the rate. Expect it to be closer to $800 a night with exchange when things calm down. Even the Four Seasons Park Lane and their 235 sg. ft rooms are now approaching $800.00.
Good for catching a bargain though. But I imagine we won't see rates like that until the next pandemic.
The food prices at these high end hotels always shock me, $30 for a lox bagel... yikes!
Cannot read these articles anymore on my laptop. Massive pictures, endless pop up banners. And that's once I've made my way through the hot mess that is the homepage. Sorry.
The hotel is, as you describe, a lovely place to spend a few days. But the bar area is a little crowded on occasion. Quite full of non-residents.
At least the Savoy, when the American Bar is getting busy, limits the entry to guests only.
More constructively, there are loads of better places for a "middle eastern" breakfast in London. Delamina in Marylebone, any Ottolenghi branch around town, the Good Egg in Hackney.
I've always heard amazing things about the service at this hotel. Glad to see they are deserving of the reputation!
Ben- If you like Claridge's, I strongly suggest that on your next visit you try their sister hotel, The Connaught. Formerly a very stuffy, traditional hotel with black tie dining and dancing twice a week, a series of renovations and changes of policy (changing the atmosphere and attitude to appeal to people in their late 20's had upwards) has brought the hotel well into the 21st century. The Helene Darroze restaurant on-premises is amazing. The room promotions are the same as at Claridge's and during the same time periods. I've made the switch a few years ago, pretty much for good.
"The attention to detail was very impressive. For example, clearly my laptop screen isn’t very clean, because a cleaning wipe was left next to my computer."
LOL did you feel embarrassed? A few years ago there were a few documentaries on the telly portraying Claridges throughout the year. The Christmas decoration looked spectacular. The hotel's general manager has now moved on to the Corinthia I believe so maybe you could review that one next time you are in London?
I have always wanted to stay there. Thanks to your extensive review, I feel like I have!! I have heard its an Art Deco masterpiece so thanks for all the great shots. Excellent job.
Thank you for the excellent review! I was ready to book (we are actually looking at London hotels right now) until the part about no in-room coffee! I do think I might check it out for afternoon tea, though. I really like the Orangery but this place is so iconic. Your review makes it seem like a very appealing choice.r
I am impressed at seeing Krug champagne in the minibar. Given the queen mother said she only drunk Krug it may be a nod to her.
We stayed at Claridge's years ago. It's reputation for having Kings from around the world staying led to someone calling the hotel and asking for the King. The hotel operator said, "which one?"
All in all, the hotel, food & beverage, its staff and service are the best. Hilton and Marriott should learn from them. Sure they will!
London is definitely one of the cities to go “off chain” as there are so many wonderful classic hotels there. When I go to London for work (pre-pandemic I was commuting from NY) I just stay at the Andaz Liverpool St. - it’s just easier in terms of location.
I agree wholeheartedly with your Claridge’s review. I’ve been lucky enough to stay in many of London’s great hotels. Having said that, my favorite bar none is The Berkeley. It’s “around the corner” of Hyde Park from Claridge’s and I tend to be more Knightsbridge / Chelsea / South Ken than Mayfair / St. James / Marylebone. Hyde Park is just as convenient. It’s all relative and personal opinion but I find Claridge’s excellent but of its age (maybe the Reno has changed that) while The Berkeley did their major reno into the modern era a while ago and they keep it up and have gotten even better combining the modern esthetic while remaining centered in their classic style and age. I think they’re both equally excellent in terms of F&B and spa / gym amenities. Service flawless in both.
All the great classic London hotels share a few things including a great classic bar culture and Michelin starred dining venues. Comparing The Berkeley and Claridge’s to the other great classic hotel in the area, The Dorchester (B & C & D) i find B & C to,be on a more intimate scale than D. D is also a little to “blingy” for my personal tastes. I think these three are in the top league in London and I would put some/most of the other classics (The Ritz and The Savoy spring to mind) one rung below in the next rung along with some of the top chain choices in London.
All a matter of personal taste with no one right or wrong opinion.
$160 for a bottle of Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve! That’s maybe $60 maximum at a wine shop or grocery store. Even their per glass prices are insanely marked up when you do the British pounds to US dollar conversion.
As for service, housekeeping and the like. A perfect example of why US hotel worker unions and cheap owners have destroyed service. You could never get this kind of service in the US without room rates of $700+. And even then you’re probably only talking about Four Seasons and Peninsula. St Regis and Ritz-Carlton have never given me a screen wipe or garment bag.
What a great review! Claridge's has so much history and your review really showcases that and the renovations so well. The design and style aren't my cup of tea so to speak. It still looks and feels dated and stuffy. I much prefer the Rosewood in Holborn, which has a lot going for it across the board, except for the service, which I've found to be frequently cold, not personal, and transactional at best. The two perhaps aren't quite comparable, except for being luxury properties in London.
The Claridge's is a fantastic stay, steeped in history. However, it's my number 2 when staying in London, which I have to do for work almost twice-thrice a month. My top three (although top two now) as follows:
1. Taj 51 Buckingham: As a frequent guest, I reserve the Jaguar Suite (yes - I am a petrol head) months in advance since it is frequently occupied by visiting execs. This suite was indeed designed by the acclaimed Ian Callum. For a more modest cost, I have also enjoyed stays in the Ministers 1-bed suite in the rare occasions that the Jaguar Suite was unavailable. The warmth and professionalism of the service at the Taj is second to none - a trademark of Taj properties around the world as far as I can tell. Also, try their tea tasting or coffee tasting menu along with their in-house coffee and tea taster. As a comparison, the minibar is usually stocked with a Krug Rose and a Dom crisp. Incidentally, my favorite hotel in the world is the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur. The wife and I definitely make it a point to stay there on our visits to India. In summary, I prefer the amenities at the Taj (a great blend of historic and contemporary) and also feel that the Taj is a little more personal (warmth in service alongside professinalism).
2. Claridge's - Fantastic but second to the Taj with respect to some minor details. I was surprised to see Krug. Typically, they used to keep Bollinger as a nod to the Royals (Bollinger was the first champagne to receive Queen Victoria's approval).
3. The St. JOHN (an establishment owned by Fergus Henderson) until the hotel closed down. My fav boutique hotel in London along with a fabulous restaurant! 🙁
Oi! All of the recommendations are strong, but can we surely forget the two most iconic addresses in London: Hotel 41 and The Savoy!
If what you want uncompromised and sophisticated English luxury in a property with great historic pedigree, these two must be on your list. In my opinion, they are the top two hotels to stay at when in London if budget no bar.
I have stayed at many a hotels in London, mainly for work. However, when I am paying from my pocket, I stay at the Hotel 41 and The Savoy, because I want an impeccable and special experience every time during my personal travels. I cannot express in words what makes these two hotels so special - it's definitely an experience of all the senses. You MUST try them if you want to stay at the most iconic addresses in London.
Ben,
I just returned from London yesterday and stayed at The Connaught for four nights. Also owned by the Maybourne group, The Connaught experience is absolutely over the top. Exquisite accommodations (including an Illy coffee machine) and impeccable service. The Connaught is also home to The Connaught Bar, deservingly ranked as the world's #1 bar in 2020 (google it). I know that this sounds like an ad but I was extremely impressed.
FYI, the Maybourne group recently took over the former Montage in Beverly Hills. I understand that the property, now called The Maybourne, is as upscale as their London properties.
She said she was unable to comment further. I don't feel I can comment on their decision. We were just commenting on how well you look.
What a great rate ! How do you think this compares with some of your recent $1000 ( plus resort fee ) hotels you have stayed at recently Ben ?
Davies and Brook is operated by Daniel Humm, of Eleven Madison Park fame. We went just after it opened and were impressed - it has since picked up a Michelin star.
Thank you for such a detailed review! We stayed here after an award fight on Concorde before it shut down. I looked for a hotel that wouldn't feel like a let down after Concorde, and Claridge's didn't disappoint. Our room had a separate dressing room which gave us lots of space. The breakfasts were memorable in the dining room as was the high tea.
A few years ago we stayed at the Ritz after the Orient Express train to London. The beauty of our historic room and the dining room plus the most dramatic bar tenders mixing very beautiful cocktails made our stay very memorable. I unfortunately got food poisoning while I was there. They surprised me by delivering to my room a giant box with a long hot water bottle called a Yuyu. It is "wearable" and delivers 6 hours of heat. Very pricey and wonderful. I was very touched.
I live in London and love Claridges. I must highly recommend Davies and Brook. It has been one of the best Western dinning experiences we've had in the past 5 years.
The Connaught is my preference. Excellent restaurants to boot. Not to mention so close to Goyard!
For what it’s worth, I understand the Ritz London exclusivity on the name “Ritz” has expired. I fully anticipate Marriott to open a Ritz-Carlton in London once this pandemic is done. Perhaps a rebrand of the JW Marriott Grosvenor House? For years, that’s been operated pretty close to Ritz-Carlton service standards - they just need a butler service.
I generally stay at the Connaught. I highly recommend it. Request a Rolls Royce pick up or drop off. Note the dress code! The Connaught Concierge, having won the best Concierge award was asked if there ever was a request he could not fulfill. Regrettably, he replied there was one. A guest had requested he obtain tickets to the Piccadilly Circus!
Ah, nice to hear, DCharlie, as Taj 51 Buckingham Gate is the hotel we want to try on our next trip to London! It looks great on the website, and it's great to hear a positive review from someone who has actually been there. I quite like that they offer two bedroom, two bathroom suites. My husband and I have a college-aged young person and we like to travel together, but also have our own space.
Rolling is key. Fold pants in half lengthwise, then roll from bottom up. Then fold jacket in half lengthwise (so that each breast is facing out), place the rolled pants at the bottom of the jacket, and roll the jacket up around the pants. Then when you arrive, unroll everything, hand them near or in the shower, and let the steam from a hot shower get any small wrinkles out.
Rolling is key. Fold pants in half lengthwise, then roll from bottom up. Then fold jacket in half lengthwise (so that each breast is facing out), place the rolled pants at the bottom of the jacket, and roll the jacket up around the pants. Then when you arrive, unroll everything, hand them near or in the shower, and let the steam from a hot shower get any small wrinkles out.
Looks incredible! Sadly I have too much respect for my South Asian colleagues and friends to patronize any of these establishments.
They'd hardly miss my tiny wallet in any case!
FWIW - I would not recommend the dining at any of the hotels. London is a fantastic city for food and there are hidden gems. While I may like to stay at the Hotel 41 and The Savoy among other locations, I don't recommend dining at any of them. The Palomar in Holborn or The Honey & Co. in Marylebone are my go to places for Middle Eastern food.
Interesting remark, Sir Walter. You may be interested to know that your namesake kept an African slave.