It’s not every day you get to check into London’s most iconic 5 star hotel, but on a quiet Sunday earlier this year, our Editor did just that. Here, Jessica Ruth Gibson shares her personal experience as an undercover travel writer.
After 13 years of working in luxury travel, Travelista’s hotel hot list is looking pretty good. But I’ve got a bucket list of dream five star hotels around the world that I’d still love to check into one day. Claridge’s has been firmly on this list for at least 10 of those years and although I’ve been lucky enough to visit Claridge’s for some events over the years, I have never stayed there – until now.
For full transparency in this review, this hotel stay was not part of a media or press trip for Travelista. We stayed as paying guests, but my partner was able to access an incredible discounted rate through his work. The hotel didn’t know I was media or that I had any intention of writing this review. I liked this, as it meant we got to receive the exact same level of service that any guest would.
Getting to stay overnight as a guest at Claridge’s meant I got to see so much more of the hotel than I ever have before. Beyond the iconic public spaces such as the chequered floor lobby and the elegant Foyer, I got to spend time in the dreamy underground spa and sleep in my very own Claridge’s suite – which was truly fit for a princess. Read on for my full Claridge’s review.
Introducing Claridge’s
Claridge’s is one of the most famous and finest 5 star hotels in central London, located in the affluent district of Mayfair. Dating back to the 1850’s, Claridge’s is best known for its iconic Art Deco. This is a theme that beautifully transcends through every corner of the hotel through design, interiors and styling. From royalty fo A-listers, Claridge’s polished hallways welcome and endless flow of high profile visitors over the years, yet regardless of status, all its guests receive the same exceptional level of service.
Claridge’s is part of The Maybourne Group, and sits alongside sister hotel The Connaught (London), as well as The Emory (London), The Maybourne Riviera (near Monaco) and The Maybourne Beverly Hills. From afternoon tea in the elegant Foyer to cocktail hour in The Fumoir, there are so many iconic experiences to be had in this top London hotel.
Checking in
As soon as we stepped off the street and through Claridge’s revolving doors, it felt like I had entered a bubble of care-free calm. We were welcomed by staff on the door. ‘Checking-in?” they asked, and immediately whisked our bags away to take directly to the room. We headed to the reception desks and after a short check-in process, another lovely member of staff personally took us up to our room, which to my surprise, was a junior suite.
She showed us around every corner of the room, pointing out important things to know and before she left she offered us a welcome glass of champagne. Swept up in the moment and the excitement, we said yes please and settled into our luxurious base for the night.
Into the Suite at Claridge’s
The suite consisted of 3 rooms. There’s a spacious lounge, a bedroom and a bathroom, which linked together off of a wide and spacious hallway. I expected nothing less from Claridge’s, but everything felt so elegant, premium and luxurious. From the silky soft bedding to the plush slippers, ornate lighting and handcrafted furniture, there was quality in every single corner of this suite. I took a look around, discovering details like a Dyson hairdryer, embroidered robes and a heated toilet seat and full sized Serenne toiletries.
In the lounge of the suite, a plate of handmade chocolates were waiting to be devoured. We enjoyed these alongside our welcome glass of champagne and mixed nuts. The nuts were candied and so delicious and the chocolates were presented like something from the counter of a fancy chocolatier. Every tiny aspect and detail was elevated – or incredibly delicious.
Time in the Spa
One of the things I was most excited to see during this stay at Clardige’s was the new Claridge’s spa, which is only accessible to guests. The underground spa was added to the hotel in 2022 as part of major renovations costing. These complex renovations involved digging into the foundations underneath the hotel in order to create a small and intimate spa space comprising of a gym, treatment rooms and a pool. The renovations were so unique and ambitious that Chanel 4 made a documentary about it called ‘The Million Pound Hotel’. I remember watching it a few years back, so it was great to see the finished product.
Just like the rest of the hotel, the space has been thoughtfully designed and has luxurious touches woven throughout. Three day beds at one side of the pool provide an amazing place to unwind pre or post spa treatment.
Dressing Up for the Night
After a relaxing afternoon in the spa, we headed out for the evening. I took my time to get ready and make an attempt to look as elegant as my surroundings. There’s nothing like an excuse to dress up than a night at Claridge’s! When we went down to the lobby, there was a great atmosphere coming from The Foyer, which is truly an institution in itself. To be honest, I did feel a million dollars waltzing through Claridge’s chequered floors and out for an evening of more indulgence.
An Evening at The Connaught
My boyfriend had arranged for us to go for dinner and drinks at The Connaught , Claridge’s sister hotel. Being just a 5 minute walk away, both hotels are so closely situated and whichever hotel you choose as your base, I’d definitely recommend going to check out the other for a broader Maybourne experience.
The Red Room
We started with drinks at The Red Room, which is a speak-easy style bar hidden away off a corridor of the ground floor, behind a thick velvet curtain. It’s the type of place nobody is going to stumble across by chance, so you can assume it’s full with either hotel guests or people in the know.
With a small capacity for around 35 guests, dim candle light and striking art-led aesthetics, it’s an intimate and romantic space which is perfect for a pre or post dinner drink.
I ordered my go-to cocktail which is a margarita and we also enjoyed some nuts, olives and pre dinner small plates including the most delicious ‘crispy salmon sushi’ I’ve ever tasted.
I absolutely love this space and highly recommend it as a Mayfair hidden gem. Reservations for The Red Room can be made for hotel residents and there are also a limited number of walk-in tables for non-guests of the hotel.
Jean Georges at The Connaught
Drinks was followed by the main event, which was dinner at Jean Georges at The Connaught, otherwise known as ‘JG’ – which also happens to be my initials. Jean Georges offers exceptional dishes in stylish and relaxed environment overlooking Mayfair’s Carlos Place. I’d describe the menu as European, with a bit of everything on there from a truffle cheeseburger to fine dining options including a 6-course ‘Taste of Jean Georges’ tasting menu to Sakura Wagyu Sirloin and Scottish Blue Lobster.
For the main course I went for the ‘simply prepared’ salmon which was so fresh, flavourful and cooked to perfection. We ordered sides of chips, spinach and grilled shiitake mushrooms, which complimented the salmon perfectly. We were way too full for desert, but they brought us out the most phenomenal Mille Feuille to share, which it was the perfect way to round off the dining experience. We walked back to Claridge’s in the rain, under an umbrella the hotel kindly loaned to us. It’s as if they’ve thought of literally everything and anything their guests could need.
Breakfast in The Foyer
The next morning came with one last indulgence, which was breakfast at Claridge’s. Guests can opt to have breakfast in-room via room service, in The Foyer or in Claridge’s Restaurant. We opted for breakfast in The Foyer in the very heart of the hotel. After the incredible experience we’d had so far, I was expecting the breakfast to be equally as elevated, and it truly was.
There was a huge amount of choice on The Foyer breakfast menu, but I ended up going for the pancake stack with fresh berries and an English breakfast tea. Not only did it come in the most beautiful ceramics and silverware, we also got an additional tiered tray of freshly baked muffins, breads and croissants. I learned that all tables receive this at the breakfast service, so prepare yourself for a morning feast. We also got an acaii bowl which was delicious and so beautifully presented. I had to try a little bit of everything and to no surprise, each bite was fresh, flavoursome and a true cut-above the average.
Another thing I noticed about The Foyer was how friendly the staff were, taking the time to stop and chat, giving all their guests the time of day, as if they had all the time in the world. Many people in there seemed like regulars, rather than residents, coming in for their breakfast and being greeted by the staff like old friends. The Foyer really is an institution within an institution and after the breakfast experience, I’d love to go back and try the famous afternoon tea.
To Conclude
One night in Claridge’s was such a treat but simply not long enough. It’s like checking into the adult equivalent of Disneyland; where anything is possible and nothing is too much trouble. You’re so far removed from reality – but in the best way possible. I got to step off the treadmill of life and be truly catered for in such luxurious surroundings. The world of Claridge’s feels far from my reality, but it’s certainly a very nice place to be, even if just for the night.
Thank you Claridge’s, for a world-class hotel experience that I will never forget; officially my new favourite hotel in London.