VIBE

Luxury without the stuffiness. The lobby is designed in a modern Art Deco style with a spectacular Dale Chihuly chandelier. The public area’s soft yellow glow and gorgeous flower arrangements are inviting and make guests feel warmly welcomed.

GO HERE WITH

Co-workers (if your company will foot the bill!), your family, your loved one…this is the hotel for every special occasion.

WHY WE LIKE IT

The history, the staff’s attentiveness, the beautiful rooms, the gorgeous first floor–enough reasons for you? Since the hotel opened in the mid-19th century, it’s remained a perennial fave with the royal set and it’s not hard to see why. The spacious rooms, the obsequious staff, and the delectable restaurants all add up.

AMENITY WE LOVE

Beautiful lobby sitting area, perfect for taking afternoon tea with your mum; old time elevator operator (a real, live person!); Asprey toiletries.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The downside of individually designed rooms is some variation in room size and quality–if you are unhappy with your assigned quarters, make sure to request a change.

GOOD TO KNOW

This is a London institution dating back to the mid-19th century. Like the Connaught and the Berkeley, Claridge’s belongs to the Maybourne Hotel Group.

CLOSEST COMPS

The Lanesborough (London); The Dorchester (London); Le Meurice (Paris)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to London