Claridge’s – elegant, refined, glamorous, a true lady. StyleNest paid a visit to the iconic Art Deco hotel in the heart of London. 

As you’re greeted by the friendly and charming doormen and step through the revolving doors, you are immediately transported back to another era. A time of glamour and decadence.

The foyer of Claridge’s has to be one of the most impressive spaces in London. Beautiful Art Deco design, black and white marble floor, a roaring fire place and contemporary flower arrangements, courtesy of leading florist McQueens, all contribute to what is the heart of the hotel. The foyer is the place to be, whether to be seen or to spot some of the famous faces of stage, screen and fashion.

Claridge’s welcomes all, film stars, pop stars, Royalty and even us StyleNesters, but whoever you are you are made to feel just as welcome as their most exclusive guest. This is down to the genuine, friendly staff who will go out of their way to make you feel at home. Despite the grand decor and impeccable service it does just that, Claridge’s manages to be elegant yet cosy, luxurious yet homely. It is this quality that makes it so unique.

StyleNest were lucky enough to be staying in the glamorous Linley Suite. Dark wooden floors lined the corridors and were in stark contrast to the glitzy Art Deco mirrors and lights. The decor was sleek in a palette of navy and grey with stunning original features around the suite. Our butler and maid (yes we were spoilt rotten) were waiting at our suite to welcome us and show us around. Should you need anything at all your butler is on hand at all times. It is fair to say we felt like stars and could’ve quite happily moved into our suite, and renamed it The StyleNest Residence. Each suite also comes with Burberry trench coats to use throughout your stay and with the unpredictable weather we thought this was a marvellous touch. 

After settling in we teared ourselves away from the suite (we really could have spent all evening in there) and we headed down to the famous Fumoir. Tucked away behind a mirrored door adorned with an original 1930s Lalique panel, this dark and seductive bar decked out in plush velvet is worth a visit to Claridge’s alone. Steeped in history and with only space for 12 it is an intimate corner of the hotel to sit back and enjoy an apératif and (several) digestifs. Not knowing where to begin on the vast and tempting cocktail list, the friendly barman kindly assisted us. As recommended we tried the house classic, The Parisian, our new favourite tipple.

You may think that with an iconic, luxurious hotel such as Claridge’s it isn’t the place for families. Think again. Claridge’s warmly welcome children and babies. So much so that upon arrival little guests will receive a gift pack and there is even a children’s concierge who can tell you all the best family friendly spots in London. Also available are books and board games, baby soap and lotion, children’s bathrobes and babysitting and child minding services. We’re sure little ones with love exploring the hotel corridors to find the gorgeous Zebra rocking horse.

Dining at Claridge’s is a real experience. From afternoon tea in the foyer to dinner in the cosy reading room. But the real joy of dining at the hotel is being able to sit back, soak up the atmosphere and watch the famous faces around you. Claridge’s has been welcoming Royalty, film stars and fashion leaders since the 1800s. Claridge’s was home to Hollywood greats such as Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn and Bing Crosby, and still today is a hub of creativity with designers, film stars and pop stars mulling about the foyer, coming and going. Claridge’s has also recently introduced their artist in residence, fashion illustrator David Downtown, who can often be found sketching in one of the bars.

It is almost impossible to sum up what makes Claridge’s quite so wonderful. But it is clear that the staff, the elegant decor, the guests and the hotel’s atmosphere all contribute to make Claridge’s the Grand Dame of London. Whether you’re lucky enough to stay there or are simply popping in for afternoon tea, it is a must visit.

Need To Know: 

• Rooms: 203, including 67 suites.
• Rates: Double rooms from £250.00, excluding tax at 20 per cent. Please note the hotel charges an additional service charge of 5% per room per night on check-out.
• Facilities: Spa treatment rooms, fitness room with TechnoGym equipment, personal training, concierge service, boutiques, DVD library (£12 a day), free WiFi throughout. In rooms: flatscreen TV, minibar, bottled water, organic Bamford toiletries, bathrobes, slippers. DVD/CD players, iPod docking stations, laptops and games consoles provided on request. In top suites, you’ll also get champagne, fresh flowers, fruit and chocolates on arrival and a personal butler service.
• Check-out: 12 noon. Earliest check-in, 3pm.
• Children: Warmly welcomed. Extra beds (£75 a night) and cots (free for under-3s) can be added to larger rooms; highchairs and special children’s dishes are available in the Reading Room, Foyer and by room service. Babysitting can be arranged, from £8 an hour.
• Dogs: Small dogs are welcome but must be on leads outside of your room.
• Dining & Drinking: Last orders Claridge’s barmen shake and stir until 1am at both the Fumoir and Calridge’s Bar. The Foyer: breakfast, 7am–10.30am (Sundays, 8am–11am); lunch, 12 noon–2pm; tea, 3pm–6pm. The Reading Room: 7am–10.30pm; Gordon Ramsay: lunch, 12 noon–2.45pm; dinner, 5.45pm–11pm.
• Room service: 24 hours.

Claridge’s Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1K 4HR. Claridges.co.uk.