The Art of British Refinement: A Masterclass in Excellence at Claridge’s
September 7th 2025
There are hotels that follow trends, and then there is Claridge’s. Often referred to as "The Annex to Buckingham Palace," this Mayfair icon has spent over a century perfecting the art of hospitality. Its status as a global powerhouse was once again solidified by its high ranking on the World’s 50 Best Hotels list. From the moment the liveried doormen greet you at the black-and-white checkered lobby, you realize you aren't just a guest; you are part of a storied tradition.
Pre-Arrival: The Art of Anticipation
The Claridge’s experience began long before we touched down in London. The communication with the hotel team was flawlessly accommodating—one of the easiest "extra" request processes I've ever experienced. Whether it was coordinating specific room preferences or tailoring our itinerary, the staff anticipated our needs with a level of human touch that felt personal and proactive.
The Claridge’s Room & The Art of Dining
We stayed in a Claridge’s Room, a masterclass in Art Deco elegance. It’s a space where 1920s glamour meets 21st-century comfort. To fully immerse ourselves, we opted for the Art of Dining package, which turns every meal into a curated event.
Claridge’s Restaurant: The vibe here is upscale yet vibrant. One of the coolest highlights was the crossover with Dante NYC (the legendary bar from New York). Seeing Dante’s world-class "fluffy" cocktails integrated into this historic Mayfair setting was a brilliant "West Village meets West End" moment.
The Bars: We spent our evenings between the Claridge’s Bar, which has a buzzing, upscale energy perfect for people-watching, and The Fumoir, a velvet-draped "jewelry box" hidden behind a secret door for more intimate nightcaps.
Claridge’s vs. The Connaught: A Mayfair Sister Comparison
While we chose Claridge’s as our home base, we couldn’t resist visiting its sister property, The Connaught, to see how it compared. While both are Maybourne gems, they offer very different "personalities."
The Bar Battle: We visited the world-famous Connaught Bar, and while the drinks were undeniably phenomenal and creative (the Martini trolley is a must-see!), we found the mixology back at Claridge’s to be just as sophisticated. If you're a cocktail enthusiast, you really can't lose at either.
The Lobby Vibes: This is where the hotels truly diverge. The Connaught has a very "gentleman’s club" feel—traditional, but we found the lobby to be a bit cramped and dark. In contrast, Claridge’s is bright, soaring, and open. The sense of space and light at Claridge’s makes the simple act of walking to the elevators feel grand.
The Location: Both are in the heart of Mayfair, but Claridge’s wins on proximity to the iconic London experience. It is perfectly positioned just steps from the luxury boutiques of Bond Street and the bustling energy of Selfridges and Oxford Street. The Connaught is tucked deeper into the residential "Mayfair Village" near Mount Street—lovely and quiet, but Claridge’s puts the very best of London’s shopping and landmarks right at your doorstep.
The Verdict
Claridge’s manages to be impeccably formal without ever being stiff. It’s a hotel that respects its history while staying relevant through world-class collaborations and a service team that never says "no." It is a global icon for a reason—it’s not just a stay; it’s an education in the "good life."
