Claridge's is one of London's grandest hotels, standing at the corner of Brook Street and Davies Street in the heart of Mayfair. An Art Deco landmark that has welcomed monarchs, statesmen and society for well over a century, it is as much a part of London's cultural fabric as the galleries and townhouses that surround it. For the discerning visitor, Claridge's offers a window onto a particular idea of London: discreet, elegant and quietly theatrical. Even those not staying the night come to admire its famous facade, its glittering interiors and the sense of occasion that clings to every threshold.
Why visit Claridge's
Claridge's matters because it is one of the finest surviving expressions of Art Deco design in London and a living monument to the city's social history. Founded in the nineteenth century and reimagined in the 1920s and 1930s, it has hosted royalty, heads of state and artists for generations, making it a destination for anyone interested in London's heritage of style. Beyond its guest rooms, the hotel functions as a cultural address. Its interiors were shaped by some of the most celebrated designers of their eras, and its public spaces have long been a stage for the well dressed and the well connected. Visitors drawn to architecture, design and the texture of old London will find Claridge's a rewarding stop, a place where the twentieth century's confidence in glamour has been carefully preserved rather than allowed to fade.
What to see at Claridge's
The pleasure of Claridge's lies in its details, from the sweep of its entrance to the craftsmanship of its public rooms. Among the things worth noticing are the following.
- The Art Deco facade and entrance, a distinctive red brick presence on Brook Street that has become a Mayfair landmark in its own right.
- The famous black and white chequerboard lobby floor, one of the most photographed interiors in any London hotel.
- The sweeping staircase and original Art Deco detailing, much of it dating from the celebrated 1920s and 1930s refurbishments.
- The grand public rooms and foyer, where the hotel's tradition of hospitality and its sense of theatre are most visible.
- The hotel's reputation as a gathering place for royalty and society, a legacy that gives every visit a layer of history.
- The seasonal festive decorations, which in recent years have made the entrance a draw for visitors during the winter months.
How to visit
Claridge's stands on Brook Street in Mayfair, one of the most prestigious quarters of the West End. The nearest Underground station is Bond Street, served by the Central, Jubilee and Elizabeth lines, a short walk away. Green Park station, on the Jubilee, Piccadilly and Victoria lines, is also within comfortable reach, as is Oxford Circus on the Central, Victoria and Bakerloo lines. The surrounding streets are easily explored on foot. As a working luxury hotel, Claridge's is not a public attraction in the conventional sense, and access to its interiors is generally reserved for guests and those with reservations in its restaurants and bars. Anyone wishing to dine, drink or stay should consult the official Claridge's website for current availability, bookings and details, as offerings and arrangements change through the year.
What's nearby
Claridge's sits at the centre of one of London's richest concentrations of culture and commerce. Bond Street, with its jewellers, fashion houses and art dealers, is moments away, while Grosvenor Square and the elegant garden squares of Mayfair are within an easy stroll. The Handel Hendrix House on Brook Street, where both composer George Frideric Handel and guitarist Jimi Hendrix once lived, stands almost next door. A short walk leads to Berkeley Square and the boutiques and galleries of the surrounding streets, while Oxford Street and the green expanse of Hyde Park lie just beyond. The whole district rewards unhurried wandering, with notable architecture and discreet luxury at every turn.
Claridge's FAQ
Where is Claridge's?
Claridge's stands at the corner of Brook Street and Davies Street in Mayfair, in the heart of London's West End. It is one of the area's most recognisable buildings, set among the galleries, jewellers and townhouses that define this prestigious quarter. The nearest Underground station is Bond Street, just a short walk away.
Why is Claridge's famous?
Claridge's is famous as an Art Deco icon and a hotel that has welcomed royalty, heads of state and society figures for well over a century. Its celebrated interiors, photographed lobby and long association with London's social life have made it one of the most storied addresses in the city and a byword for understated grandeur.
Can visitors go inside Claridge's?
Claridge's is a working luxury hotel rather than a public attraction, so its interiors are generally reserved for guests and those with reservations in its restaurants and bars. Visitors wishing to experience the hotel from within should book ahead through the official website, where current availability and arrangements are listed.
What style is Claridge's built in?
Claridge's is celebrated for its Art Deco design, much of it dating from major refurbishments in the 1920s and 1930s. The chequerboard lobby, sweeping staircase and elegant public rooms showcase the geometric confidence of the period, making the hotel one of the finest surviving expressions of Art Deco style in London.
Plan your visit
To set Claridge's in context, browse our full guide to the city's finest places to stay on our London hotels hub. To explore the streets and squares that surround it, see our guide to London's neighbourhoods, and for ideas on filling the days around your stay, turn to our overview of the best things to do in London.
