Claridge's

Claridge’s stands at the corner of Brook Street and Davies Street in Mayfair, London. The present building dates from 1898 and is a Grade II listed example of Edwardian hotel architecture. It replaced earlier terraced houses that had been joined together in the 19th century. The hotel occupies a prominent corner site in one of London’s most fashionable districts. Its Art Deco extension from the 1920s is also recognised as part of its character. Two extra floors were added in 2021 through a discreet roof extension. The hotel’s reputation was established in 1860 when Empress Eugénie stayed and invited Queen Victoria. Baedeker’s London guide of 1878 called it “The first hotel in London.” During the Second World War it housed the Yugoslav government in exile and King Peter II. Winston Churchill lived there briefly after losing the 1945 election. The hotel’s art programme includes works by Damien Hirst and an artist-in-residence scheme begun in 2011. Inside, guests find the Foyer and Reading Room for afternoon tea, three ground-floor bars, and a 2023 café with gallery space. The Painter’s Room bar features walls painted by Annie Morris. Guest rooms contain prints by Hirst, and the rooftop penthouse suite displays 75 of his works. The lobby Christmas tree is designed each year by fashion houses such as Burberry and Dolce & Gabbana.