Claridge's

This was my first stay at Claridge’s — a true bucket-list hotel for me. I’ve watched the hotel’s many TV documentaries over the years, so finally spending a night there was an absolute thrill. I’ve worked in the travel industry for 25 years, so I’ve stayed in many of the world’s best hotels. This was in a different league. I was incredibly fortunate to be staying in one of the Claridge’s Suites, and it was enormous — bigger than my apartment. The suite had two bathrooms, a lounge, dining area, entrance hall, and a huge bedroom complete with a dressing table and desk. There was a minibar with complimentary soft drinks, two TVs, the deepest bathtub I’ve ever experienced, and even a state-of-the-art Japanese electric toilet. The first thing I did after arriving was order a portion of their famous afternoon tea sandwiches to the room — incredible. I then spent a few relaxing hours enjoying the spa and swimming pool before returning to the suite and ordering a Claridge’s roast beef Sunday dinner. What could be better? After a wonderfully lazy night and the best sleep I’ve had in years, I ordered breakfast to the room the next morning — only for it to be delivered by their legendary longtime butler, Michael Lynch, whom I recognised from the documentaries. He has been at the hotel for 48 years. We had a lovely chat, and he even kindly allowed me to take a photograph. A true gentleman. Thank you, Claridge’s, for the stay of a lifetime. You’ve created an unforgettable memory that I will always cherish.

The best reason to stay here is that it is a full service hotel 2 blocks from the Bond Street station on the Elizabeth line just 30 minutes ride from Heathrow. If the train is broken (which it was when I was departing), it is a 2 minute ride from Bond Street station to Paddington Station to pick up the Heathrow Express. Claridge's is elegant in decor and service, and you can expect your shaver outlet to work to recharge your phone here. My room had a tiny balcony which meant it also had some light. In the restaurant, food comes quickly if you ask for them to rush your dinner or breakfast order. Nevertheless, this is not my favorite hotel in London. The hotel is like a maze to get around with elevators tucked away discreetly and room numbers not marked well in the hallways. Elevators can be slow. I found it frustrating to find my room all the time running around the hallways and asking staff to help me find my room. The gym is decent with fancy equipment but not great when it comes to content and the swimming pool is warm but small (3 strokes to get across). Spa facilities are good but they and the pool close at 9. There is no spinner-dryer for a bathing suit, a surprise at a property like this one. No hard bath soap in my bathroom. The Langham is better on all counts. They also have a breakfast buffet instead of only a la carte options. For the same money, you can get a corner executive suite which gives you a lot more room and access to the business lounge. For the airport transfer it's one stop on the red line from Oxford Circus to Bond Street. Both hotels are within a few blocks of a Marks and Spencer. Good things in this hotel are that the AC runs continuously at night and the room had easy to use light switches and shower. A cute thing here -- they had a poet in residence in the lobby writing out Valentines Cards. That's something you'd only likely find at Claridges!

Fabulous hotel,friendly staff who are willing to go above and beyond .Room was extremely beautiful. Can’t fault this place. Food and atmosphere were splendid. It’s the attention to detail where they really excel. Thank you for unforgettable memories.

I really appreciated the quintessentially-British baked treats not to mention the dedicated skilled craftmanship of a passionate baker🇬🇧✨ If you purchase one thing here I would personally recommend the rye sourdough loaf, it is exquisitely crafted not to mention one of the best rye sourdough bread I've ever sampled(superb in taste, unique sourdough texture and satisfying hollow sound from the back :-) ✅🍞✨

Claridges has really fallen from my list of London's best afternoon tea experiences. I have great memories of delicious sandwiches, interesting jams and gorgeous decor. Sadly the food was subpar. The hotel lacked the beautiful fresh flower arrangements of years past and instead had minimalistic flower arrangements and three metal sculptures of headless woman with their breast nipples in your face when going into the restaurant- they honestly belonged in a modern art exhibit - they did not fit in with the aesthetic of the hotel or what one would expect for a ladies afternoon tea. Very disappointed. I must say that the service was very good and tea was good.