Timeless glamour abounds at Claridge’s, one of London’s most posh and illustrious luxury hotels. Staying at Claridge’s is like staying at a hotel legend, being that it has kept its pristine status since its construction in 1812 and can take exclusive credit for remaining a common haunt of royalty, and having accommodated three exiled kings and a queen in its time. Boasting one of the world's most exclusive guest lists, the overall layout and ambiance at Claridge’s radiates relaxation and splendor.

The palatial public rooms shine with inlaid marble floors, fluted pilasters, chandeliers and fine furnishings. The Front Hall flaunts art-deco lines and a sweeping grand staircase. The scrupulously restored foyer is a rendezvous for London’s elite, with a Dale Chihuly chandelier made of more than 800 pieces of hand-blown glass. The adjoining Reading Room exudes 1930s refinement with lacquered columns, nostalgic art, and art-deco-inspired seating.

Accommodations
Claridge’s has 203 rooms total, including its 67 legendary suites. Rooms feature spacious foyers, sumptuous fabrics, dual-line phones with data ports, ISDN lines and video-conferencing capability. Completing the technological amenities are safes, new flat-screen TV’s, DVD/CD players, dual-voltage outlets (US and UK), fax machines, complimentary mobile phones, and private buttons for the housekeeper, waiter and valet.

All rooms include: Video-on-demand, music-on-demand and radio; WiFi Internet connectivity; luggage unpacking and porter service; pressing service; 24-hour concierge service; twice daily maid service; a doctor on call; complimentary shoe shine; separate bath and shower; airport transportation and pick up; chauffeur-driven cars (Bentley, BMW, Mercedes); fresh floral arrangements and more.

Suites feature such grandiose touches as fireplaces, pianos, dining rooms and museum-quality art-deco pieces. Among the most popular and the newly designed one-bedroom Linely suites. Designed by Linely British furniture and design company with traditional or art-deco themes, these suites are keeping with Claridge's heritage in that they are classic and ornate. Each Linley Suite features a king-sized bed and grand sitting rooms. The marble bathrooms are bright and spacious. Some suites offer a large walk-in wardrobe and a guest bathroom. The one-bedroom Linley Suites are approximately 970 square feet in size and include some generous added extras such as a bottle of Champagne Moutard Six Cépages with canapés, fruit, flowers, and more.

Perhaps the most lavish of Claridge’s suites is its Brook Penthouse. Spanning across approximately 2,368 square feet, the Brook Penthouse Suite features two king-sized beds and a beautiful sitting-room with full height windows that look- out onto a stunning private roof terrace. This one-time apartment has been restored in the art-deco style with an elegant, gentle lilac décor, light oak floors and original fittings from the 1930’s. The bedrooms are large and luxurious, each with its own dressing room. The marble bathrooms are equally splendid with extra deep baths and separate showers. In addition, there is a charming dining room with a cocktail bar and cloakroom. Butler service is provided and amongst many extras, a complimentary car transfer from London Heathrow Airport, a welcome bottle of Laurent Perrier Grand Siècle, and a complimentary change of clothes pressed upon arrival.

Dining
Claridge’s offers three restaurants from which to choose. For fine dining, visit the Gordon Ramsay restaurant featuring modern European cuisine and posh ambiance designed by Thierry Despond. Guests can also enjoy meals at Claridge’s remaining two restaurants, The Foyer and the Reading Room, or order in-room dining for privacy.

There are two bars onsite, Claridge's Bar, which boasts artful décor and a long list of vintage champagnes, and the Macanudo Fumoir, where cigars take center stage, and cognacs, armagnacs, rums, tequilas and ports complete the unique selections.

Claridge's also is home to one of London’s most prestigious Afternoon Tea times. Voted “Best Afternoon Tea” by the Tea Guild, 2006, Claridge's Afternoon Tea in the Reading Room offers a huge choice of over 30 different teas from all over the world. These are accompanied with a delicious selection of finger sandwiches, French pastries and freshly baked raisin and apple scones served with the hotel’s own popular tea-infused jam and thick Devonshire clotted cream. Afternoon Tea is available daily from 3pm to 5:30pm and reservations are essential.

Recreation
The elegant sixth-floor of the hotel features the health club and spa, with latest equipment from Technogym, a juice bar, sumptuous steam showers and massage treatment rooms, and more. The hotel’s spa is one of the topmost facilities in the city featuring exclusive body and facial treatments using La Prairie products.

Claridge’s also is home to various large and ornate meeting and banquet rooms on the ground and sixth floors.

Rates
$800-$10,000 per night.