Originally run as a small hotel in a single house in the early 1800s, founders William and Marianne Claridge quickly expanded the property with the addition of five adjoining buildings, leading to the official launch of Claridge’s in 1856. Later purchased by the owner of the Savoy, the hotel was then rebuilt by British architect CW Stephens - best known for designing Harrods - and reopened in 1898 with a remarkable red-brick exterior that remains largely unchanged. 

During the 1920s, its interior was further elevated with the addition of 80 additional rooms and a stunning ballroom. Originally designed by Art Deco pioneer, Oswald Milne, the English-heritage listed space has more recently been restored to its former glory, and features many motifs from the Jazz age along with a three-tiered ceiling, dazzling chandeliers, and a private entrance adorned with gilded glass panels. 

As testament to its unrivalled reputation and grand decor, over the last 150 years the hotel has become a haven for world leaders, movie stars, musicians, and esteemed dignitaries. Notable patrons include Audrey Hepburn, Mick Jagger, Lady Gaga, and Winston Churchill, and even provided a palatial refuge for the Kings of Greece, Norway and Yugoslavia during the Second World War. 

Offering the quintessential luxury stay experience, every single one of the hotel’s 190 rooms is furnished with sumptuous fabrics, regal fittings, and many boast original design features that have been carefully conserved throughout its rich history. Its most opulent spaces each have a distinct look and feel, including the Penthouse with its spectacular views of Mayfair, the incredibly spacious Mews Terrace, the palatial Royal Suite, and the Octagon Suite crafted by French interior designer, Pierre Yves-Rochon.

Other high profile brands and creators that Claridge’s has collaborated with include British workshop Linley, which is responsible for the aesthetic of some of its most exclusive suites and the evocative Map Room. Belgium fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg has also put her style stamp on the hotel on more than one occasion since becoming a long-standing patron of the hotel in the 1970s, with the hotel’s Grand Piano Suite epitomising the couturier’s inimitable style. 

To ensure its residents can relax and unwind in refined surroundings, each Claridge’s room also comes complete with a beautifully appointed bathroom, including one that features our flawless Picasso freestanding bath. With its deep curves and timeless design, the Picasso is the ideal addition to such a legendary location, allowing guests to indulge in a long, hot soak during their stay.

Last year, the hotel also unveiled its first ever spa, which is best described as an epicentre of wellness. Created by interior designer Andre Fu, the 7,000 square foot space invokes a strong sense of peace, tranquillity, and Japanese spirituality, with an aesthetic that’s heavily influenced by the breathtaking temples and Zen gardens of Kyoto. Its swimming pool, steam room, sauna, treatment rooms and personal cabanas are set within a striking interior that creates a multi-sensory experience, featuring water fountains, oak panelling, limestone-clad columns, Damien Hurst artwork and Bonsai trees.

A celebration of lavish decor and enduring design, it’s hardly surprising that Claridge’s has earned and retained its international reputation for excellence, as it continues to set the gold standard for unadulterated luxury. 

Recreate the lasting luxury of Claridge's in your own home with our Picasso Freestanding Stone Bath, exclusively available from Lusso.