Elite Traveler Summer 2024

EXPLORE TOPSUITES Claridge’s THE RESIDENCE AND THE PENTHOUSE

“Claridge’s, daaaahling” — the phrase just walks o ff the tongue, each syllable heavy with the weight of unabashed luxury. An icon since 1856, the hotel remains special even among London’s fi ve-star set. But what old and new money alike both love about Claridge’s is its constant ability to o ff er something new. Reputation alone would surely see it weather hard times, but the hotel does something more: It constantly reinvents and replaces itself, without ever losing any of the pizzazz that made it so great in the fi rst place. A recently completed seven-year renovation saw the hotel’s footprint double, with a jaw-droppingly intricate feat of engineering digging down to add fi venew fl oors below ground and a further three on top. This renovation touched virtually every element of the hotel (with historical features painstakingly preserved) but some highlights naturally stand out as the real stars. The top headline grabbers are the newly designed restaurant, which has returned to its Claridge’s Restaurant name for the fi rst time in two decades and serves decadent dishes in fl ashy Art Deco surroundings; the subterranean, 7,000-sq-ft Claridge’s Spa; and 75 new guest rooms. Included in the new room count is The Residence — a lavish two-bedroom, André Fu-designed duplex, centered by a marvelous circular lounge space, with fl oor-to-ceiling windows for gazing out on the city skyline. On the second fl oor, accessed by a grand spiral staircase, a rooftop terrace complete with a whirlpool beckons. Miraculously topping even this, though, is the all-new Penthouse. Sprawling over 16,145 sq ft and occupying the entirety of Claridge’s top fl oor, the four-bedroom suite is accessed via its own private elevator; it was envisaged by legendary yacht designer Rémi Tessier. Resplendent details are too many to list entirely, but — deep breath — the fl oating piano pavilion, inclusive fi newine fridge, the world’s largest private Damien Hirst collection, an outdoor ‘lake,’ 29.5-ft heated pool, private gym, marble bathtubs and 360-degree city views help paint the picture. There really is nowhere else like it in London, new or old. By Kim Ayling Price on request. Contact info@claridges.co.uk, +44 207 629 8860, claridges.co.uk

PBS: Ph# above is per raw c., but I only fi d this ph#, for front desk, reservations, and meetings & events, on Contact page on resort site: +1 707 709 2100. Want that instead of the toll-free ph# above? Con fi rm.

Clockwise from above The Residence at Claridge’s; The Penthouse master bedroom; The Penthouse

piano pavilion; The Residence lounge