Claridge's stands at Brook Street and Davies Street in Mayfair. The present building opened in 1898. It has been at the centre of London society ever since.

The origins go back to 1812, to Mivart's Hotel. In 1854, William and Marianne Claridge acquired it. They gave it their name. The name stuck.

The lobby at Claridge's
The Foyer at Claridge's, the heart of the hotel. The present building opened in 1898 on Brook Street and Davies Street. Photograph: Anthony O'Neil (CC BY-SA 2.0)

The hotel is owned and managed by Maybourne Hotel Group. The building is Grade II listed.

The Foyer is the heart. The Ballroom hosts state occasions. The Bar serves martinis. Each room has its own character.

Art Deco carpets designed for the Claridge's lobby in 1931
Art Deco geometric carpets designed by Marion Dorn for the Claridge's lobby in 1931. This is Mayfair's art deco palace. Photograph: Unknown author (Public domain)

Claridge's does not chase fashion. It sets a standard and maintains it. That is harder.

Doormen at Claridge's
The doormen at Claridge's. The hotel sets a standard and maintains it: the clock moves differently inside. Photograph: Roy Katzenberg (CC BY 2.0)

To enter through the revolving doors is to step out of time. London rushes past outside. Inside, the clock moves differently.