Intelligence Squared Hotels with History | Claridge's, London
Sep 2, 2025
Join lifelong traveler and hotel enthusiast Jules Perrone alongside actor and hotel connoisseur Richard E. Grant as they dive into the luxurious world of Claridge's in London. They explore the hotel's royal connections and historical significance, emphasizing how it evolved into a high-society hotspot. The discussion highlights the hotel’s resilience during the pandemic, showcasing the innovative spirit of its staff. They also reflect on the cherished tradition of afternoon tea, weaving in fascinating tales from its storied past.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
London's Events Created Hotel Demand
- London has always been a city of spectacle and large-scale public events that shaped its hospitality demand.
- Such civic and cultural moments helped drive the rise of grand hotels like Claridge's.
From Brook Street Houses To A Grand Hotel
- Claridge's began as two Brook Street houses opened in 1812 and evolved through owners into the Claridge family in 1854.
- It was rebuilt under Richard D'Oyly Carte and reopened in 1898 as the grand hotel we recognise today.
Evolving Design Preserves Identity
- Claridge's architecture blends late-Victorian form with successive modern interventions to remain quintessentially London.
- The hotel kept evolving internally while preserving heritage, notably through Art Deco and later restorations.
