Stayed at Claridges Dec. 11 - 16, 2006. Rooms (had to change rooms during stay because I extended stay 2 nights and my original room was not available the entire stay) were nice, a bit "dated" and great if you like the "old stuffy grandma" look. Personally, I prefer more modern type surroundings, but it worked and certainly is nothing to complain about. The shower rainhead is INCREDIBLE in the bathroom. King bed is the typical 2 European twins pushed together so the crack in the middle is a bit bothersome if you manage to fall into it constantly like I did. TV very small and the views in both rooms were into the center courtyard of the hotel so no street view...just the inner walls of the hotel. Had dinner in Gordon Ramseys....$400 for 2 with a bottle of wine. Would not do that again....classy but overrated. Food in the lobby restaurant just as good. The lobby itself and general public areas were SPOTLESS and just absolutely beautiful. The chandelier in the restaurant is stunning and unique. So, overall no complaints but next time would try something more "modern" (Four Seasons/Sanderson, etc.)..after 5 nights at Claridges I felt old and ready to checkout to get back to some excitement, and I am 44....so younger people would definitely not be too thrilled. Oh, VERY expensive....so, be prepared.

Just got back from Thanksgiving in London, travelling with my wife and 3 year old. While the exchange rate is lousy, Claridge's certainly isn't!
Truly a fabulous old-school hotel. From the furnishings to an actual elevator operator, it was like a blast from the past. (In fact, the whole experience reminded me of the St. Regis in NYC)
Our room was outstanding. We had booked a deluxe king, but when we showed up with our son, they gave us a "family accomidation" at no extra cost. This gave our son his own separate bedroom, which was great. The bathrooms are very traditional - upscale from the 1940's...Fabulous.
Service was outstanding, no complaints.
Breakfast and tea were superb. We were pleasantly surprised to find the most of our meals in London were excellent. In fact, the only one we didn't like a much was Gordon Ramsey's (in the hotel).
The service and presentation were good, we just didn't care for the actual food. We also didn't appreciate the 38 (?) pound seating charge for the 3 year old. All he had was an appetizer, and they still charged him the difference...It didn't mention this on the menu, but we dealt with it.
Beyond the call of duty: My wife left the passports locked in the room safe, and Claridge's put them in a Taxi and sent them to the airport for us.
We will stay there again.

We just had dinner last night. We were extremely late and arrived after last orders due to no cabs in the West End for half an hour. The staff made no fuss at all and gave us a tremendous meal, even unexpectedly bringing a birthday cake and singing happy birthday upon finding out what our occasion was about. The photos of Winston and the Queen in the foyer sum the place up.

Arrived 4:30PM for room. Booked a superior room. My information says room to be ready by 4.

Room not ready. Would we like to go out on the town, take a walk, wait?

Wait is fine.

My very tired bride, very tired. Find a small sofa, order a glass of champagne, and wait. And wait. Wife, a sleep. Another glass, then another. Checked on by staff. We are trying our best with your room. My response, "My wife (still hard to say that as we are just now husband and wife) looks fine. Please, take your time, we will be here when you are ready for us."

(I can hear upset and angry words coming from check in area from multiple people. Some one is coming unhinged, some one else is losing their grip.)

Checked on again, wife still asleep. "In a few moments." He says. "It sounds as if you have a lot on your hands, please take your time. We are fine." I say. My wifes head on my lap. Sound asleep. I'm very close to doing the same. It has been a great, but long day. Ponder asking for the manager, but that feeling passes. What good would that do?

Finally after 2 or 3 hours, or was it 3 or 4 drinks, the same gentleman asks if I would like to wake my wife and go to our rooms. Rooms??

Well to say my bride had tears in her eyes at the site of the room would be true. To say that I did, would be close. It was an apartment. Private interior hallways, a bedroom to die for, and the bathroom is still etched in memory. A sitting room, oh how marvelous. I could not wait for room service.

The fine staff had had a challenging issue with the "Marquis" and his retinue. He stated that our upgrade was only fitting to our patience with his staff.

Five nights. Perfect in everyway.

Tip: Be kind. Dress nicely. Drink Champagne in the hotel lobby. Never ever come unhinged, or lose your grip.