Claridge's Hotel in Mayfair, London

A seamless mix of Victoriana and Art Deco glamour, this is the classic to trump all classic London hotels. The gem of Mayfair occupies an 1898 red brick building close to Hyde Park and some of the city's finest shops and restaurants. Upon entering the lobby you immediately sense the energy of being somewhere important, which is probably why the Reading Room restaurant is a hot-spot for power breakfasts. "Be sure to order an organic omelette or one of the other new organic menu options fresh from England's Daylesford Organic," says our editor Chantal, who spent a weekend there recently. The 203 rooms and suites vary in size and style, and take note that the fifth floor has a few smoking rooms, so best avoided if you're not a fan of tobacco. "Unless you want to spring for the terraced penthouse preferred by Mick Jagger, the rooms to book are any of the chic new Art Deco-inspired suites refurbished by talented furniture designer David Linley—who happens to be the Queen's nephew," says Chantal. "I especially loved staying in one of the only two suites with hardwood floors, and with a flat-screen TV at the foot of the bathroom's soaking tub—-you can just sprinkle in some Asprey bath salts and catch up on the evening news!" The hotel has always been—and remains—a favorite of royals, dignitaries and other bold-faced names, but like every Grand Dame worth her Grade II listed status, the historic property faces the challenge of modernizing it's facilities while respecting its original architecture and ambiance. For the most part, Claridge's succeeds with aplomb. It doesn't have a pool and there's only a small gym and a handful of treatment rooms instead of  a mega-spa, but the hotel stays on top of the game in many ways: Service is prompt, discreet and friendly rather than stuffy; guests can  tool around town in chauffeur-driven Bentleys Mercedes and BMWs; rooms have ample high-tech amenities and complimentary Wi-Fi; and over the past ten years things they've kept things fresh by commissioning leading decorators for updates, bringing in David Collins to create the very happening cocktail bar, Thierry Despont to design the Foyer and Gordon Ramsay's Michelin-starred restaurant and, most recently, the aforementioned Viscount Linley to revamp 20 suites. An alluring place that inspires a loyal following.

Rates start at £490 for a single occupancy Queen Room; £560 for a double occupancy Queen Room.

Suzanne's Files Exclusive: Mention "Suzanne's Files" when booking a minimum two-night's stay and receive a complimentary bottle of champagne upon arrival! (This offer is only valid if you book directly with Claridge's reservation department, and you must mention this offer when booking.)