Latest news with #Claridge's
NDTV
27-05-2025
- NDTV
7 Historic Hotels That Redefine Luxury Travel (And The Stories Behind Them)
Despite the changes each year brings, some hotels have stood strong for centuries — living proof that true craftsmanship endures. These historic properties aren't just places to sleep; they're windows into bygone eras, where legends once stayed and stories unfolded. From ancient inns nestled in Japanese mountains to opulent European palaces that have hosted everyone from monarchs to movie stars, these iconic historic luxury hotels aren't just about five-star service — they're living, breathing pieces of history. Whether you're a culture buff, a luxury traveller, or someone who just likes to sip champagne where Churchill once did, these seven prestigious historic hotels around the world offer more than just a bed for the night. They're destinations in their own right. Here Are 7 Of The World's Most Iconic Historic Luxury Hotels: 1. Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, Japan Location: Yamanashi Prefecture Opened: 705 AD Holding the Guinness World Record for the oldest hotel in the world, Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan has been run by the same family for over 50 generations. Let that sink in. Tucked away in the shadow of the Akaishi Mountains, this 1,300-year-old ryokan offers traditional Japanese hospitality at its purest — think tatami mat rooms, kaiseki meals, and healing onsen (hot spring) baths fed directly from nearby natural springs. Despite its ancient heritage, Keiunkan doesn't feel stuck in time. It underwent a tasteful renovation in 1997 and continues to blend old-world charm with discreet modern touches, such as Wi-Fi and air-conditioning. But the essence — serenity, simplicity, and a reverence for tradition — remains untouched. 2. The Mandarin Oriental, Thailand Location: Bangkok Opened: 1876 The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok is one of the oldest hotels in Asia and arguably the most revered. Since the 19th century, it's been the go-to for literary legends like Somerset Maugham, Noel Coward, and Joseph Conrad — and it still draws a polished, global crowd today. Set on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the hotel combines old-world charm with Thai sophistication. There's even a dedicated Authors' Wing where past guests are honoured with suites named after them. Service is meticulous, the spa is award-winning, and the setting is pure magic. 3. Claridge's, London Location: Mayfair Opened: 1856 Claridge's is less a hotel and more a Mayfair institution. Known as the "annexe of Buckingham Palace," it has welcomed everyone from Queen Elizabeth II to Audrey Hepburn. Winston Churchill even arranged for his wife to give birth here so his son would be born on British soil (even though they were technically in exile at the time). Inside, it's a mix of Art Deco glamour and modern finesse. The black-and-white marbled lobby, the whisper-quiet tearoom, the famously attentive staff — it's all part of what makes Claridge's one of the most iconic hotels in the world. 4. Rambagh Palace, India Location: Jaipur, Rajasthan Opened as a hotel: 1957 (originally built in 1835) You don't just stay at Rambagh Palace — you live like royalty. Formerly the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur, this palatial hotel is managed by the Taj Group and gives you an up-close taste of India's regal past. Peacocks strut across the gardens, turbaned butlers greet you with a bow, and the rooms? Fit for a queen (or king), obviously! Its pink sandstone architecture, hand-carved marble latticework, and Mughal-style gardens transport you straight into a period drama (minus the political intrigue). From polo matches to vintage car rides, the experience is lavish from start to finish — yet surprisingly personal. 5. San Domenico Palace, Italy Location: Taormina, Sicily Opened as a hotel: 1896 (originally a 14th-century monastery) If the view from San Domenico Palace looks familiar, it's because this cliffside stunner in Sicily doubled as the setting for season two of The White Lotus. But long before that, it was a Dominican monastery dating back to 1374, later transformed into one of Italy's most luxurious hotels. Now under the Four Seasons banner, the hotel fuses ecclesiastical elegance with Mediterranean glamour. Think 14th-century cloisters, lava-stone staircases, and terraces with views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. Everyone from Oscar Wilde to Princess Margaret has stayed here — and it's not hard to see why. 6. Gstaad Palace, Switzerland Location: Gstaad Opened: 1913 High in the Swiss Alps, Gstaad Palace looks like something out of a fairy tale — all turrets and sweeping mountain views. Opened just before World War I, it quickly became the ski resort of choice for Europe's elite, from the Aga Khan to Grace Kelly. It's still family-owned, which is rare for a hotel of its stature. The interiors are classic Alpine chic — lots of wood, plush textiles, and chandeliers — but the vibe is anything but cold. There's an old-school elegance here that feels refreshingly untouched by trendiness. 7. Cliveden House, United Kingdom Location: Berkshire, England Opened: 1666 (rebuilt in 1851 after a fire) Cliveden House is one of those places that manages to be scandalous and stately in equal measure. Originally built for the Duke of Buckingham's mistress (yes, really), this grand country estate has played host to everyone from Queen Victoria to Meghan Markle the night before her royal wedding. Set in 376 acres of manicured National Trust gardens, Cliveden is a blend of regal grandeur and modern indulgence. The interiors scream old-money opulence — gilded mirrors, oil paintings, velvet everything — but the service is anything but stuffy. Oh, and the outdoor pool? It's where the notorious Profumo affair began in the 1960s.
Business Mayor
18-05-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
Paddy McKillen's billion-pound legal battle over Claridge's hotel reaches ‘high noon'
A three-person arbitration panel convened privately in London this week to try to resolve a dispute over Claridge's hotel that forms the centrepiece of one of the most acrimonious, and potentially lucrative, legal battles of the past decade. On one side is Paddy McKillen, the wealthy Irish property developer who owns a whiskey distillery with U2 star Bono. On the other, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber al-Thani, the billionaire former prime minister of Qatar known as HBJ. McKillen claims he is owed up to £1 billion (€1.2 billion) for his work at three of the world's most glamorous hotels – Claridge's, the Connaught and the Berkeley – all located in rarefied central London postcodes. McKillen, 70, and HBJ, 66, were once close allies, spending time together on yachts and in swanky hotels. But this week's arbitration is unfolding amid a bitter legal battle, spanning at least a dozen claims and disputes in Europe and the US, between the former friends and their associates. Three arbitrators – one chosen by each side, and a third chosen by the other two, according to those familiar with the terms – will now decide who emerges claiming victory. [ Irish businessman Paddy McKillen claims he is victim of 'smear campaign' by Qatari royal family ] While sources said it may take as long as two months for a decision to be reached, a resolution to a dispute that began three years ago may now be in sight. 'It's high noon,' said one person close to the process. Claridge's – the 169-year-old luxury Mayfair hotel that was a favourite of Queen Elizabeth II – is the crown jewel in a multibillion-pound portfolio of high end London properties owned by Qatar and wealthy members of its ruling family. Belfast-born McKillen, who went into property in the 1980s after a stint working in his family's exhaust repair business, first invested in Claridge's in 2004. His investment came under threat in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, when the Barclay brothers tried to seize control of Claridge's, the Connaught and the Berkeley, now known collectively as the Maybourne Hotel Group. McKillen secured Qatari backing to help resolve his legal battle with the Barclays, former owners of the Telegraph newspaper. The 2015 rescue saw HBJ and the former Qatari emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani (HBK), take full control of Maybourne in a £1.3 billion deal that resolved McKillen's legal case, wiped out his debts and reduced his equity in the hotels to zero. The Qataris subsequently agreed to an unconventional deal that McKillen hoped would allow him to share in the future upside of the hotels. Under the terms of the seven-year contract, McKillen's business, Hume Street Management Consultants (HSMC), would refurbish, manage and extend the hotels. The deal granted McKillen 36 per cent of any subsequent increase in valuation across the three hotels, minus the costs of the work. But his involvement in the hotels – due to end in December 2022 – was cut short in April of that year, when McKillen was unexpectedly told by the Qataris he would no longer be working for them. The size of McKillen's unpaid earnings from this arrangement sit at the heart of the dispute playing out this week in London. McKillen argues that the extensive refurbishment work at Claridge's – which included adding an opulent underground spa and a £60,000-per-night penthouse suite, replete with 75 Damien Hirst artworks – has helped substantially boost Claridge's value. The developer argues that those improvements, allied to a buoyant luxury hotel market post-Covid, means his payout should be in the hundreds of millions. However, sources close to the Qataris claim the significant costs of work at the hotels means McKillen is owed substantially less than he claims. Even so, those close to the Qataris acknowledge McKillen is still owed something. One person with knowledge of the dispute said that given the baseline value of £1.3 billion, and about £600 million-£700 million in costs, any valuation above £2 billion would mean McKillen is entitled to 36 per cent of the upside thereafter. Estimates being talked about by advisers have varied between less than £3 billion to over £5 billion, according to one person with knowledge of the situation, which would equate to a payout of more than £1 billion at the top end. There have been attempts at mediation, according to one person with knowledge of the situation, with the most recent taking place in autumn 2023, after McKillen withdrew an attempt to extend the claim over a number of newer luxury hotels in the US and France, leaving the focus on the original three sites in London that had been the portfolio over the seven-year period. Read More McDonald's shares the love of a McDelivery In the meantime, the two sides appear to have been waging commercial lawfare. Claims and counterclaims have been filed across multiple countries, relating to developments owned by HBJ, or his associates and companies connected with them, on which McKillen claims refurbishment or development work. People familiar with the Qataris' position claim McKillen thought he could 'embarrass' them into striking a deal by filing lawsuits that generated headlines and scrutiny of the complex ownership structures that often lie behind property acquisitions. They point to some of the victories secured so far in courts over McKillen. McKillen's side argues the Qataris have been equally aggressive in their attempts to get him to back down from the Claridge's dispute. Representatives for McKillen and the Qatari owners of Claridge's declined to comment on the confidential arbitration process. In a statement, a spokesperson for McKillen said: 'It is right that he has taken, and will continue to take, all necessary steps to enforce his rights. As Mr McKillen has made clear over the four-year period since his departure from the Maybourne Hotel Group, he will not be deterred by any attempted campaign to cause damage to his business interests or smear his reputation.' The Financial Times has identified a dozen legal clashes between the two sides – mainly in the UK, France or the US – often seeking money for work that McKillen and his companies say has been carried out for the Qataris and associated groups. Work for which McKillen claims he has not been paid. Other cases have been started by the Qataris, which claim McKillen used Maybourne contractors, paid for by Maybourne, to undertake work at his hotel in France last July. McKillen denies the allegations. The cases involve luxury properties, including hotels on the French Riviera and in Paris and Bel-Air, California, and homes in Manhattan and London. McKillen is claiming tens of millions of pounds of unpaid fees. Read More Banker bonuses return to a bailed out bank In March, a high court judge in the UK prevented McKillen's HSMC from serving a £3.7 million claim outside England, in a dispute over fees for work at Forbes House, a grade II listed mansion in Belgravia, bought by HBJ in 2016. HSMC has appealed against the ruling and is seeking renewed permission to serve proceedings. McKillen has started new proceedings in his own name. Separately, McKillen was convicted this year of verbally assaulting a female bailiff in his apartment on the Place Vendôme, a grand public square in Paris. The bailiff had entered his property with a locksmith in a dispute over mortgage repayments to a Qatar-owned private wealth manager. McKillen is appealing against the decision. He denies any violence or wrongdoing, has filed an ethics complaint before the Paris disciplinary chamber of bailiffs, and his lawyers have in the past described the case as 'part of a more general smear campaign' against him. Most recently, in April, McKillen filed a lawsuit in a California district court alleging that HBK and HBJ, as well as several of their business associates and related companies, sought to defraud him. He alleges they did not pay for his firm's work at a number of properties which are already the focus of other cases, using the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. Qatar has denied the claims. 'Paddy McKillen and associated parties have orchestrated claims across multiple jurisdictions, all of which are either ongoing or have been struck out by the courts. We will continue to contest these claims and prove the assertions and allegations to be unsubstantiated and entirely false,' said a spokesperson for Maybourne. The latest case under the RICO act adds to a long and costly list of lawsuits. However, the hundreds of millions of pounds at stake in the Claridge's arbitration is the real prize for both sides. The sight of expensive tabs being quietly settled is a familiar one in the hotel's luxurious bars and restaurants. With the panel of arbitration in London totting up how much the Qataris owe McKillen, the owners of Claridge's will soon find out just how large their own bill will be. – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2025
The Irish Sun
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Kate Moss shows off legs in luxury yellow dress as she struts London streets for fashion shoot
SUPERMODEL Kate Moss makes it all look so kneesy as she struts her stuff for a fashion photoshoot. The veteran catwalk queen, 51, was spotted in a £320 yellow mini dress at London hotel Claridge's. Advertisement 4 Model Kate Moss wore this yellow dress for a fashion photoshoot Credit: Raw Image Ltd 4 The star was snapped at London hotel Claridge's Credit: Raw Image Ltd She posed for fashion brand Self-Portrait, a favourite with the Princess of Wales and actresses Kate finished off the photo shoot at a house in She appeared relaxed during her stroll through central London as she made her way to visit a pal. Advertisement READ MORE ON KATE MOSS Although there's no suggestion Kate was drinking the beer, the sight of her with the alcoholic beverage will no doubt raise eyebrows among fans Back in March, Kate was captured on video while posing for pictures in the front row of the Isabel Marant fall 2025 ready-to-wear showcase in the French capital. With her hands in the pockets of her black leather jacket, Kate crossed her legs and jerked from side to side while talking to a man next to her. She was then seen turning around to chat to a woman sat behind her. Advertisement Most read in Celebrity Latest Exclusive But when Kate realised the camera was on her, she turned to the front and began frantically posing. The clip quickly went viral on social media, with fans expressing their concerns. Watch worrying moment Kate Moss looks 'on edge and frantic' as she poses front row at Paris Fashion Week 4 Kate posed for fashion brand Self-Portrait in this yellow mini dress Credit: Raw Image Ltd 4 Moss in the £320 dress Credit: Raw Image Ltd Advertisement
Forbes
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Mother's Day Gift Guide 2025: The 5 Best Afternoon Tea Tastings In London
Few gifts feel as timeless-or as indulgent-as afternoon tea in London. Whether you're celebrating a mother, grandmother, or mother figure in your life, high tea offers the perfect blend of elegance, comfort and quality time. And in a city where tradition meets modern luxury at every turn, London's tea scene has evolved far beyond finger sandwiches and scones. The tradition of afternoon tea dates back to the early 1840s, when Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, famously requested light refreshments to stave off late-day hunger before dinner was served. What began as a private ritual among the upper class quickly became a social event, complete with tea, pastries and pleasant conversation. While historically, this tradition cemented itself as a quintessentially British pastime, today, it's a celebration of craftsmanship, hospitality and elegantly stuffing your face with loved ones. From historic hotels pouring rare single-origin blends to contemporary tearooms serving inventive patisserie with a view, these curated experiences are more than just a meal-they're a memory for Mom in the making. Whether you're booking for the big day or gifting the experience for an upcoming trip to the world's most iconic metropolis, here are the most luxurious, creative and unforgettable afternoon tea offerings in London this Mother's Day. Edible art. This Japanese-English fusion high tea was one of the most distinctive and delicious I've ever experienced. Standout savory bites included the Japanese BBQ beef brisket sandwich on a pillowy milk bun and a delicate yuzu and ponzu-marinated scallop crudo. The tea selection strikes a balance between classics like English Breakfast and Earl Grey and rare finds like the rich, fragrant Honey Black. Desserts were both inventive and visually striking—showstoppers like The Great Wave Off Kanagawa and The Thunderstorm Beneath The Summit felt more like edible art than sweets. Whatever you do, don't miss the Truffle & Pistachio tea-it was a real standout. Book a table here. Afternoon Tea at The Ritz is the gold standard-literally. Served in the opulent Palm Court with its glittering chandeliers and gilded mirrors, this is tradition with a capital T. Menu highlights include finely cut finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber and cream cheese or Tarragon chicken, warm scones with preserve and Cornish clotted cream and an array of pastries that rotate seasonally. With a resident pianist playing softly in the background and 20 types of loose-leaf tea on offer, including Black Lychee and Mint Chocolate, it's the kind of Mother's Day celebration that feels timeless-and totally unforgettable. Book a table here. Afternoon Tea at Claridge's is a Mother's Day classic, steeped in elegance and tradition. The menu is a masterclass in refinement: delicate finger sandwiches like smoked salmon with lemon cream cheese and egg mayonnaise with truffle, warm raisin and plain scones served with Marco Polo gelée and Cornish clotted cream and patisserie so artful it feels almost criminal to eat—think pear and crème fraîche cake or Yorkshire rhubarb and vanilla tart. Paired with a curated selection of rare teas and served under the soft glow of Claridge's Foyer, this experience is less a meal and more a love letter to indulgence. Perfect for elegant mothers who love the finer things in life. Book a table here. Quintessentially London. Located in the heart of London's vibrant theatre district, the Brumus London Calling Afternoon Tea at Haymarket Hotel is a perfect Mother's Day outing. With its whimsical, London-inspired menu and stylish, art-filled setting, it's ideal for treating Mum to an indulgent pre-show tea. You could even gift her 'tea and a show,' for a truly unforgettable day. Highlights include landmark-inspired desserts, a fried Scotch egg and a delicious steak pie bite. Book a table here. Located just steps from Tower Bridge in the upper foyer of The Tower Hotel, afternoon tea at VU From The Tower comes with a contemporary edge and one of the best views in the city. The refined yet approachable menu features classic finger sandwiches: smoked salmon with cream cheese, honey roast ham with grain mustard and egg mayo with watercress, served alongside warm fruit and plain scones with clotted cream and jam. The pâtisserie selection leans elegant and colorful, with standouts like lemon meringue pie, pistachio bombe on chocolate shortbread and fruit macarons. The view at VU is not to be missed. Book a table here.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Weinstein lawyer says accuser sought payday from complaint
Disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein's lawyer claimed Thursday that one of his accusers had only made allegations of sexual assault to prosecutors so she could sue the wealthy Hollywood lynchpin. Miriam Haley, 48, is one of dozens of women who have accused Weinstein of harassment, sexual assault or rape -- a list that includes Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow and Ashley Judd. Their accounts helped galvanize the #MeToo movement nearly a decade ago, but are being re-litigated as Weinstein faces a new trial in New York. Haley strongly rejected the attorney's suggestion as she was cross-examined Thursday, saying that she had only spoken out to support and encourage other women who alleged Weinstein attacked them. "You didn't mention a meeting at Claridge's in London... You didn't mention friendly emails... you told the press only part of the story," Weinstein's lawyer Jennifer Bonjean said of Haley's media appearances denouncing her client's behavior. "I told the part that was relevant to what I was trying to share," said Haley. Weinstein's 2020 convictions on charges relating to Haley and aspiring actress Jessica Mann were overturned last year by the New York Court of Appeals, which ruled that the way witnesses were handled in the original trial was unlawful. Back in a Manhattan courtroom, Haley has this week tearfully recalled the day in July 2006 when she says she accepted an invitation to visit Weinstein's Soho apartment where the alleged assault happened. At the time, she was a showbiz production assistant looking for work. - 'What happened to me' - "I had (a) press conference to share what happened to me in support of the other women," Haley said as Weinstein watched on. Haley denied that she went to the prosecutor, the Manhattan District Attorney (DA), only after she realized she could not sue Weinstein because of the statute of limitations. "At no point in that time did I think... there would be an option to get monetary compensation," she said during the sometimes heated exchanges with Weinstein's lawyer. The lawyer alleged that the only way Haley could bring a lawsuit was if prosecutors brought charges. "I didn't know that," Haley said. "Your interest in coming forward to the DA's office only happened after you learned that you could sue him if they brought criminal charges," Bonjean repeated. The former Miramax studio boss is charged in the New York retrial with the 2006 sexual assault of Haley and the 2013 rape of Mann. He also faces a new count for an alleged sexual assault of a 19-year-old in 2006. Weinstein -- the producer of a string of box office hits such as "Pulp Fiction" and "Shakespeare in Love" -- has never acknowledged any wrongdoing. He is serving a 16-year prison sentence after being convicted in California of raping and assaulting a European actress more than a decade ago. gw/des
