Roaring Twenties: six century-old hotels to stay at when we can travel again

On the eve of this decade, when predictions of “the new Roaring Twenties” were being bandied about, few could have guessed that the world would alter so rapidly in just a few short months. In the light of Covid-19, the promise of a new hedonistic age during which we celebrate life and liberty, just as those who lived through World War I did, with jazz, cocktails and the Charleston, seems more seductive than ever.

Some of the grand dames that catered to the party-goers of a century ago remain in business, and where better to check in to when we’re free to travel again?

Claridge’s, London

Having opened in the 19th century, Claridge’s was embraced by the Bright Young Things of 1920s London, who came to drink, dine and dance. Basil Ionides, a champion of the art deco style after visiting the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris, in 1925, after which the phrase was coined, worked with fellow British architect Oswald Milne to remodel the hotel in the new style.

Revolving doors, elaborate metalwork, lacquer and backlit glass panels were introduced to the entrance and foyer. Milne went on to add a bedroom wing and ballroom in the art deco design.

A more recent refurbishment of the hotel has seen the addition of a 1920s-inspired Claridge’s Bar and an update of the Fumoir, the latter (home to discerning drinkers since 1929) featuring engraved mirror panels bearing Ionides’ signature.

Claridge’s is due to reopen to staying guests on September 7. Amid the pandemic, it hosted National Health Service staff working at the nearby St Mary’s Hospital. The hotel’s kitchen staff provided daily packed meals for health workers and support teams across the British capital, and thousands of Claridge’s guest room amenities, including toiletries and on-pillow chocolates, were donated to hospitals.