Coddling, Claridge’s-Style

With low-fare airlines, endless security checks and countless lost-luggage kerfuffles, travel is far from glamorous these days—unless your end destination happens to be a suite at London’s uberchic Claridge’s. The hotel has teamed up with Dior to offer vanity tables laden with fragrances and cosmetics for its guests. Of course, the lap of luxury wouldn’t be complete without marabou mule slippers, personalized dressing gowns and a cashmere eye mask, all of which are part of the treat, which costs about $479, in addition to Claridge’s suite rates. “We have identified from our guests a desire to experience some nostalgic escapism and sense a return to bygone glamour,” says Philippe Leboeuf, Claridge’s general manager. For those who prefer to adopt a Greta Garbo attitude and want to be alone after primping, CDs and novels accompany the Thirties-style cocktails, such as swizzles, sours and juleps, which are also part of the package.