HotelChatter

The materials and fabrics found in the rooms are not only eye-catching (we love the leopard hallway runner) but their soft textures allow them to be lounged upon. This is not one of those stuffy classical French suites that look as if it might cost extra to lay down on the couch. (That's not to say we encourage you to put your feet up on the table with a bottle of red wine but certainly you, your iPad and your cashmere slippers are welcome to.)

Similarly, the suite is tricked out with some of the latest room technology like a flat-screen TV that rises from the foot of the master bed and a high-tech toilet that comes with a remote control. Why you need a remote control for the toilet is beyond us but that is what luxury is all about--things you did not need but wanted to have anyways. Plus it could make for an interesting parlor game with some friends, no?

Currently, there are only three DVF rooms done--the Piano Suite, the Junior Suite and a standard room. There are definite plans in the works to do up more of the rooms in DVF's personal style but they probably will not be finished until next year.

Suffice to say, we heart these rooms for the way they look but also because they give Claridge's a much-needed dose of modern elegance. The hotel still has a very old-school luxury hotel feel about it (for instance, the lobby bathrooms are charming but a bit too floral with a fussy feel) which some people do prefer but we think Claridge's was ready for something new.

While the rest of the guestrooms at Claridge's are done in a modern style (no florals here!) they don't quite have the brightness that the DVF rooms give-off. Hopefully, Diane's touch will work its way throughout the rest of the hotel. Or at the very least, maybe they could put those DVF bathrobes in all the guestrooms?