This week on Passport to Everywhere, Melissa Biggs Bradley explores the iconic Claridge's hotel in London, often called the "annex of Buckingham Palace." Since opening its doors in 1854, Claridge's has welcomed dozens of beloved royals, foreign dignitaries, and Hollywood stars, earning a reputation as one of the most star-studded hotels in the world.

Melissa sits down with Claridge's archivist Kate Hudson and lead butler Michael Lynch, who have intimate knowledge of the hotel's rich history and its legendary guests. From the French Empress Eugenie entertaining Queen Victoria to Hollywood Golden Age actors like Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn, Yul Brynner, and Spencer Tracy, who famously said he'd rather go to Claridge's than heaven when he dies.

Claridge's has undergone numerous renovations over its 169-year history, most recently a first-of-its-kind renovation from 2016 to 2021, chronicled in the BBC documentary series, The Mayfair Hotel Megabuild. Despite the extensive renovation, Claridge's miraculously stayed open throughout the entire process, a testament to their commitment to providing high-quality luxury service. Today, Claridge's is part of the Maybourne Hotel Group, which runs two of Melissa's other favorite hotels in London as well: The Berkeley and The Connaught.

Leading up to King Charles’ coronation, Andrew Jackson, Director of Historic Royal Palaces and the Governor of the Tower of London, joins Melissa to share his insights on how to best enjoy the royal palaces in the U.K. and what to expect from the lavish coronation ceremony.