Claridge's has unveiled a stunning redecoration, The Connaught has chef ‘Hélène Darroze who holds two Michelin stars heading their restaurant and The Berkeley, has their own Sex and the City Weekend Package.

Maybourne Hotel Group, the ultra luxury hotel group, which manages Claridge's, The Connaught and The Berkeley, is delighted to announce news from the acclaimed hotels.

Claridge's

Claridge's, the art deco jewel of Mayfair and London's most glamorous hotel has recently unveiled a stunning redecoration of their sensuous Fumoir bar which is now enhanced by spectacular new Lalique chandeliers, bar fittings, glassware and votives, in addition to a cocktail menu featuring authentic 1930's drinks to celebrate. The Lalique additions certainly make this moody, aubergine-leather clad, candlelit bar the chicest and most luxurious venue in town.

In the 1930's, leading designer Basil Ionides finished the priceless etched mirrors which grace the walls of the Fumoir, the hotel's iconic bar, and René Lalique presented a glass panel to place above its door. Claridge's and Lalique have recreated this heady glamour with a menu of cocktails from the era.

Swizzles, Daisies, Crustas, Cups, Sours, Juleps and Pick-me-ups, all from original recipes and served in Lalique glasses. In the 30's nothing was pre-prepared but made freshly in front of the guests. Precision was of immense importance as the barman showed his skill, and this bespoke service has been recreated in an exceptional manner.

Inspired by the original 1930's panel, which has been sitting above the door to the Fumoir since it was presented to Claridge's by Renee Lalique in 1931, Claridge's invited Lalique to create new pieces for its Fumoir bar. The results are stunning. The panels behind the bar subtly echo the original crystal panel, the hanging Lalique Jaffa lights and table lamps complement the central, elegant chandelier which now graces the ceiling. And that's not to mention the Lalique crystal glasses; coupes, saucers, high balls and slim jims, chosen to complement the cocktails made from 1930's recipes.

These beautiful pieces are joined by the piece de resistance, a unique Lalique one-off design, displayed in the alcove beside the bar, and which will change regularly so that guests are in for a surprise each time they enter the Fumoir.

Certain of the Lalique glasses are available to purchase from Claridge's Flowers & Gifts. All of the glasses and other Lalique pieces are available from the Lalique shop on New Bond Street.

The Connaught

The legendary Connaught Hotel in London's charming Mayfair district has recently reopened after a $140 million restoration, and announced the appointment of Helene Darroze as head chef. One of France's most distinguished chefs, she currently holds two Michelin stars at her restaurant ‘Hélène Darroze' on the Left Bank in Paris. At The Connaught in June 2008 she will initially launch a signature restaurant to be known as ‘Hélène Darroze at The Connaught' it will be designed by Parisian based India Mahdavi.

Stephen Alden, CEO of Maybourne Hotel Group which owns and manages The Connaught said "This is a tremendous partnership. Hélène is a very talented Chef whose intuition and creativity are second to none. She is also a perfect match for the Connaught where the French Gourmet heritage has always been a part of the hotel's exceptional legacy. We are delighted that we will have the opportunity to work together to offer outstanding new dining experiences to our guests in London."

Over the past 8 months, the Connaught has undergone a restoration that has brought the hotel into the 21st century while preserving the discreet elegance so beloved by generations of guests. By bringing together some of the world's top designers, Guy Oliver, India Mahdavi, and Sills Huniford, the Connaught team has achieved a fantastic juxtaposition of preservation and innovation.

The chic Coburg Bar, designed by Parisian designer India Mahdavi, evokes a modern, yet warm, club feeling overlooking Carlos Place. The Guy Oliver designed guestrooms and suites have a discreet English feel that is in balance with contemporary design. Original details of the hotel have been restored, including intricate moldings and the magnificent central staircase, and at the same time, the interior has been updated and refurbished. Whenever possible, original antiques and works of art are being used in rooms, suites, and public spaces. Many of the original fireplaces have been restored to working order to bring back the traditions of discreet elegance in one of London's most loved areas.

The Berkeley

The Berkeley, Knightsbridge's most fashionable hotel, has just unveiled their Sex and the City Weekend Package – Get ‘Carried' Away with Jimmy Choo…Cocktails and Cupcakes! As the release of Sex and The City: The Movie draws near, The Berkeley will entertain die hard fans with this one of a kind accommodation package. Available every Friday through Sunday until the end of 2008, the Sex and The City Weekend will include complete box sets of SATC dvd's, chilled Cosmopolitans and Martinis served by The Berkeley's own Mr. Big from The Blue Bar, chocolate handbag and shoe biscuits, and of course, beautiful cupcakes à la Magnolia Bakery! New York beauty treatments and products will also be on hand, including items by New York based cosmetics company Benefit.

All Carrie Bradshaw fans will love the exclusive access to the VIP shopping area at the Sloane Street Jimmy Choo boutique, only a short stroll from the hotel. The breathtaking rooftop pool at The Berkeley provides the ideal location for sunbathing or catching up on the latest fashion magazines with drink in hand. To feel like Carrie and the SATC girls while enjoying beautiful London scenery, the Sex and The City Weekend package at The Berkeley is the perfect getaway!