- Address: Cliveden, Taplow, Berkshire, SL6 OJF
- Telephone: (011) 44 (0)1628 668561
- Price Band: $$$$ - but watch the Internet for deals
- Additional Information Cliveden House Website
- Book Now
A glorious house with a racy reputation
The fame of Cliveden skyrocketed when it was purchased by William Waldorf Astor, in 1893 the richest man in America. Apparently, Queen Victoria was not well pleased. Astor gave it to his son and daughter-in-law, Waldorf and Nancy Astor, who turned it into one of the early 20th century's most important political salons.
Virginia-born Nancy was the first woman to sit in Parliament. She continued a tradition of hospitality (the house had hosted every British monarch since George I) and entertained actors and celebrities, politicians and artists. Charlie Chaplin, Winston Churchill, Teddy Roosevelt and George Bernard Shaw were all guests. In fact, when former British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan heard Cliveden was to become a hotel, he is reported to have remarked, "My dear boy, it always has been."
Cliveden was the backdrop of the Profumo-Christine Keeler Affair -- a great sex and politics scandal of the 1960s.
All the 39 guest rooms are named after famous former guests, except Spring Cottage, a secluded cottage tucked away somewhere on the 376 acre estate, the scene of the Profumo Affair. Each room and suite is individually and magnificently appointed -- silk wall coverings, antique writing desks, swags and furbelows everywhere you look.
Staff at Cliveden will also be happy to arrange your limousine, helicopter, private jet - who says the sky's the limit.
As you might expect, staying in the former home of a millionaire doesn't come cheap and you can pay more than £1000 a night. But, remarkably, in a house of this class, a standard double starts at only £195 for bed and breakfast plus VAT.
Insider Tip: Last minute midwinter rates can be surprisingly reasonable for a hotel of this class.Book Now and Get a Great Rate
