Claridge’s Hotel in London has unveiled plans to create a five-floor ‘ice berg’ basement beneath the Art Deco portion of its Grade II-listed Mayfair building.

The basement will house a new swimming pool and spa in the first lower level.

The second basement level will house the in-house bakery and chocolatier at Claridge’s as well staff changing and dining and the kitchen preparation area.

Unsightly roof-top plant will also be relocated in the lower basement levels along with a boiler room. This will allow the top floors of the building to be rebuilt and extended with 40 more bedrooms and suites.

Claridge’s has lodged its plans with Westminster city council just as the local authority begins a crackdown on basement conversions. Neighbours complain about the disruption to traffic and the construction noise.

The Maybourne Hotel Group, which owns Claridge’s, is arguing that an in-house laundry, spa and swimming pool are ‘must-have’ facilities for a modern five-star hotel.

The plans have been submitted to the council. A consultation period closes next week.

Details: http://www.claridges.co.uk/