Blackstone has put Claridges up for sale as the first of a programme of disposals that could lead to the sale of the Savoy Hotel within a year.

A spokesman for Blackstone said the firm, which manages buy-outs, hedge funds and property, has appointed Deutsche Bank and Jones Lang LaSalle, the property consultants, to evaluate Claridges with a view to a sale. The spokesman said several parties had expressed interest in the luxury London hotel and that in recent months "the interest has accelerated considerably".