The film follows Mrs. Palfrey, a widow in her seventies who moves into the Claremont Hotel in London, an establishment for elderly residents. Hoping to reconnect with family and find companionship, she discovers a mix of indifference and kindness from the other residents. Feeling somewhat lonely and overlooked, she befriends Ludovic Meyer, a struggling young writer who appreciates her wit and intelligence. Their unlikely friendship brings warmth, humor, and dignity to both of their lives, highlighting themes of aging, loneliness, and human connection.