You absolutely must…
Must shop:
Stock up on gifts from Fortnum and Masons or try a lesser known (but with an HRH approval) 200 year old Victorian apothecary with excellent spa products – D.R Harris & Co.
Must see:
St James Palace, former home to the Monarchs and the official address of the Royal Court is probably one of London’s most historically significant buildings and worth a peek, if just for the Tudor architecture. (However its not open to the public as it is still a working palace and the London home to some Royal figures).
• All the elegance its history would suggest but with exceptionally friendly and welcoming hospitality
• A gorgeous Penthouse suite featuring a large rooftop terrace with panoramic views over London as well as many rooms with their own balcony and views over the rooftops of the historic St James’s district
• Walking distance to Royal Palaces past and present, the Royal Parks and the very best in bespoke tailoring and designer boutiques and the theatres and nightlife of the West End
• A truly outstanding restaurant which holds a Michelin star with a bar & bistro that the executive chef also presides over.
The Whole Story
The St James's Hotel and Club started life as a gentleman’s club for international diplomats and the British aristocracy in 1857. This beautiful Victorian townhouse situated in the heart of Mayfair has recently enjoyed a thorough makeover that has upheld its aristocratic glamour whilst adding all those things that today’s most discerning guests require, iPod docks, Murano chandeliers, handmade silk wallpaper, and polished natural stone and chrome bathrooms.
The Club developed into a sophisticated scene for film and music royalty and modern day knights of the realm … Sir Sean Connery, Sir Elton John, … Sir Michael Caine …. and so on. Contemporary music and film artists still enjoy the timeless hospitality at this most elegant of addresses.
Now they can add to their experience of St James, a Michelin-star restaurant, Seven Park Place by William Drabble. It’s a simply beautiful setting for his French inspired but very locally sourced menu plus the Bistro serves up his slightly lighter fare as well as the must-have afternoon tea.
Venturing out into Mayfair, take just a short stroll and find some of our most established tailors and gift emporiums as well as the designers of New Bond Street. Parks and historical attractions are plentiful in this royal neighbourhood yet the bright lights and theatres of nearby Piccadilly may have a more hedonistic pull.
The Rooms
All rooms are recently renovated with an elegant yet homely feel. The attention to detail is superb with Murano chandeliers, handmade silk wallpaper, black laquered furniture, natural stone bathrooms and great additions such as iPod docks and Hypnos mattresses.
Superior rooms are around 20 sq m with Queen Beds.
Deluxe rooms are slightly larger with King beds and some have balconies.
Executive rooms are around 30 sq m on higher floors, some have four poster beds and some enjoy balconies.
A variety of suites are available on request.