insideKENT Magazine Issue 95 - February 2020 | Page 124

LONDON
INTIMACY, EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AND EXQUISITE ATTENTION TO DETAIL…
WELCOME TO THE EPITOME OF ELITE LONDON AND A UNIQUE FIVE STAR HOME
FROM HOME… WELCOME TO
ST JAMES’S
HOTEL & CLUB MAYFAIR
BY SAMANTHA READY
Arriving at the sweeping steps of the St James’s
Hotel, one of the Small Leading Hotels of the World,
a stone’s throw from Green Park and the bright
lights of Mayfair, you can’t help but gaze in wonder
at the uniquely British and glorious elegance of the
Victorian townhouse that awaits you.
Flag billowing in the crisp winter breeze, the building
itself was restored to glory in 2006 by the Althoff
Hotel group. It underwent a fabulous transformation,
holding true to its mission of providing the pinnacle
of architecture and design, service and culinary
delight, whilst maintaining key evidence of its past;
with a unique feel reminiscent of its former guise as
one of London’s most prestigious gentlemen's clubs.
The interiors were completely renovated by an
international team of architects and designers, led
by the award-winning AMJ Design, from Berlin.
Whilst just last November saw its latest refurbishment
project, this time for Seven Park Place, William
Drabble’s signature Michelin starred restaurant.
Creating another contemporary, welcoming, open
yet intimate dining room across the ground floor of
the hotel.
The end result is a subtle, high end finish that retains
all the architectural charm of the original building.
Sweeping central circular staircase with gleaming
wood banisters, a mix of traditional and modern
artworks throughout public spaces and bedrooms,
contemporary hung glass lighting in the restaurant
and beautiful windows and balconies.
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The hotel itself is intimate and quiet, offering just
60 rooms and suites. They are all breath-taking and
demonstrate the attention to detail that was evident
throughout our stay. Silk and cashmere wallpaper,
black lacquer furniture, handmade Murano glass
chandeliers and black polished natural stone combine
to offer sumptuous surroundings, set off with artwork
from the owner’s private collection and a host of
Penhaligon goodies to provide a true haven of solitude
from the city below.
In fact, aside from their renown restaurant of course,
the other huge draw is the hotel’s unique positioning.
Benefitting from a prime location in the heart of
Mayfair, it is a stone’s throw from Mayfair’s designer
boutiques, walking distance to the West End and
close to Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace. It even
has its own direct entrance to Green Park. And yet
it is tucked away. Located at the end of a quiet cul-
de-sac, just far enough away from the main drag to
offer total privacy and calm.
Entering the hotel to the dulcet East End welcoming
tones of our waiting concierge we were quickly
enroute to our own deluxe room. Finding a large
Hypnos bed, widescreen TV, coffee machine, large
marble-clad bathtub, and a cosy seating area adjacent
to the private balcony overlooking the main entrance
way and London hubbub beyond.
Whilst there is no inhouse spa the hotel has partnered
with Black Label by Perfect 10 to offer a range of
signature in-room pampering spa and beauty
treatments. Guests can pre book anything from
massages, manicure and facials through to personal
training sessions at a time to suit, 24/7!
And as well as the perfect spot for dinner, the hotel
also boasts William’s Bar and Bistro, the casual
offering of Drabble’s culinary philosophy. Take a
pew at the bar and work your way through the
carefully selected wines and tailored cocktails; indulge
in the flair of Drabble’s signature cooking in a more
relaxed bistro environment; arrive late afternoon to
an afternoon tea like no other and experience
Drabble’s historical journey to the Victorian era; or
like us, opt away from breakfast in bed and take a
bright window-side seat, loading plates with fresh
fruits, cereals and pastries from the buffet
accompanied with your choice from the á la carte
additions - they do a incredible vegan breakfast!
From the moment we arrived the service was
exceptional, the room comfortable and welcoming,
and of course the food, which you can read about
over the page, was truly exquisite.
St James’s Hotel & Club
7-8 Park Place
St James’s
London
SW1A 1LS
www.stjameshotelandclub.com
stjameshotel
stjameshotelandclub
stjameshotelandclub