LONDON
SOPHISTICATION AND LAID-BACK LUXURY AT …
ST JAMES ’ S HOTEL AND CLUB MAYFAIR
AS YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED , THIS JANUARY 2023 ISSUE OF insideKENT HAS A STRONG FOCUS ON LOOKING FORWARD WITH POSITIVITY AND HOPE . THE PAST FEW YEARS HAVE BEEN TOUGH , SO WE ’ RE RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH A PROMISE TO GO EASIER ON OURSELVES AND TAKE BETTER CARE OF OUR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELLBEING . WITH THAT SAID , I COULDN ’ T BELIEVE MY LUCK WHEN LONDON ’ S ST JAMES ’ S HOTEL AND CLUB GOT IN TOUCH TO ASK IF I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR ‘ SELF-CARE STAY PACKAGE ’, AN OVERNIGHT BREAK AT THEIR OPULENT FIVE-STAR MAYFAIR HOTEL WITH MICHELIN-STARRED DINING AND A PROGRAMME OF RELAXATION ADDED FOR ULTIMATE INDULGENCE . BY POLLY HUMPHRIS
Not needing my arm twisted , and feeling the impact of Covid ’ s long legacy on my depleted energy levels , I jumped at the chance . I have always been curious about this revered London institution that first opened its doors as a gentlemen ' s club for the English aristocracy in 1892 . And it ’ s in this definition that an obvious misconception could arise ; gentlemen ’ s club … English aristocracy … All sounds a bit stuffy , doesn ’ t it ? In truth , this city-central gem of an escape couldn ’ t be less hoity toity . Having changed hands a couple of times , but now very sure of its personality under the ownership of German hotel group , Althoff , the hotel has an overriding air of elegance and a definite five-star feel , but teamed with a palpable warmth and a slight touch of mischievousness , which makes you feel excited from the minute you ’ re greeted by the charming concierge .
What strikes you first is the location , which seems almost magical in its effect . A Victorian townhouse of 56 rooms and 12 suites , St James ’ s is tucked away in a quiet cul-de-sac on Park Place just minutes from the tailors of Jermyn Street and glorious Green Park . Once inside and instantly relaxed by the peaceful grand country-house hotel atmosphere , it seems impossible that you ’ re only 11 minutes ’ walk from the frenetic pace of bustling Piccadilly Circus . Finding a hotel this centrally located in London that can offer such a wonderful level of calm is practically unheard of , and it ’ s this immediate tranquillity that underpins the whole experience here .
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