The Sofitel London St James, part of the renowned French hotel group, offers a truly luxurious stay and dining experience for Londoners and visitors alike. Located in the corner of Waterloo Place and Pall Mall, the possibilities are endless with all of the capital’s best to offerings within walking distance. Those who do not want to venture too far need not worry with the Wild Honey St James restaurant offering delicious all-day menu options and the St James Bar offering a great venue for a cocktail or two.
Hotel
The striking Grade II-listed building, a former banking agency in the 1920s, is a prime example of neoclassical architecture in the centre of London. The five-star Sofitel London St James hotel went through an overhaul in 2019 with a redesign by world-renowned French interior designer, Pierre-Yves Rochon, blending bold 1960’s London vibes with contemporary French touches.
Rooms
The hotel has 183 rooms, from standard doubles to superior suites, all spacious and comfortable and for my visit, I stayed in a Luxury Room which comes with a king-sized bed. The 1960’s vibe by designer Pierre-Yves Rochon carries onto the bedrooms with bold and striking décor and the room was spacious with a bold pink colour palette with pop art inspired artwork and high-end furnishings and ceramics by Fornasetti. Our particular room comes with a large flat screen tv and plenty of storage, a desk and a lounge chair, as well as a spectacular view of Waterloo Place from the large windows. The bathroom was a particular highlight, spacious with a monochrome theme, with both a bathtub and shower for whatever takes your fancy, toiletries by French Fashion house Hermès were an indulgent added touch.
Food and Drink
Opened in the Spring of 2019, the Wild Honey St James was created in collaboration with world-renowned chef, Anthony Demetre. The restaurant oozes elegance with its beautifully designed space, which was vast and held ornate chandeliers and light fixtures. Here, you can have your breakfast, which is included as part of your stay but it’s dinner time where the restaurant shines with its changing modern European menu that combines classic French techniques with seasonal British produce.
On my visit I tried the grilled Galician octopus served with a fricassée of white beans and datterini tomatoes, perfectly cooked and delicious, and for those with a sweet tooth, the English custard tart is a standout. If you fancy a pre or post-dinner drink then you can’t miss a visit to the hotel’s St James Bar; intimate and elegant, the stunning space features deep blue velvet seating and ornate lighting for a truly decadent experience. The bar offers a menu of classic drinks (The St James Reviver is a must) as well as a passport menu, with cocktails specifically created to represent different countries, from Thailand to Cuba.
Spa
If you need to unwind after a busy day in town then a visit to the hotel’s very own award-winning spa is recommended. The Sofitel Spa covers three floors and features marble walls and ornate columns and offers the best of French cosmetology, from massages, body scrubs and facials, all using the best products. If it’s a workout you’re after, then the hotel also offers its very own well-equipped gym with all the latest fitness equipment.
To do
Options are endless with its prime central London location within walking distance of many of the capital’s best attractions. Shopping options are bountiful with Regent and Oxford Street close by, home to the best high street and designer stores in the city, including the world-famous Selfridges department store. If you’re in the market for some good old British tailoring then also pop by the boutiques on the iconic Saville Row, home to the likes of Richard James and Ozwald Boateng. If you fancy a bit of culture then the National Gallery is only round the corner in Trafalgar Square and you can take a leisurely walk along St James’s Park until you hit Buckingham Palace.
In a nutshell
If you’re looking for a building rich in heritage but with fresh and luxurious rooms then the Sofitel London St James is for you. Bang in central London, you have the best of the city on your doorstep and if you don’t fancy venturing out then all the amenities within the hotel and its warm and welcoming staff will be sure to look after to you.
Factbox
Getting there: With its prime central location, the Sofitel London St James is easily accessible from all of the capital’s airports, and if travelling by tube, Piccadilly station is mere moments away.
Rooms start from £250 per night.
Address: 6 Waterloo Pl, St. James’s, London SW1Y 4AN
Phone: +44 (0)20 7747 2200
Email: H3144@sofitel.com
Website: sofitelstjames.com
