Hotel Review: The Stafford London
A hotel with 18th century charm tucked into London’s St. James…
AMENITIES
400-year-old wine cellar
Fitness suite with Technogym® equipment
24-hour room service
THE REVIEW
Background
There’s some history to this property. In the 17th century it was a private home. During WWII it was a base for American and Canadian officers. Also, during the War, the wine cellar was an air raid shelter. In 2022 the hotel underwent a renovation and redesign of certain bedrooms in the Main House.
Where Is It?
The hotel sits in the intersection between Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly, and Green Park. In the neighborhood of St. James, you can get almost anywhere in central London within minutes. Tucked away ever so quaintly, it’s probably the best neatly tucked in hotel in London.
What’s It Like?
The hotel is housed over 3 buildings (the Main House, the Mews House, the Carriage House) with their own distinct personality. The Main House has classic Victorian charm with modern amenities. The Mews House is in the courtyard of the Main House. The Carriage House is set in the stables of the British nobleman and politician Lord Francis Godolphin. The property is stunning with its 18th century charm, yet while it is stunning the staff do the bare minimum and aren’t the warmest or approachable. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t stay at the property, but there are certainly other hotels in London that have made us feel more welcome.
Mews Junior Suite in the Carriage House | Photo Provided by: The Stafford London
Rooms
There are 106 rooms and suites. The Main House rooms were recently renovated. We stayed in a Mews Junior Suite in the Carriage House. There’s a charm with warm taupe cream and caramel color tones, as the light colors draw you in. Sleeping three, the king-sized bed occupies one side of the room, while the sitting room portion comes with a sofa, desk, and sitting chairs. The bathroom is super spacious and marbled, coming with a rain shower, deep soaking tub, two sinks, and towel warmers that keep the bathroom warm.
Food and Drink
Eggs Royale for breakfast are some of the best we’ve had in London | Photo Credit: Seele
Breakfast is served every morning in the hotel restaurant a la carte, and it’s quite good. Items range from French Toast, to an Omelet, Eggs Royale, Porridge, or a full English Breakfast. Smoothies, freshly squeezed juice, coffee, or a pot of tea are available.
The pastries made in-house can be summed up in three words: to die for. Most especially the lemon tart, it’ll make you want another so heads up that you’ll be a frequent visitor to the gym after The Stafford breakfast and after having a pastry.
Leisure
The gym was designed by former Royal Marines Commando Officer Sean Lerwill with Technogym® and Wattbike®Pro equipment. Though small it is well encompassing and intimate. There is a larger gym option with The Lansdowne Club in Mayfair for £20 ($28).
Verdict
The hotel is beautiful but, in our experience, the staff doesn’t make you feel like you’re visiting a good friend. Service is bare minimum when help is genuinely needed. When major events are taking place in the city with road closures, the hotel does not notify guests so that ample time is given to make taxi and Uber plans. We ran into such a problem and had to sort our own way, walking with all our luggage through Green Park with little care from the hotel.
Best For
We didn’t experience anything “best” about the hotel.
Don’t Miss
A hearty breakfast every morning in the restaurant.
Price
The midweek rate for the first week of April for the Mews Junior Suite is £969 (USD $1,293).
Contact 16-18 St James's Place, St. James's, SW1A 1NJ | +44 20 7493 0111
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