Located in one of London’s poshest neighborhoods, the Sofitel London St James does anything but disappoint. Finding your way to the hotel is quite easy, as it’s only a few minutes from Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, and Buckingham Palace.
You’ll most likely be greeted with a “bonjour” from one (or more) of the smiling staff as you enter. It’s important to note that check-in time at the hotel is 3 p.m.
Nonetheless, if you happen to arrive early, you can store your luggage and choose to receive a text when your room is ready. For my four-day trip to London, I was lucky enough to spend two nights here.
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission when you purchase a product or book a stay through these links at no extra cost to you.
The Hotel
While this luxury hotel is British at its core, there is definite French flair in its design. The building itself was constructed in 1923, and the hotel has kept many of its original neoclassical features.
Upon entering the lobby, I felt the sensation of being transported back into time. In the end, the Sofitel is an exciting mix of traditional London with a modern French twist. I guarantee that you’ll be delighted with this funky fusion.
My favorite spot was undoubtedly the Rose Lounge (pictured above). This charming room, decked out in vibrant colors and patterns, offers daily tea afternoon tea. If you wish to partake in this event, you can book online or ask the hotel to make you a reservation for a specific time.
As with the Sofitel‘s design, the afternoon tea is also a fusion of British and French sweet treats. Furthermore, music from a live harpist truly enhances the experience.
If you’re looking to experience traditional British tea time with a French touch, I highly recommend taking afternoon tea at the Rose Lounge. It also makes a great activity on a mother-daughter weekend trip in the U.K.!
The rooms
Let’s talk details! I stayed in one of Sofitel’s Premium Luxury rooms. Let me say, I haven’t felt this spoiled in a long time. I almost didn’t even want to leave the room, but hey, London was calling!
My room had a view of both Waterloo Place and Pall Mall, making for a beautiful glimpse of the city during the day and night. As someone who likes to sprawl out at night, I was particularly impressed with the large and über comfy bed.
After a long day of walking around the city, I’d come back and relax with a warm bath. Another fun fact: Sofitel London St James provides guests with Hermès essential amenities.
Furthermore, I appreciated the large desk in my room. I was able to both unwind and focus on taking advantage of work time, all thanks to my room set up.
Read More: The 22 Most Famous Streets in London
Food options
Is breakfast your favorite meal? Well, even if it usually isn’t yours, I guarantee you’ll be in love with all of the Sofitel St James’ morning options. When you’re on vacation, you’ll most likely want to sleep in, and this luxury hotel 100% understands that.
That’s why they serve breakfast until 11 a.m. on weekdays, until 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays, and until noon on Sundays. Brunch, anyone?
The Balcon also serves lunch and dinner, meaning you don’t even need to leave the hotel for fine dining! If you’re looking to enjoy an evening cocktail, make sure to drop by the St James Bar.
This meeting place is perfect for socializing or even grabbing a drink before the theatre (Her Majesty’s Theatre is just around the corner). I thoroughly enjoyed the St James Bar‘s style, having been inspired by Coco Chanel’s Paris apartment.
The neighborhood
London is a vast city, making your choice of neighborhood extremely important when visiting. At the Sofitel London St James, I honestly couldn’t have been closer to all of my target attractions. To give you an idea, here are some London highlights as well as their distance from the hotel:
- Trafalgar Square (4 mins walking)
- Piccadilly Circus (5 mins)
- Churchill War Rooms (9 mins)
- Buckingham Palace (13 mins)
- Westminster Abbey (15 mins)
- Big Ben (16 mins)
- The Royal Mews (19 mins)
My stay at the Sofitel was the perfect introduction to London and left me yearning to explore this historic city even further. Needless to say, I’m sure I will be back again one day!
Ready to book your stay at Sofitel London St James? Click here.
I was a guest at the Sofitel London St James for two nights in exchange for this review. Nonetheless, all opinions are and will always be my own.
