Over the years, I’ve stayed in a few different parts of London – Park Lane, Soho, Fitzrovia, Bond Street and the City of London.  Wanting to try something new as the City hotel area is deserted on the weekend, I opted for a similarly priced hotel on Pall Mall, next to St. James’ park.  The Sofitel St. James was an exciting option for me as I do love Sofitels (my most recent stay at the Sofitel Melbourne).

Location – Sofitel St. James

Next to St. James’ park with a short walk to Buckingham Palace or alternatively through to Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the Thames for the London Eye, a block from Haymarket theatres, two blocks from the madness of Piccadilly Circus leading to Soho, Leichester Square and Covent Garden.  Basically a very good location for a visit to London.

Welcome to the Sofitel St. James

The cabbie who had a pension to sing “The Hills are Alive with the Sound of Music” the whole ride (and get this song stuck in my head all night long) made a right off of Pall Mall to Waterloo and pulled up in front of the hotel.  The cab door was opened by the hotel bellman who quickly took my bags inside the hotel and led me to the front desk.

 

The Lobby/Check-In at Sofitel St. James

Walking into the hotel, the lobby while compact is chock full of options.  With a glass etched designed wall as you enter, you can go right to the restaurant or lobby bar or make a left to the concierge and front desk.  The historic renovation of this former bank (Cox’s and King’s) is pretty spectacular.  The lobby was filled with colorful fresh flowers and a seating area.

I was greeted with a “Bon Jour” which always makes me smile at a bit of France around the world. Check In was quick although my Accor loyalty number was not entered on the reservation so once added, I was given a voucher for a free drink at the bar (sadly not used during my stay).  I needed to also pick a local paper to be delivered in the morning (they do not have US papers).

Sofitel St. James Hotel – Room on the 5th floor

The front desk agent escorted me to the room to ensure the key cards worked.  There are three small elevators decorated in red, green, blue.  Arriving on the 5th floor, the warm, muted colors along with the black and white photos exuded a small boutique hotel feel.

 

It was surprising that this was a Sofitel as the hallway decor was not as contemporary as other Sofitel hotels I’ve stayed at . Making a right, a right, up the incline and another right, we reached Room 522.  Apparently, it was this particular room that had a keycard problem.  She tried three cards, two worked so we were good to go.  She walked me into the room for a quick overview.  During this time, my bags arrived and were situated in the hallway.

The Superior Room at Sofitel St. James

The room was L shaped.  There was an entrance hallway leading directly to the bathroom with the bedroom on the right. The hallway contained two wardrobes and a luggage table in between. One wardrobe contained an iron and hanging space while the other wardrobe held drawers, coffee maker and the safe.

The bed was flanked by side tables, reading lights and black/white photos.  The Sofitel SO Bed (a favorite as you feel like you are sleeping on a pile of pillows as it is so soft) did not disappoint.  The double paned windows both opened so I could get fresh air and see my view of the hotel vents and a sliver of the London Eye in the distance.

A work desk contained two complimentary bottles of still water as well as plugs and an adapter.  With the tv stand/minibar combo on one side and a comfortable chair on the other, the room was arranged quite well. The hallway had a nightlight built into the wall.

The Bathroom at Sofitel St. James

Love, love, love!  Double doors opened out into the hallway.  The bathroom had the counter in the middle with a deep soaking tub on the left with heated towel rack (love!) and robe with loofah.  On the right, a shower stall with handheld and rainshower options.  I expected the amenities to be L’Occitane but was quite impressed to see Hermes toiletries (love!).  The baskets under the sink contained the hair dryer and slippers (love!).  This was a great bathroom. My morning shower was definitely indulgent as I used both water delivery options. I’m not a bath girl but the soaking tub was definitely a temptation if I were staying more than two nights.

The Balcon Restaurant Breakfast at Sofitel St. James London

On my day of departure, I went to the restaurant for breakfast. A Sofitel highlight around the world is the breakfast buffet (expensive £28 but full of great croissants and breads).  Quickly greeted and shown to a table, the server explained the menu options (buffet, continental or ala carte).  I opted for the buffet with hot entree and then explored the various food options situated around the restaurant in six areas – smoothies, fruit, breads, yogurts/cereal, cheese, hot entrees.

Sofitel St. James London –  Common Areas

The St. James Bar is located in the lobby and despite my free drink coupon, I didn’t visit during this stay.  The Rose Lounge is across from the front desk and was a quiet space.  The business center was available down the hall behind the lobby. There is a gym and a spa too!  With a longer stay, I’m sure I could have visited and enjoyed each.

Sofitel St. James London Turndown Service

The nightly turndown service included two bottles of water – still and sparkling – with a box of mixed nuts one night.  My only complaint of the stay was that the Saturday night turndown service threw away my bags that were on the desk – one bag I was going to use to ship a birthday gift that contained a brownie and my ziploc bag that I was going to put the brownie in.  When I returned to the room, the brownie was out of the bag and sitting on the desk all alone – both bags were tossed.  This is unusual as most housekeeping services will not throw out items if on the desk and especially if they contain personal items.  This threw a wrench in my plans and thankfully the hotel front desk found me a new bag to use for the birthday gift.

Concierge – Sofitel St. James London

The concierge was so very French and wonderful.  He had given me the required map with an “x” for we are here as he directed me to a few restaurants in the area.  I inquired about my next visit with my niece in a few weeks and he gave me the brochure with tour options and offered to book the reservations for me.  The concierge also sorted out my birthday gift shipment and recommended local UK mail guaranteed overnight which would cost under £10 (it billed as $12) rather than Fedex/DHL which was more costly.

Final Thoughts – Sofitel St. James London Hotel

The two night weekend stay was very comfortable and well situated to explore the city especially if you are visiting for the first time.  The hotel is five star luxury with top notch service and priced as such – my pre-paid, non-refundable rate for a superior room (one above the smallest room) was £300 + 20% tax per night which was a discount rate.  I was traveling for business  (yeah, expense account!) which is why I was able to stay at the Sofitel St. James London as this is not a hotel within my vacation budget.  It is often not within my expense account budget either so I lucked out with the discounted rate with my last minute booking (a month out).  I’d love to return to this hotel in the future as it has quickly joined my Top 5 stays in London!