Sofitel St James: The luxury hotel bringing French flair to the heart of London 

Sofitel St James is the luxury hotel bringing French flair to the heart of London

Tucked away in Waterloo Place – less than a minute’s walk from Trafalgar Square – lies Sofitel St James, a luxurious home-away-from-home for anyone wanting to do London in style. Whether you’re there for business, or for a romantic weekend, the iconic French hotel has something for everyone.

Rooms and Facilities

Arguably the most important part of any hotel is where you’re spending the night and Sofitel St James does not disappoint. The 5star hotel is built within a Grade II-listed former bank and has retained much of the grandeur and opulence one would expect from such a building. With high ceilings and large windows that envelop the suites in natural light, it’s easy to spend an afternoon lounging around your room. Bathe in style using the luxurious Hermes toiletries before retiring into bed on the hotel’s own trademarked MyBed mattresses – you might just have the best night’s sleep of your life!

Food and Drink

While the hotel is situated within walking distance of a number of London’s most sought after restaurants, you don’t have to leave to get a first class dining experience. You are spoiled for choice with three different venues to choose from. Wild Honey St James is the hotel’s main restaurant and was launched in 2019 by industry veteran Anthony Demetre. It’s French-inspired menu is made from fresh British produce. Not to be missed is the restaurant’s iconic honey ice cream, made from bee hives situated on the roof of the hotel. Fancy something a little more intimate? Head to the St James bar for pre-theatre cocktails surrounded by opulent velvet sofas and gold finishes. Try a tipple from their new ‘Imagination’ menu that combines unique flavours with intricate techniques, or ask one of their talented and friendly mixologists to magic up any of the classics with their own Sofitel twist.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for something really special, you can’t miss afternoon tea in the hotel’s Rose Lounge. Running until 3rd March 2022, the hotel’s Fashion Afternoon Tea (in collaboration with French fashion house Balmain) offers something truly unique. Celebrating the international launch of ‘Balmain Dreams 10: OR’, a comic-inspired anthology showcasing Balmain’s past collections, the afternoon tea features both savoury and sweet delights. Served within a dreamy, flower-adorned pink parlour, it’s also super Instagram-able. You’re sure to see it pop up on your feed over the next few weeks!

Hotel Highlights

While the extra special afternoon tea is sure to tempt more than a few of the fashion pack through the door, the fun doesn’t end there. The hotel also houses an impressive award-winning spa that offers a number of treatments; from body wraps to Balinese massages. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing, or a long work week. While these more traditional treatments work a dream, you can’t visit without trying their signature HydraFacial. The patented non-invasive facial is designed to cleanse, extract and hydrate the skin and is performed by friendly and knowledgeable therapists who personalise the experience for your skin’s needs. The results are impressive and are sure to inspire more than a few compliments.

What to do nearby

If you’re able to peel yourself away from relaxing in the spa and want to explore a bit of the capital, you won’t be disappointed. Situated in the heart of London, you can get to Buckingham Palace, the West End and Covent Garden without needing to step onto the tube, making it the perfect base for those looking to do a bit of sightseeing. Why not spend the morning shopping in Carnaby Street or meander through the National Gallery, before catching a matinee performance at the theatre?

Best For

Whether you’re travelling alone for work or visiting with the whole family, you are sure to feel like royalty after a stay here. With dining choices to suit every mood, staff who go above and beyond to make your stay enjoyable, and a plush bed that guarantees a great night sleep, you’ll be looking for any excuse to come back. 

While the hotel surely caters for every need, we particularly recommend trying it out if you’re looking to book a city break with the girls. With a fashion-themed afternoon tea and on-site spa, you could spend a whole day making the most of what the hotel has to offer. Then, when you fancy getting out, some of the city’s best shopping destinations and bars are right on your doorstep!

 

Jessica Carroll was a guest of the Sofitel Hotel Group where rooms start from £502 amount per night.