The Stafford London

Hotel Description

You know what hits you first about The Stafford? It’s tucked away on this tiny little street – St James’s Place – that most tourists walk right past without even noticing. I mean, you’re literally a two-minute walk from all the chaos of Piccadilly and Green Park, but you’d never know it. The entrance is so understated I actually walked past it twice on my first visit, looking for something more… flashy, I guess.

But honestly, that’s exactly what makes this place special. The moment you step inside, there’s this immediate sense that you’ve stumbled into something pretty exclusive – not in a stuffy, intimidating way, but more like you’re staying at a really sophisticated friend’s place who just happens to have impeccable taste. The lobby feels more like a gentleman’s club (which makes sense, considering the neighborhood), and the staff actually remember your name after the first day. The rooms themselves are what I’d call “properly English” – think rich fabrics and antiques that are clearly the real deal, not hotel replicas. My room overlooked this quiet courtyard, and I swear the only sounds I heard at night were the occasional footsteps of someone walking home from one of the private clubs nearby.

What really sold me, though, was the location knowledge the concierge had. When I mentioned wanting good Thai food, he didn’t send me to some tourist trap – he recommended this little place on Shepherd Market that I never would’ve found on my own. And speaking of Shepherd Market, it’s literally around the corner, which is perfect for evening drinks without dealing with the West End crowds. The wine bar downstairs (The Cellar) is actually built in these 17th-century wine cellars, and while it sounds like it could be gimmicky, it’s genuinely atmospheric – especially if you can snag one of the corner tables. Parking is pretty much impossible around here, but honestly, you won’t need a car anyway. Green Park tube is a five-minute walk, and you can easily stroll to Buckingham Palace, St James’s Park, or even pop over to Fortnum & Mason for afternoon tea. The only real downside? You might find yourself spoiled for other London hotels after this – I mean, going back to some generic chain near Russell Square just feels wrong now.

Rooms

• Classic Queen Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults
• Classic King Room with 1 extra-large double bed and 2 single beds for 2 adults
• Deluxe King Room with 1 extra-large double bed and 2 single beds for 3 adults, 1 child
• Junior Suite with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Executive Junior Suite with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 3 adults, 1 child
• Deluxe Junior Suite with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Executive King Room with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• One Bedroom Suite with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 3 adults, 1 child
• Executive One-Bedroom Suite with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 3 adults, 1 child

Facilities