Crowne Plaza Hotel London St James

Introduction: The St. James Hotel London is next door to the 51 Buckingham Gate Apartments. Buckingham Gate is the side road that links Victoria Street (close to Parliament Square and the Houses of Parliament half a mile to the east) to the grounds of Buckingham Palace (the hotel is just 400 yards from the Palace to the north). As such its a popular cut through for traffic but still somewhat quieter than the busier main roads that surround it. Victoria station is less than half a mile away and from there you can catch the Gatwick Express service out to Gatwick Airport. Just 200 yards to the north is St James's park which is part of the grounds to Buckingham Palace. 58 acres in size it has its own small lake and bridge. This is a central London location and so there are numerous attractions in the surrounding area. The best of the night life is just past Buckingham Palace from around Trafalgar Square less than a mile away. Nearest places of interest include Westminster Cathedral (0.2 miles), Queens Gallery (0.2 mile), St James's Palace (0.4 miles), Westminster Abbey (0.4 miles), Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament (0.4 miles) and Tate Britain (0.7 miles).

Hotel:
Originally built in 1897 this Victorian building has long since been renovated into a modern hotel serving the needs of the business traveller and visiting tourists alike. The original façade and inner courtyard remain. The courtyard used to be by horses and carriages and is now the focus of the inner areas of the hotel.  The hotel has traditionally classic style. Period prints decorate the walls.

Rooms are all en-suite with 240/110 v sockets, robes, hairdryer, phone and scales. In-room amenities include air-conditioning, desk, safe, broadband internet (some have WifI), iron/ironing board, trouser press, hairdryer, minibar, cable TV with pay movies, dual line telephone with voicemail,
There is also a turndown service, wakeup calls provided and newspapers can be delivered to your room.
Room service is 24 hours.
The bedroom configurations are divided into Standard rooms, Superior rooms, Deluxe rooms and hotel suites and each one is individually decorated. A deluxe room especially adapted for accessibility is available.
Standard Rooms: twins or Queen bed.
The Standard Double rooms incorporate the old with the new. They are available in either twin-bedded (two single beds) or a queen-bed configuration, and include all the facilities and services listed above. All rooms are well appointed.
Superior Rooms: more spacious than standard. Twin, queen or king-bed.
Deluxe Rooms: Have added touch of luxury and also have more room than standard. Twin, queen or king-bed. extra bed option.
Standard Suites: Double bed. Separate lounge. Fax machine on a dedicated number.
Superior Suites: More spacious than standard.
Deluxe Suites: Feature walk-in cupboard with marble bathrooms with separate shower and bath. King sized beds.

Dining options:
Bistro 51: Serves classic French and British cuisine using fresh ingredients along with an Asian Corner menu. There is also an extensive wine list conveniently listing wines according to their flavour. special value pre-theatre dinner between 17.45 and 18.45. Open: 6:00 till 11:00, 12:00 till 15.00, 18.00 till 23.00.
The Quilon Restaurant and Bar: (former five star diamond award by the American Association of Hospitality Sciences.) South coast Indian menu served in a chic setting. The chef uses the freshest ingredients in all dishes. Open: 12:00 till 14.30 (closed Saturday, Sunday 12.30 till 15.30), 18.00 till 23.00.
Bank Westminster: The à la carte restaurant is styled as an urban Brasserie in conservatory setting and has views out over the peaceful original Victorian courtyard. Serves an imaginative fresh menu with its own slant on classic dishes. Extensive wine list. Open: 12.00 till 15.00 (weekdays), 17.30 till 23.30 (closed Sunday).
Zandar Bar: has won the 'Evening Standard Bar of the Year' award and is a chic setting with one of Europe's longest bars measuring 48 meters. Range of cocktails. A resident DJ is on hand Wednesday till Saturday till 01.00. Open: 11.00 till 23.00 (till 01.00 rest of week, Saturday from 17.00 and closed all day Sunday)
Hamptons Bar: Intimate and relaxed setting for this bar that also serves a traditional afternoon tea (can be taken in the courtyard) (now with floral teas that unwind as you watch and 20 loose Jing teas) served with scones, light sandwiches, patisseries and champagne (as an option). The bar also serves a full range of drinks and is known for its martinis and mango Bellinis. Resident pianist. including Open: 11:00 am till 1:00 am (from noon on Sunday).

The twenty function/conference rooms can handle up to 250 guests and facilities include internet access and A/V equipment. A dedicated boardroom can accommodate 16 delegates and is fitted with the latest high tech amenities.

Onsite is the Spa at Fifty-One located just of the courtyard. Here you can treat yourself to Sodashi whole body treatments geared towards both men and women. The air-conditioned complex includes male and female separate saunas, hydrotherapy baths, steam rooms and relaxation area which are all free to use for clients of the Spa. Treatments 8:00 till 21.00 (weekdays), 9:00 till 20.00 weekends. Physiotherapist and masseuse can be arranged by appointment. There is also a gymnasium that has TV screens, range of cardio machines, free weights and resistance equipment. Gym open 06.30 till 22.00 (weekdays), 08.00 till 20.00 (weekends).

An outstanding feature of the hotel is the the award winning inner courtyard has an in-bloom all year round garden and a central fountain.
Other hotel features include the e-Business Centre with photocopying, faxing, printing, computer hire with with office software, internet access and secretarial services. Open weekdays 08.00 till 20.00, Saturday 09.00 till 13.00. Internet access 24/7.