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 T
rafalgar
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 facade 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 a 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.
Note: Do not confuse this hotel with the similarly named
Sofitel St James Hotel
or
St James Hotel and
Club which are also in SW1.
Room Numbers: 321/ 21 suites
Check-in: 14.00 (2pm)
Check-out: 12.00 noon
Comment:
The Quilon Restaurant and Bar is a 1 star
Michelin rated
restaurant
2006 Envirowise challenge joint winner
