The Prestige Suite at London's Sofitel St. James hotel costs £1,812.48 per night for a standard rate in mid-August for non-members. Our writer checked in to see how the other half live.
A historic building with modern luxury
The Sofitel St. James is part of a prestigious five-star hotel chain. The building was formerly the headquarters for army banking agency Cox & Kings, before becoming a Lloyds Bank. In 2002, the bank was transformed into the palatial five-star hotel it is today, retaining many original features.
The bomb-proof safe where the King's stamp collection was kept during World War II can still be seen, and the former bank vault, with its high concrete ceilings, is now a multi award-winning spa. The hotel has two new flagship suites (one opera themed, one 1970s) and four Prestige Suites, one of which was the writer's accommodation for the night.
Location and design
Located on Waterloo Place in Westminster, the hotel is a 10-minute walk from Waterloo over London Bridge. Shops and restaurants of St James's and Jermyn Street, Fortnum & Mason, the Royal Academy of Arts, Mayfair, Buckingham Palace, Green Park, Covent Garden and The Thames are all within walking distance.
French hotel chain Sofitel describes its concept as pairing Parisian luxury with the vibe of the location. The St. James building is full of Edwardian elegance. There are two 'Klein blue' Prestige Suites overlooking Waterloo Place, and 'Wimbledon green' suites with a vista of Pall Mall. From the green suite's window, you can see Banksy's Blind Nationalism statue.
All six new suites were designed by French interiors architect Pierre-Yves Rochon. The green suite features emerald carpets, curtains and furniture, an enormous mirror between the living area and bedroom, a king-sized bed with a velvet cushioned wall and headboard, and a black and white tiled bathroom with a deep porcelain bathtub, walk-in rainfall shower, double vanity basins and a TOTO Japanese smart toilet.
Dining and spa
Wild Honey, the hotel's one Michelin star restaurant, won England's Best Restaurant at the 2024 Culinary Awards. The writer dined at Bistrot at Wild Honey, the more relaxed of the two restaurants, which spills out onto a terrace. The signature 'custard' is a vodka cocktail infused with surplus dessert from the kitchen. Starters include sumptuous salami croquettes and salty tuna tartare, followed by sirloin steak with peppercorn sauce and a house burger. A grapefruit St. James spritz is recommended to end the night.
The spa offers a steam room and jacuzzi, but no sauna or communal swimming or relaxing space. A signature massage starts with a choice of aromatherapy oil and ends with red berry tea. Prices range from £75 for 30 minutes to £195 for a 90 minute deep tissue massage, or £150 for a deluxe hydrafacial. Alternatively, afternoon tea is available at the Rose Lounge.
Costs and verdict
Standard rates include a Classic room at £441.88, Luxury room at £634.81, Studio suite at £539.84, Suite 70 at £2,232.37 and Opera suite at £2,442.31. For the Prestige Suite, breakfast adds to £2,188.93, and free cancellation brings it to £2,628.59. At Wild Honey, a 3-course à la carte menu costs £98. At Bistrot at Wild Honey, starters are between £11 and £24, and mains around £30. Breakfast at the Bistrot is exceptional, with freshly baked buttery croissants and maple and banana pancakes made with seasonal produce.
The writer concludes that while they are certain they will never stay again, if you have the cash, a stay at the Sofitel St. James is recommended. The review was written as a guest of Sofitel London St James, but the review is independent.
