Tucked away on the quiet side street of Saint James’s Place just off Piccadilly, The Stafford London is rich with history and exudes some of the most quintessential English charm you’ll find in all of London.
Rooms in the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star hotel are actually divided among three spaces: the Main House with its classic Victorian detailing; the Carriage House, a former stable that once housed the Queen’s thoroughbreds and is now decked in classic English country décor; and the Stafford Mews, which opened in 2007 and showcases contemporary furnishings.
The clubby American Bar hidden away in the back of the hotel is also a unique tchotchke-filled spot to enjoy a gin fizz or glass of champagne come sunset.
Rooms in the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star hotel are actually divided among three spaces: the Main House with its classic Victorian detailing; the Carriage House, a former stable that once housed the Queen’s thoroughbreds and is now decked in classic English country décor; and the Stafford Mews, which opened in 2007 and showcases contemporary furnishings.
The clubby American Bar hidden away in the back of the hotel is also a unique tchotchke-filled spot to enjoy a gin fizz or glass of champagne come sunset.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- The design style of the lovely Stafford London ties together classic British design and Victorian flourishes, with Queen Anne furnishings in the lobby and a cleaner Edwardian design style in the guest rooms.
- The American Bar at The Stafford London is an institution in its own right where the walls are covered with an intriguing collection of artifacts and signed celebrity photographs donated by guests over the years.
- Built in the 17th century and used as an air-raid shelter in World War II, The Stafford’s 400-year old Wine Cellars currently house nearly 8,000 vintages and are truly a sight to behold.
- The Stafford is perfectly placed to help you explore the British capital with Buckingham Palace, the Royal Parks and the boutiques and galleries of Mayfair and St James’s right on your doorstep.
- There’s nothing quite as English as afternoon tea and The Game Bird serves up a superb one. A handcrafted trolley comes to your table to serve finger sandwiches, housemade sweet and savory scones, and seasonal cakes and pastries.
Things to Know
Built in the 17th century by Lord Francis Godolphin and used as an air raid shelter during WWII, the wine cellars house more than 8,000 bottles of fine wines. The restaurant’s sommeliers host wine tastings and wine-pairing dinners there throughout the year.
To make the most of your visit, be sure to stop by the concierge desk. The concierges can help with everything from securing last-minute theater tickets to arranging reservations at the trendiest restaurants.
- The lobby draws from the hotel’s centuries-old history, with white plaster cornices, elaborately carved and coffered ceilings, gilt-framed artwork and tasseled draperies. If you’re looking for a sleek, modern stay, you’ll have to look elsewhere.
The Rooms
- The guest rooms are spacious and well appointed, with a classic Edwardian style. Traditional wooden furnishings are used throughout, along with a thick tan carpet and heavy embroidered curtains with a blue-and-tan floral pattern.
- The deluxe king room can easily accommodate two guests with a work desk in the corner, a plush double-height king-size bed, a velvet-upholstered club hair with gilded wheeled feet and a side table with an impressive selection of magazines (InsideOut Luxury, Pomp and The Sunday Times Travel).
- A flat-screen television with Internet keyboard is provided, along with a walk-in closet with dozens of hangers for both men’s and women’s clothing.
- Bathrooms are inviting, clad in gray-veined white marble with a glass-door shower and large soaking tub, complete with a yellow rubber duck. Top-floor rooms may also have a skylight shaft above the tub, adding some natural light to the space.
The Restaurants
- The Game Bird is the London hotel’s relaxed, all-day dining venue serving up British comfort food with style. Expect simple yet creative dishes with seasonal ingredients.
- For those in the know, the chic Champagne Bar at The Game Bird is the place to grab a glass of bubbly or classic martini before you dine.
The American Bar at The Stafford is one of the city’s oldest American cocktail bars, a tradition that became popular in London and Paris in the 1920s and ’30s. Come for a light lunch in the inviting space or the charming cobblestoned courtyard, or pop in for a classic cocktail in the evening.
Amenities
24-hour room service 
Babysitting services
Bar
Gym
Meeting rooms
Pet friendly
Restaurants
Getting There
16-18 St James's Place, London SW1A 1NJ
TEL44-207-493-0111
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