Sofitel London St James

BACKGROUND This stunning neoclassical Grade II listed building, owned by the Crown Estate, was originally constructed in 1923 to house travel company Cox & Kings. It was then taken over by Lloyd’s Bank and in 2002, transformed into five-star Sofitel hotel. Last year, renowned French interior designer, Pierre-Yves Rochon, re-designed the property, blending bold British design inspired by 1960s London with contemporary French elegance.

WHERE IS IT? Waterloo Place on the corner of Pall Mall and close to landmarks including Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, and Regent Street - one of London’s most prestigious hotel addresses.

W H AT ’ S IT LIKE? The best of French and British influences, from design to service, are paired to perfection. You are greeted with a warm ‘bonjour’ as you enter the elegant lobby where an impressive threemetre-high engraved glass wall recounts the building’s history in a few lines inscribed by a French calligraphy master. The property’s prestigious past and neoclassical theme is preserved in unique design features, as well as fascinating memorabilia, photographs and portraits.

ROOMS There are 183 ultramodern guest rooms and suites, all of which have were fully renovated last year to reflect the creative, playful and upbeat feel of the ‘60s and ‘70s, with bold and bright colour schemes; pop-art pieces; a signature mushroom chair; mirrored, chrome and lacquered finishes; and geometric printed wallcoverings. My Luxury Room was spacious and extremely comfortable and offered all the comforts I required: a big

TV, coffee machine, plenty of wardrobe space, a luxurious bathroom with a powerful shower, large bath, robes and Hermès amenities and the pièce de résistance, Sofitel’s sumptuous signature MyBedTM. Guests can personalise their bedding and pillows and a reasonably priced in-room sleep menu offers everything from room scents and bath bombs to hot drinks and nightcaps.

FOOD AND DRINK All-day dining venue, Wild Honey St James, is a collaboration with renowned chef Anthony Demetre and a reimagination of his iconic restaurant concept (Wild Honey), serving contemporary French cuisine made from seasonal British ingredients. I dined here at breakfast, choosing eggs from the à la carte menu, topped up with fresh fruits, yogurts and pastries from the buffet. The service was intuitive and the atmosphere relaxed, accentuated by large windows and innovative lighting. The St James Bar, adjacent to the restaurant, was my favourite spot. With lush velvet banquette seating and an imaginative drinks and bar snack menu, it’s ideal for a casual pre-dinner aperitif with friends, colleagues or clients.

MEETINGS There are seven meeting suites, each named after distinguished London districts, accommodating up to 200 guests and a boardroom with its own private dining room seating 12. All venues feature the latest audio visual technology and the on-site Sofitel MagnifiqueMeetings team can help plan every detail. For an intimate business or social lunch, the private dining

The best of French and British influences, from design to service, are paired to perfection

room at Wild Honey St James accommodates 16 guests.

LEISURE The three-storey Sofitel Spa is a haven of calm in the heart of London and features Sofitel’s signature MyBedTM massage tables, 5 treatment rooms including a duo room, a Zen Lounge, a private hammam with heated marble treatment bed, a Kohler Sok infinity bath and an Astorina bath with hydrotherapy jet. There’s a

Tea Bar and boutique too. At Sofitel Fitness, open around the clock, you’ll find Technogym equipment, plenty of workout space and complimentary bottled water, fresh fruit, papers and headphones.

VERDICT With a central location, friendly and professional service, cosy yet sophisticated dining venues, stunning spa and a striking design that creates a real sense of place, this hotel is perfect for a business trip, weekend break or client meeting or event. British and French style marry well to create an elegant and relaxing ambiance. It feels like a boutique hotel, with the perk of consistent high standards that you expect from a name like Sofitel.