Conrad London St. James

BACKGROUND Located in the former Queen Anne’s Chambers, a 19th-century building less than a mile from Westminster, it’s a contemporary hotel with historical and political references reflecting its location.

W H AT ’ S IT LIKE? If you appreciate a personalised service and attention to detail, this is the hotel for you. Guests are made to feel welcome and looked after, with staff attentive at all times. Tailored to the sophisticated traveller, there are contemporary spaces where you can dine, work or relax and striking artwork that intrigues around every corner.

WHERE IS IT? Westminster Village, near a roster of famous attractions including Buckingham Palace, St. James’ Park, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and 10 Downing Street.

ROOMS There are 256 rooms and luxury suites of various shapes and sizes. We stayed in a one-bedroom suite with a large king bedroom; comfortable lounge with sofa and chairs, dining table, work desk, coffee table and tea- and coffee-making facilities; a marble bathroom with walk-in rainforest shower, large bath, double vanity and fluff y robes and slippers; and a guest toilet. Despite the pandemic, there was a turndown service and when we ordered hot drinks to the room, they arrived super quick. The view wasn’t great, but this is a business hotel and with fast WiFi and room service, it offers the comfort and convenience you crave.

FOOD AND DRINK Suite guests have access to the spacious executive lounge, which was open for drinks, but evening cocktails and delicious canapés were served at Emmeline’s – the elegant lounge with a partial-glass ceiling at the heart of the hotel, which is also popular for limitededition afternoon teas. Food is a hotel strong point. We dined at the Blue Boar Bar, a sophisticated British pub venue with a real sense of the Westminster scene. From succulent steaks to inventive takes on classic gastropub favourites, there was something for everyone in this cosy venue with rich dark furnishings and bold caricature-type art portraying political figureheads. Next door, the Blue Boar Restaurant serves contemporary British cuisine, as well as a hearty breakfast. There’s a private dining area here too for client meetings.

BUSINESS Eight flexible meeting spaces for up to 300 guests and a business centre with printing facilities. The hotel recently launched a ‘working from hotel’ concept – think socially distanced work spaces meet luxury hotel services.

LEISURE A small fitness centre is open 24 hours a day.

VERDICT A sophisticated hotel where your needs are anticipated. It’s also one of Westminster’s most sought-after dining destinations, which elevates the experience. Gemma Greenwood

If you appreciate a personalised service and attention to detail, this is the hotel for you

BEST FOR The luxury traveller who appreciates personal service

DON’T MISS The best posh-pub grub in town at the Blue Boar Bar

PRICE From £165 ($212) for a week night in November

CONTACT 22-28 Broadway; tel +44 (0)20 3301 8080; hilton.com