Less than a mile from the iconic attractions of Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace, the Conrad London St James is set within two 19th-century townhouses. The six-storey hotel offers a world-class art collection, two-storey suites, themed afternoon teas, an art deco-inspired dining concept, The Hedgerow bar and a traditional London pub. Read on to find out more about our experience at this salubrious central London address.

    

Once Queen Anne’s Chambers and government offices, this property has been the Conrad London St. James since September 2014. Part of the Hilton Worldwide group, it became the brand’s 24th hotel, taking on the US chain’s upscale approach to international hospitality. However, there are plenty of nods to its past connections, not least in its fascinating and thoughtfully curated art collection.

A base in Westminster

Built-in close proximity to the national seat of power, the building’s original purpose provides a different benefit to the modern-day traveller; proximity to tourist hotspots. It’s located on Broadway between Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace, across the road from the tube and a short stroll from St James’ Park. While the nearness of the underground makes arrival and departure seamless, you are able to reach almost everything you will need during your stay, on foot.

Trafalgar Square is around 15 minutes walk, past the iconic landmarks of Horse Guards Parade, 10 Downing Street and Churchill’s War Rooms. You can also reach Buckingham Palace via The Mall in a quarter of an hour, with the bridge crossing to the Embankment, river cruise piers and the London Eye taking a little over 20 minutes. And all the major rail links can be accessed on foot in less than an hour.

Five-star facilities

A door person is ready to greet upon entry, setting the tone for the entire guest experience. Actually one of the most striking things to note about the hotel is the level of service, nothing is too much trouble and the service is friendly and delivered with incredible efficiency.

Curated city excursions are provided via the multilingual concierge, as well as adventure packages to see the city from a different perspective. A media hub, 24-hour business centre, seven fully-equipped meeting rooms and the Whitehall Suite (which can accommodate up to 300 people for events) make it an excellent choice for the business traveller, or those planning a celebration in style.

For those with energy to spare, or a training programme to maintain, there’s a gym onsite — although guests can also take the opportunity for a run around the stunning park lake. And guests with Executive Lounge access can take advantage of the lounge offering free-flow drinks and food throughout the day and evening.

Classic and cutting-edge bedroom amenities

Conrad London St James accommodates 256 lavish contemporary guestrooms, including 30 ultra-luxury suites and a spectacular penthouse with its own private lift. Rooms include a Nespresso coffee machine perfect for a caffeine fix first thing, gleaming spa-style marble bathrooms, a minibar with complimentary sparkling water, button control drapes, dreamy 400 thread count Egyptian cotton bedding and a 42-inch satellite HDTV with access to Chromecast and on-demand video games.

While suites come in one and two-bedroom formats, boasting stylish accommodations with a separate lounge and dining area for welcoming and entertaining guests, separate guest toilets and bathrooms with double vanity basins, bath and separate rain showers as well as executive lounge access. 

During our stay, we were hosted in a beautiful one bed corner suite with street view.

Living Area

Bedroom

Master Bathroom & Separate Guest WC

View

The Blue Boar Pub

Enjoy the hotel’s traditional London pub charm, with the in-house neighbourhood “local”, the Blue Boar. Revel in its sense of public house nostalgia, blended with contemporary chic. Parquet flooring, studded leather chairs and dark wood create a sophisticated and moody atmosphere. Quintessential British comfort food favourites fill the menu overseen by Chef Sally Abé, with pints pulled, a great wine selection and hearty roasts rustled up on a Sunday.

Our Dining Experience

During the stay I dined at the Boar Bar and sampled their fantastic Sunday Roast which is one of the best I have tried in London, if you are visiting on a Sunday definitely order the roast you won’t be disappointed.

The Hedgerow and The Orchard Room

Meanwhile, nature and botanicals are the themes at The Hedgerow cocktail bar, with tasty bar snacks and unique herbaceous libations by mixologist Gregorio Soriente. Afternoon tea can be taken in the hotel too, where guests can tuck into elegant sandwiches, scones and fancies from a bone china-tiered stand in The Orchard Room, with beverage recommendations from your own personal tea sommelier. The Orchard is a light and flower-filled space accented by a glass roof, that brings the outside in, perfect for some indulgent daytime delicacies.

The Pem

Finally, The Pem is Conrad’s exquisite fine dining restaurant, taking its name from the renowned suffragette Emily Wilding Davison (whose nickname was Pem). Michelin-starred Chef Sally Abé is at the helm and in her element here, with groundbreaking menus created from sustainably sourced, seasonal ingredients. Opt for the tasting selection, and admire the creative ways in which local wintery English ingredients, such as chestnut, pumpkin and pear are incorporated into the six sublime courses. Like The Hedgerow, The Pem sports a baby and dark pink colour palette, with velvet upholstery inspired by the Art Deco era.

Note the Pem is also the location of the hotel’s breakfast, it’s served buffet style and offers a wide selection of hot and cold breakfast items to start the day off.

Final Thoughts

If you’re planning a break or business trip to the capital, the Conrad London St James oozes luxury and five-star plus service, mix this in with its ultra-convenient location and a strong sense of British heritage, with a modern global outlook and you have the perfect luxury hotel for your next trip to London.

The Conrad St James is included in our guide to the best hotels in London.

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