Paloma visits The St James
Indisputably the swankiest address in London, the St. James postcode is not somewhere I usually visit. However, given the nod that it housed one of the city’s most romantic hotels, I headed there just as fast as my short, stumpy legs would carry me in search of the perfect place to spend Valentine’s Night in London.
St. James is famous for its opulent buildings and the St. James’s Hotel and Club does not disappoint. Architecturally beautiful and more than 150 years old, it’s no surprise to learn that this was originally a private members’ club, attracting the great and the good, providing board and lodgings for gentleman working in the city and away from their country piles.
The club element remains but thankfully it’s been brought into the present day and now accepts ladies. The hotel is a veritable palace, with more marble and gold than you can shake a stick at. It offers amazing views of Big Ben and the London Eye and easy access to Buckingham Palace, Green Park and the West End.
London’s five-star hotels can be imposing places and this gem manages to offer 60 bedrooms, so fairly sizeable, while maintaining a truly intimate setting that will see your Valentine’s Day go with a bang. Few ladies would fail to be impressed by this magnificent hotel. The bedrooms are designed by the talented Anne Maria Jagdfeld and are both elegant and stylish to the extreme. Each room offers original fabric choices – an adventure in luxury – and bathrooms the size of the average hotel bedroom. Chandeliers and jewelled door knobs are very much the norm. Many of the room have separate living areas, making it a home from home.
For the ultimate Valentine’s surprise for your loved one, why not book your very own in-suite cocktail butler. Expert mixologist Zdnek Zemen will arrive at your desired cocktail hour and mix your favourite drink to order. Whether it’s aMartini, Cosmopolitan, Whisky Sour or Manhattan or ask your butler to invent one just for you.
Take the stress out of Valentine’s Day by booking a table in William’s Bar Bistro and enjoy a relaxing dinner prepared by the hotel’s Michelin-starred chef William Drabble. Take in the incredible artwork in the bar area and the exquisite surroundings while sipping your favourite tipple.
The Valentine’s offer, available from Friday 11th until Sunday 1th February 2012 is £130.00 per couple and includes dinner in the Bistro (a main, side and dessert of your choice for two) and a Georg Jensen silver present for her, with a retail value of £90.
Or for a entire night to remember, let St. James’ Hotel and Club pamper you with a special “Suite Lovers” package. Stay overnight and you will receive a complimentary upgrade to a Junior Suite and a welcoming chilled bottle of Champagne in the room. The package is priced at £430.00 per room per night and includes a romantic turn down service and a delicious English breakfast the following morning.
The St James’ is something of a celeb spot and here’s who you should watch out for: The Club has welcomes VIPs such as Meryl Streep, Sir Elton John, Liza Minelli, Steven Spielberg, Barbara Streisand and Samuel L Jackson.