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In the heart of the capital, and just a few blocks away from all major touristic attractions, is this trip's wonderful choice: The Sofitel St. James.
It all starts with the first impression, a great one indeed where a professional receptionist, Sarah, took care of us in perfect French -I discovered later on that most of the staff, not to say all, speak French. You enter the hotel through an automatic door directly into the lobby with its high ceiling and warm ambiance. A spongy carpet, cheerful flowers, wooden finish and pleasant wallpapers decorated with special paintings take you into a world of enchantments. We checked-in and were informed about all the hotel features before being directed to our room on the first floor. A very nice room of 25 sqm approximately up to the standards of a luxury hotel nomination.
The stunning Sofitel London St James is located in the former home of Cox’s and King’s bank in the very heart of London, England. This sympathetically renovated building is English heritage grade II listed and now houses one of London's most unique five-star hotels - combining traditional British design with a contemporary style that is unmistakably French.
The Different Hotel sections:
The Balcon:
This grand brasserie is the perfect setting to enjoy the finest French-British cuisine from Head Chef "Vincent Menager." The area has been designed with the sense of arrival evident throughout each of the distinct areas: the brasserie, the custom-made charcuterie bar, the Champagne Balcony, the tasting table, and a private dining room. The Balcon offers breakfast, morning tea and savories, lunch, French and English afternoon tea, Champagne and cocktails, charcuterie, dinner, and late-night dining.
The So SPA:
Sofitel So SPA is an exceptional and unique day spa. It is an exhilarating, uplifting, and rejuvenating experience where different therapies and treatments from around the world meet the refinement and skill of the latest in French cosmetology. Sofitel So SPA is a true escape from the city.
St.James Bar and Rose Lounge:
You may enjoy original vintage and signature cocktails, exclusive Champagnes, or wines. All-day long, a bar menu is available for the main dish, a plate to share, or just a bite before going to the theater.
Two single joint beds with fluffy relaxing bedsheets and two pillows. - A Bose music station for iPod or iPad owners. - A 32inch LCD screen with a wide choice of digital channels. - An office for men and a make-up table with its mirror for women. - Two sofa chairs. - A big bathroom including both a bathtub and a shower. - The needed usual amenities found in five stars hotels. - A silent air conditioning unit with a control panel that has no numbers; you'll know in the morning if the setting chosen was too cold for you. - A rich and complete minibar.
The Bathroom:
A black and white combination of marble and tiles adequately lit. - An individual shower, delivering adequate water pressure. - A large bathtub for relaxation moments. - Wide space to move around in a checkered flag style. - Hermes shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner. - The average amenities. - A music and phone system to stay connected.
Missing in the rooms:
A scale that is a very important item to have in a luxury hotel considering its low cost. - The amenities are very normal, while the trend nowadays is having the minimal details taken care-off like a luffa, body lotion or cologne water, or even a tooth brush.
The pluses:
Perfect decoration and architectural finish of the hotel, rooms, common areas, and bathrooms: Chapeau Bas! - The room cleaning is more than perfect with the minimal details organized to perfection like rolling a towel, especially for the shower, so when you go out of there, pushing it with your foot rolls it open with style. - Fixing the room two times a day and preparing the bed for sleeping is perfectly done: thank you for the Evian bottle and slippers. - The concierge, bellboys and majordomo are all incredibly helpful and happy to serve you. - The staff is always happy and smiling. We asked for a late check-out that was granted for us without any problem. - I love the different elevators' leather walls colors: the first is blue, the second is red and the third green.
The minus:
Beds move more than fishing boats. They produce too many sounds each time you want to turn around. I though birds were sleeping in the room. - Isn't it a must to have a pillow menu in a luxury hotel collection? Lower quality hotels have it nowadays.
A luxury hotel, indeed with a professional French touch to make your stay a dream come true.
