London, England
Elegant five-star hotel in St James’s, combining Michelin-star dining, a luxury spa and refined French style near London’s landmarks
Our review
Sofitel St James is blessed with a marvellous location – spitting distance from Trafalgar Square, the River Thames and Piccadilly, yet in a relatively quiet spot off Pall Mall away from all the traffic. It’s also in a lovely grand building dating from 1923 that used to be a banking hall.
With subtle French touches – this is a French hotel after all and patronised by its countrymen – it still is true to its London roots and the history of the building. A replica of the Big Ben clock is above the reception desk, the bank’s founders stare down and antique oil paintings are by both French and British artists.
The delightful Rose Tea Lounge is most attractively furnished with a striking roses painting forming a talking point. Here a harpist plays most afternoons and proper English tea is served.
The bar is an exact replica of Coco Chanel’s salon in Paris, down to the salmon skin covered bar stools. The brasserie, headed up by a French chef is a mix of unpretentious British and French food, beautifully served.
I had a junior suite overlooking Waterloo Place. I thought the room was almost perfect. In the entrance hallway is wallpaper depicting antique clocks, a quirky touch that made the space feel less like a hotel room. Here are also two wardrobes with proper hangers. The bathroom opposite had a louvre-style door that could be turned back against the wall like a window shutter; ideal for dashing in and out of the bathroom. The bathroom itself was in black and white with shiny black tiles and white sanitary ware. The sink was small but had oodles of space either side for wash bags and toiletries. I’m never keen on weighing scales – like a ‘wet paint’ sign I have to try although I know it will end in tears – but a heated towel rail and a shower with a simple on and off function cheered me up. As did the Hermes (Hermes!) toiletries.
And then we come to the bed. One of the best beds ever, with marshmallow-like duvet and really comfy mattress topper. (If you don’t like feathers or have an allergy, there are alternatives, just ask). Next to the bed is a night switch, so no hunting around for a switch in the early hours. There is also a directional light for reading as well as bedside lamp. The coffee machine has its off/on switch well hidden, but once you have mastered that, it’s all systems go. A mini bar is a bit superfluous, for me anyway, and the dressing table was not a good place to apply makeup, away from the window. But in the bathroom is a magnified and lit mirror, so better to do it there. The large desk had extra plugs for gadgets. Wi-Fi is free. On the desk were three red roses in a vase and complimentary bottles of water.
The sofa faces in to the room so one cannot sit looking out of the window, but it’s a minor point. I loved being able to open the window and that the curtains were thick lined to keep out the light. Although I was in the middle of London, I had a very good sleep and only heard one siren.
Breakfast was served efficiently and is available until 11am. One can have Continental, Full English or choose from the a la carte, especially if you don’t want much. I had an interesting selection of fruits – baby banana in syrup, papaya, kiwi and passion fruit as well as grapefruit and stewed apple.
I was shown the spa, in the old bank vaults, where the original features have been retained, such as the intricate plasterwork on the ceiling and the iron spindles on the stairs with brass handrails. There are five treatment rooms including one with its own Jacuzzi and natural daylight. At the entrance to the spa is a large communal table for taking lunch or afternoon tea with your spa treatment, before or after. There is also a relaxation room with three beds, where you may listen to music or doze. Manicures and pedicures are also offered with dedicated stations.
The Sofitel is not too big and manages to exude a certain amount of French charm. I found it tres bon and can heartily recommend it.
Rooms
Sofitel London St James offers approximately 183 rooms and suites within a Grade II listed building. Rooms blend classic British influences with contemporary French design and feature Sofitel MYBED bedding, Nespresso machines, luxury bathrooms with rain showers or baths, and views over Waterloo Place or Pall Mall in select categories.
Food and Drink
Dining highlights include Wild Honey St James, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving modern European cuisine with seasonal British ingredients. The Rose Lounge offers afternoon tea with a French twist, while the St James Bar is known for creative cocktails in an intimate, Parisian-inspired setting.
Wellness
Wellness facilities centre on Sofitel Spa, spanning multiple levels and offering treatments using brands such as Codage, Su-Man and Sothys. The hotel also features a modern fitness centre equipped with Technogym equipment for cardio and strength training.
Facilities
- Luxury spa and fitness centre
- Michelin-starred restaurant and cocktail bar
- Afternoon tea lounge
- Meeting and event spaces
- 24-hour room service
- Concierge services
- Pet-friendly accommodation
- Business centre
Location
Located on Waterloo Place in the prestigious St James’s district, the hotel is moments from Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, St James’s Park and Buckingham Palace, with theatres and West End attractions close by.
Getting there
Address: 6 Waterloo Place, London SW1Y 4AN, UK
Arriving by train: Nearest tube stations – Charing Cross, Piccadilly Circus
Arriving by air: London City Airport – Located 9 miles (14 km) – 25 minutes by carLondon Heathrow Airport – 20 miles (32km) – 1 hour by carLondon Gatwick Airport – 29 miles (45km) – 75 minutes by car
More information
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* Note: The hotel review was last updated in early 2026. Please let us know if you spot any factual errors.