The quiet courtyard garden is the ideal location to unwind after exploring London
Highlights
- Beautiful courtyard area with apertivo hour
- Central London location
- On-site spa with a range of treatments
- Charming, Victorian architecture
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JUMP TO…
- The Rooms
- The Spa
- Dining and Drinking
- Location
- Value for Money
- Final Verdict
St James Court hotel Review
Located in the heart of Westminster, St James Court, a Taj Hotel, is described as “a discreet Victorian masterpiece”, priding itself in maintaining the charm of “one of Britain’s finest luxury hotels”.
First opened in 1902, though the hotel has been brought up to date with modern refurbishments, it retains many of the classic details which have been present since its birth. Since being taken over by Taj, the hotel promises “authentic Indian hospitality”.
The Victorian building sits within a courtyard, which is shared with sister hotel Taj 51 Buckinghamgate. The quiet courtyard garden is the ideal location to unwind after exploring London and enjoy a relaxing summer evening before heading to dinner.
An ornate Victorian fountain sits at the centre of the stunning surrounding porches and pillars. During our stay in September 2022, the hotel was also hosting a Courtyard Aperitivo, taking place every day after 6pm, featuring drinks from its Italian-inspired free-flow negroni fountain.
St James Court was offering G&T ice lollies in the courtyard after 12pm for gin lovers who wanted to try a different and very unique infused gin.
Upon arrival, guests can expect a warm greeting and outstanding service from staff right through to check-out.
The Rooms
Rating: 2/5
There are six room types to choose from, the Classic Room, Classic King Room, Executive Room, Premium Room, Executive King Room, and the Premium King Room, as well as two studios and six suites for those seeking a more elevated stay. St James Court also offers family and accessible rooms.
For our stay, we were handed the key to a Premium King Room, a spacious mix of old-world charm and modern design. Premium rooms are some of the most recently renovated in the hotel, so are the best to opt for. Spanning 30 sq m, the room features a King Sized bed with silver leather headboard and amethyst feature pillows.
Bespoke map artworks of London streets adorn the walls, firmly rooting you in the heart of the capital
Bespoke map artworks of London streets adorn the walls, firmly rooting you in the heart of the capital.
All rooms and suites include air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, hypo-allergenic sheets, a Nespresso coffee machine and fluffy bathrobes and slippers to wear during your stay. Hotel residents also have access to the gym.
The Spa
Rating: 3/5
After a busy day wandering the attraction of the capital, St James Court envelopes guests with a relaxing welcome back in the form of its award-winning Jiva Spa.
The charming space, tucked away on the lower-ground floor, also features treatments from the British lifestyle brand Temple Spa.
Guests can unwind in the sauna, steam room, or generously-sized vitality pool. There are two single treatment rooms and a couples suite.
Dining and Drinking
Rating: 2/5
There are several eateries housed within the St James’ Court hub, including [email protected] serving up an array of international favourites and the Michelin-starred Quilon, which takes guests on a tasting journey along the southwest coast of India. Breakfast is also served in [email protected].
Kona restaurant offers innovative themed afternoon teas and the sleek Bombay Brasserie serves the authentic flavours of the subcontinent, transformed into a contemporary gourmet experience. Menu features include Tandoori monkfish, chicken pepper masala and Dal makhani. On weekends, the brasserie is also open for a brunch buffet.
Amenities
Spa facilities
- Bar
- Restaurant
Pool
- Free Wi-Fi
- Gym
Location
Rating: 4/5
A perfect location for those keen to pack some sightseeing into their stay, St James’ Court is just a stone’s throw from Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace.
For a walk in nature, St James Park is right on the hotel’s doorstep and Victoria Station, just a 10-minute walk away, connects visitors with the wider city as well as national rail links. Though St James Court has several dining options, if you want to venture out for the evening the hotel is within walking distance of an array of theatres, restaurants and bars.
Value for Money
Rating: 5/5
Rooms at St James Court start at £296 per night. Find rooms and book direct on the St James Court hotel website.
Or, compare deals and prices for a stay at St James Court hotel with Booking.com or Hotels.com.
Final Verdict
St James Court offers a good location for those who want to throw themselves into the heart of the capital, but also has plenty of amenities meaning that, if you’d prefer to stay nestled within the hotel, there is enough to keep you entertained.
Some of the rooms are more modern than others, so research is required before booking your stay.
The main guest areas contain much of the charm and sophistication you would expect from such a historic location, although certain areas could do with a facelift.
The courtyard is one of the hotel’s finest assets and is a particular draw in the summer months when you can sit outside on warm evenings as the sun dissolves into dusk.
If you’re looking for a five-star experience in a similar location, read our review of The Guardsman Hotel, which is just a two-minute walk away.
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