2 Best Hotels in St. James's, London

A former gentlemen's club that began life in 1857, with members that included Ian Fleming, Winston Churchill, and Henry James, a stay here will see you follow in the footsteps of the British aristocracy. In a quiet cul-de-sac just off Piccadilly, this luxury boutique hotel is the perfect spot for a special night or two, with an ideal location close to Buckingham Palace and St. James's Palace. With suites like the Penthouse or St. James's, you'll have the luxury of your own private elevator, a large lounge and dining area, or a terrace with views of St. James's Palace. Seven Park Place is the fantastic on-site restaurant from Michelin-starred head chef William Drabble. Whether you choose to eat in the bar or the main dining room, you'll be served exquisite, modern French dishes using British ingredients, with an extensive menu of wines and ports. Make sure you find time to lounge in the bar too—not least for its history—as the cocktail-making is exquisite. The wonderful staff will go out of their way to make this a memorable stay.

This is a rare find: a posh hotel that's equal parts elegance and friendliness, and located in one of the few peaceful spots in the area, down a small lane behind Piccadilly. All the accommodations are luxurious and chic, but those in the 18th-century Carriage House, some of which feature fireplaces and exposed beams, are especially pleasant. Those who prefer more contemporary style should ask for a suite in the Mews. The restaurant's incredible wine cellar—several hundred years older than the hotel itself—is one of the best in the city. A curious historical nugget; in the 1930s almost every large hotel in central London opened an "American Bar," to entice the sought-after U.S. clientele (and their notoriously deep pockets). The Stafford has one of only two left in its original form (the other is at the Savoy), and certainly leaves you in no doubt of its heritage, with virtually every space filled with knickknacks of vintage Americana from model airplanes to club ties.