London may be somewhat of a silent wasteland at present, but under normal circumstances it is a chaotic muddle consisting of labyrinthine, historic alleyways and around 11 million people from all four corners of the world. Streets swell and the underground strains as the mania of daily life takes place. Finding some kind of retreat or peace is an absolute essential in the ever-present challenge of maintaining one’s sanity in the British capital. The Conrad London St James hotel provides an extremely welcome oasis in which to take shelter.
The remarkable 19th century hotel building was once the Queen Anne Chambers, and it has lost none of its magisterial charm over the decades. Its location makes it a truly perfect place to escape from mad-house out on the pavements of Westminster. The hotel is, after all, barely a stone’s throw from a handful of the ultimate ‘must see’ tourist attractions in the entire metropolis; Westminster Abbey, St James’s Park, the Houses of Parliament and that modest little pad we know as Buckingham Palace.
The hotel is a sea of pristine, snow white marble and wood panelling giving it a touch of the ‘gentleman’s club’ aesthetic, but with none of the stuffiness. The hotel is also a great purveyor of the arts, specially commissioned London themed pieces are strategically dotted around to remind the guests that they are in fact in the heart of ‘The Big Smoke’, despite the rare sense of peace and tranquillity.
The hotel rooms are the final word in elegance and convenience and are brimming with smart little modern touches and enough gadgets to keep even the most seasoned technophile entertained for days on end. At the touch of a button concierge can be summoned to your aid to seek out the hottest tickets for the best West End shows or provide their own inside scoop on ‘staying inspired’ in the city.
Conrad London St. James is also tremendously proud of its own take on the noble English tradition of the afternoon tea. This can be a fairly simple, but pleasing, affair consisting of a vast range of teas, fresh scones, jams and Cornish clotted cream, or it can be veritable Bacchant banquet with lashings of Champagne, cakes and sandwiches which are small but perfectly formed.
In terms of dining Conrad London St. James has covered all the bases. There is the Blue Boar Bar, a smart take on a traditional pub, The Blue Boar Restaurant which serves exquisite contemporary British cuisine, Emmeline’s Lounge or the Tea Lounge. Staff throughout the hotel offer an immaculately polished service and are always on hand to offer well considered advice or tips.
The hotel also boasts an extremely handsome business centre and several function rooms for those in town for the necessities of business.
The Conrad London St. James represents an ideal retreat for some well-earned rest and relaxation and its location makes it a firm favourite with those who are visiting London to explore its best known and most beloved tourism hot spots.
22-28 Broadway, Westminster, London SW1H 0BH
