I know there’s perfume shopping to do in the Burlington Arcade near Bond Street, just a short walk from the St. James’s Hotel and Club, but I find it hard to tear myself away from the private rooftop terrace of my suite. This elevated garden, filled with potted blooms, small trees and comfortable seating, is tucked away among foliage and offers a fairytale view of London’s chimney-topped rooftops. Club and operations manager John Hennessey aptly described it as a “Mary Poppins view.”
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This boutique five-star property sits in Mayfair on a quiet cul-de-sac, just a block from Green Park. During wartime the building housed submarine pilots; more recently the original private apartments — about 40 in number — were converted into 60 elegant guestrooms and suites. The hotel’s interiors strike a balance between lively and calming, with burnished antiques and an art collection that includes striking portraits from the 1920s to the 1940s.
Bathrooms throughout the hotel are fitted with freestanding soaking tubs and walls are decorated with original photography, often featuring whimsical scenes between children and animals. Room amenities include Handy Smartphones, which provide complimentary internet access, free local and international calls, on-the-go concierge services and destination-specific content. For those seeking relaxation, the hotel arranges in-room beauty and wellness treatments and therapies.
In the kitchen of the Michelin-starred Seven Park Place, executive chef William Drabble emphasizes local sourcing, drawing on long-standing relationships with nearby farmers and fishermen. Chef Drabble’s influence extends beyond Seven Park Place to William’s Bar and Bistro and the hotel’s renowned Afternoon Tea service, where French-inspired techniques and seasonal ingredients shape the menus.
Returning to my perfume errand, I descend the hotel’s sinuous marble stairway, noting a sculpture of a merry flapper-era girl perched on the newel at the base. The concierge leads me to a rear exit and shows a narrow stairway built between street levels that provides a convenient shortcut to Green Park. “Secret” might be an overstatement — many guests know it — but unless you are specifically looking for it, it is easy to miss. After a brief walk to Penhaligon’s and careful selection of my favorite Luna scent and body cream, I come back to find my husband already dressed for dinner. The timing feels perfect; shopping always sharpens the appetite.
Overall, the hotel offers a refined and intimate retreat in the heart of Mayfair. Its combination of historic character, thoughtful design, curated art and attentive service makes it a comfortable base for exploring London’s luxury shopping, parks and dining scene. Whether you linger on a private rooftop terrace, enjoy a leisurely Afternoon Tea, or walk directly into nearby Green Park, the property provides a quietly elegant London experience.