The hype
Families and long-stay guests adore the space and laundry facilities, often calling it a 'home away from home'.
Taj 51 Buckingham Gate, Suites And Residences
$500-800/ night
Book this if You want the square footage of a luxury apartment with the butler service of a palace, steps from the Queen's front door.
Why People Love It
- Massive suites with full kitchens and washer/dryers
- The 'secret garden' courtyard that feels miles away from the city noise
- Michelin-starred Indian dining at Quilon delivered to your room
Quick Take: It’s less of a hotel and more like borrowing a wealthy relative's staffed Westminster townhouse.
Reviewed by @conciergekate: I felt like I was living inside a classic film in this suite. The decor is incredibly detailed—vintage cameras, gold frames, and velvet everywhere. It’s right next to Buckingham Palace, yet my room was super quiet thanks to the courtyard view. A total hidden gem for movie lovers.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Some unrenovated suites feel 'tired' with dated furniture compared to the refreshed Falconers wing.
- You are traveling with kids and need a separate living room and kitchen
- You need absolute silence at night (courtyard rooms are tomb-quiet)
- You appreciate old-school, discreet butler service over trendy vibes
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.2
- Housekeeping: Meticulous twice-daily service. Turndown includes chocolates and slippers placed by the bed.
- Bathroom hygiene: Immaculate marble. No signs of mold or grout issues in recent reports.
- Maintenance: Generally excellent, though some older suites show minor scuffs on baseboards.
- Linens & towels: High-thread-count Egyptian cotton; towels are thick and fluffy.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of fresh flowers and subtle spices; rooms are neutral and fresh.
Sleepability™
9SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Occasional plumbing noise in older suites
- Distant city hum in street-facing rooms (rare)
Before you book
Good to know
- There is a discretionary 5% accommodation service charge added to your bill.
- The hotel shares some facilities (like the courtyard) with the adjacent St. James' Court hotel.
- You can access the hotel via a discreet entrance on Buckingham Gate to avoid the main lobby.
What to pack
- UK power adapters (plugs are standard Type G)
- Smart casual clothes for afternoon tea at Kona
- Walking shoes for St. James's Park right next door
Room Genie
Best picks
- Renovated Falconers Suites (updated in 2024) for the freshest look
- Courtyard-facing suites for maximum quiet
- Cinema Suite if you have money to burn and love movies (7,000+ DVDs)
Rooms to avoid
- Lower floor street-facing rooms (less privacy, more traffic noise)
- Unrenovated Minsters suites if you prefer modern decor
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a renovated suite in the Falconers townhouse, ideally facing the inner courtyard for quiet. Please avoid low-floor rooms facing Buckingham Gate.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a pool?
Yes, there is a vitality pool in the J Wellness Circle spa, but it's more for relaxation than laps.
Are kitchens fully equipped?
Yes, most suites have ovens, microwaves, dishwashers, and washer/dryers.
Is it good for families?
Exceptional. The multi-bedroom suites and kitchens make it one of the best family hotels in London.
How far is Buckingham Palace?
Literally a 5-minute walk. You are neighbors with the King.
Is breakfast included?
Usually no. It's an expensive add-on (~£39-55), so consider buying groceries for your in-suite kitchen.
Can I charge my EV?
Not on-site. Valet can park it in a nearby garage, or you can use public chargers on Tothill Street.
Insider Tips
- ✨
You can order from the Michelin-starred Quilon menu directly to your suite for a private feast.
- ✨
The concierge has 'Golden Keys' status—use them for hard-to-get theater tickets.
- ✨
Ask for the 'Alice in Wonderland' afternoon tea menu at Kona; it's an edible art experience.
5 things to know before you go
💡The layout is confusing; you might get lost finding your room in the separate townhouses.
💡The washer/dryer in the room is a game-changer for packing light, but bring your own detergent pods just in case.
💡The courtyard fountain is beautiful but can be a background trickle noise if you leave windows open.
💡Room service portions are massive—one main can easily feed two people.
💡The 'Butler' service is real, not just a gimmick; they will actually unpack for you if asked.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Taj 51 Buckingham Gate, Suites And Residences is located and what's nearby.