The hype
Travelers universally adore the staff's 'warm and helpful' demeanor and the 'oasis of calm' location in St James's.
The Stafford London
$600-1000+/ night
Book this if You want the hush-hush atmosphere of a private member's club with the best American bar in London right downstairs.
Why People Love It
- The American Bar's ceiling is covered in signed caps and ties from decades of patrons
- The Carriage House rooms feel like a countryside stable conversion in the middle of the city
- The Game Bird restaurant serves pigeon and steak from a trolley like it's 1920
Quick Take: It's expensive, traditional, and unapologetically old-school—if you want a DJ in the lobby, go to The Standard.
Reviewed by @theboutiqueadventurer: I absolutely love this place. The history is everywhere—from the WWII bunker in the cellar to the hats hanging in the American Bar. Plus, using the secret key to slip directly into Green Park made me feel like I actually lived in Mayfair. Truly special.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Classic' entry-level rooms are genuinely small for the price, and the bathroom counter space is a frequent gripe.
- You appreciate a 'clubby' atmosphere with dark wood and history
- You travel with a dog (they get a VIP welcome)
- You want to be near Green Park but away from the Piccadilly noise
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.4
- Housekeeping: Twice-daily service, including turndown. consistently rated 'immaculate' by guests.
- Bathroom hygiene: Marble bathrooms are kept sparkling; no reports of mold or grime found.
- Maintenance: Property is well-maintained, though historic creaks are part of the package.
- Linens & towels: Egyptian cotton sheets and fluffy, oversized towels.
- Odors & scents: Fresh, no musty smells reported despite the building's age.
Sleepability™
8.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Neighboring construction work (Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm)
- Internal creaks in the historic Main House floors
Before you book
Good to know
- The hotel has a secret direct access tunnel to Green Park (ask the concierge)
- Breakfast is not usually included in the base rate and costs ~£32-£40 per person
- There is a £5 tray charge for room service orders
What to pack
- Smart casual attire (jackets preferred for dinner at The Game Bird)
- Hanging toiletry bag (bathroom counter space is limited in standard rooms)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Carriage House rooms (split-level, stable conversion feel, very quiet)
- Mews Junior Suites (modern, spacious, separate shower/tub, good for privacy)
- Gatehouse Suite (3 floors, private lift, basically a private house)
Rooms to avoid
- Classic Queen rooms (often too small for two people with luggage)
- Main House rooms facing the construction side (ask specifically to be away from works)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love to request a room in the Carriage House or Mews for the extra quiet and space. Please ensure I am allocated a room as far as possible from the neighboring construction work. If available, a split-level Carriage House room would be ideal.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a pool?
No on-site pool. You can access a local gym/swim facility for £25/day.
Is it pet friendly?
Yes, very. Dogs under 15kg are welcome for a £35/day fee and get a bed, bowl, and treats.
How much is parking?
Valet parking is available but steep—expect to pay around £65 per 24 hours.
What is the 'Carriage House'?
It's a separate building across the cobbled courtyard that used to be 18th-century stables; rooms here have a 'country cottage' feel.
Is there a service charge?
Yes, a discretionary 12.5-15% service charge is added to food and beverage bills.
Can I walk to Buckingham Palace?
Yes, it's literally a 5-minute walk through Green Park.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Ask for a tour of the 380-year-old wine cellar; it was used as a WWII bomb shelter and houses 8,000 bottles.
- ✨
The 'American Bar' has a patio in the cobbled courtyard that is a hidden gem for summer drinks.
- ✨
Use the secret alleyway cut-through to Green Park to avoid the busy main road.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Classic' rooms are genuinely tiny—think 'just the bed' tiny.
💡The floorboards in the Main House can be creaky due to the building's age.
💡You might spot royalty or politicians in the alcoves of The Game Bird.
💡The concierge team (led by Frank Laino) is legendary and can get you into sold-out shows.
💡The construction noise next door is a real thing right now—don't ignore the warning.
Local Playbook
Map
See where The Stafford London is located and what's nearby.