What’s not to like about a beautifully run luxury hotel in the finest English tradition just minutes from iconic London landmarks such as Westminster, Big Ben and Buckingham? Offering convenience, service, elegance and location, the Conrad London St. James would satisfy even the most discerning traveler.

With its restful neutral color scheme, the lobby is luxurious yet welcoming. The employees are gracious, professional and helpful without seeming stuffy.

The hotel’s 256 rooms also offer a calming, neutral color scheme. Beds feature high-end pillows and 400-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets, and the luxurious marble bathrooms have separate bathtubs and rainfall showers and high-end amenities including Nespresso machines, drink stations and generously stocked minibars.

Emmeline’s Lounge serves a traditional afternoon tea from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The pastries and sandwiches were delicious, and if you fancy a little bubbly, there is a free-flowing Champagne option.

The dark and moody Blue Boar Bar attracts young executives at cocktail hour. A sophisticated version of the traditional British pub, the bar serves locally brewed craft beers and ales and upscale wines and spirits.

One of the hotel’s unique features is its Conrad Concierge App, which offers one-, three- and five-hour suggested itineraries featuring a unique view into the city’s food, shopping, art and design, culture and adventure. Once an itinerary is selected, the hotel’s dedicated concierge team can help with transportation, arrange appointments and make reservations.

© Ellen Clark

Though I would have loved to experience many of the app’s itineraries, my time only allowed for one, so I opted to spend cocktail hour at Mr. Fogg’s Tavern. It was the perfect choice. The bar was named for Phileas J. Fogg, Esq., the fictitious Victorian explorer in Jules Verne’s Around the World in Eighty Days, and is stuffed with bizarre souvenirs of an imaginary traveler, ranging from pith helmet lampshades to hanging bicycles and even part of a hot air balloon. In keeping with the location and the venue, I abandoned my usual white wine for single malt, neat.

A bike ride to the West End and a visit to the flamingos at the Kensington Roof Garden are at the top of my to-do list next time around.

Conrad London St. James

22-28 Broadway, Westminster
London SW1H 0BH, United Kingdom
tel 44 20 3301 8080