A central London hotel full of modern glamour and mouth-watering moments, editor Sophie Ritchie indulges with a night at Conrad London St. James
Located in the heart of one of London’s most prestigious districts, with Big Ben and Westminster just a stroll away, Conrad London St. James is a hotel that takes pride in being just as friendly as it is fashionable.
With 256 rooms and suites, this contemporary 6-floor stay was once a government building. But don’t be fooled by its 19th century facade – the interiors have long been replaced with plenty of glitz and trademark glamour that the Conrad brand (owned by Hilton Worldwide) is known across continents for.
Strikingly modern, the lobby’s alive with hustle and bustle when I approach the check-in desk at 5pm. But whilst the space is undeniably sophisticated, with its pristine floor, statement sculptures and beautiful artwork, the team are surprisingly welcoming too.
I’m greeted with a warm smile when I approach the stylish front desk, and whilst check-in is a fairly swift process, staff chat away about weekend plans before handing across the key card and directing me to the elevator.
The Room
Tonight, it’s straight to the top for me – my abode resides on the sixth floor, a spacious Twin Grand Deluxe Room with views overlooking the streets below.
My friend hasn’t arrived yet, which means more time to explore. The large space, styled mainly in caramel, cream and silver shades is perfect for reclining – especially after a long day on my feet.
I make the most of the comfy ergonomic desk chair, test out the Nespresso machine and even have time for a speedy power nap in the bed’s supple Egyptian cotton sheets.
If you prefer more space with a central London stay, this capacious room is perfect – despite its Westminster postcode, it’s far from the size of a post stamp.
Aiming to cater for every modern bon vivant, whether they’re staying for a night or a jam-packed fortnight, Conrad London St. James offers a range of different rooms for its guests.
The chocolate box selection includes everything from a more petite Twin Superior Room to an enormous two-bedroom suite (complete with a duo of bathrooms and three HDTVs).
It’s also worth nothing that those who book an Executive Room or Suite are given coveted access to the Executive Lounge – a quietly sleek space filled with comfy seating and lots of complimentary nibbles.
As always, luxury hotel rooms are defined by the most minute of details. My own includes a bowl brimming with fresh fruit on the desk, a duo of wine glasses by the minibar, comfy robes in the closet and even artisan chocolates to be devoured.
The marble bathroom’s equally opulent. Opening the contemporary sliding door reveals a large mirror (ideal for unashamed preening), plenty of luxe Aromatherapy Associates toiletries and both a powerful walk-in rain shower and separate bathtub.
The Food & Drink
Whet your appetite with dinner at Blue Boar, the hotel’s seriously suave eatery specialising in contemporary British cuisine with smooth wooden flooring and black leather banquet seating.
Full of lustre and a relaxing atmosphere, this Westminster restaurant aims to “celebrate the very best of what each British season brings.”
Luckily, my dinner at Blue Boar doesn’t involve any rain – it’s a carefully-conjured feast filled with fresh flavour and ingredients. The menu’s packed with choices – think Yorkshire lamb, corn-fed chicken and plenty of tender Angus beef.
For the meat-free foodies, there’s plenty to sample too. My plus one is vegan, and we both dig into tender cauliflower steaks topped with toasted pine nuts and greedily sip Sauv Blanc alongside.
Whenever I eat with my vegan friends, sometimes dish options can be somewhat boring or, worse, they’re made to feel like an outsider.
But the team make an extra effort to ensure that we’re not only taken care of, but truly enjoy the experience. And that’s what impresses me more than the plates themselves – the waiters are attentive, kind and only too happy to help.
Breakfast is also found at Blue Boar (or the Executive lounge for those with access). The following morning, the space feels much brighter and lighter when the room’s filled with hungry guests and the tables are laden with different buffet options.
Fresh fruit parfaits, buckets of cereal and lots of hot options await – but you can also order an additional a la carte selection if you wake up craving your weekend Eggs Benedict.
We make several delicious trips (it’s not a buffet if your jeans don’t need to be unbuttoned) before heading back to the room.
For those with a penchant for British pastimes, afternoon tea can also be devoured at Emmeline’s Lounge.
Taking its name from the 19th century British suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst, this cozily chic venue serves a range of Champagne and gin-filled spreads on a daily basis.
The Wordrobe Verdict
Contemporarily elegant, with slick service courtesy of an outstanding team. If you like your hotels as friendly as they are fashionable, then it’s time to book a stay at Conrad London St James.
Make it happen
Where: 22-28 Broadway, Westminster, London SW1H 0BH
Wallet: Rooms from £333 per night.
How: To find out more and make a booking, please click here or phone 020 3301 8080.
In a nutshell:
Rooms and suites: 256
Check-in/out: 3pm/12pm
Executive Lounge: ✔️
Gym: ✔️
Pool: X
Spa: X
Restaurant: ✔️
Bar: ✔️
The Wordrobe’s Restaurant Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Overall hotel rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Words by Sophie Ritchie, editor
