The Stafford London Hotel Review
Travel agents from Connection by Avra had the pleasure to do a site visit at The Stafford London recently. As your travel agency, we take it upon ourselves to personally visit properties we recommend to you so we can guarantee you get the experience you are looking for. Developing personal relationships with each of our preferred properties is important to us so we can offer you the best travel experience possible.
A long history dating back to the 17th century to the present day has been a part of The Stafford London's story. Making it a truly one of a kind 5 star luxury hotel experience for guests, The Stafford London is one of the oldest hotels located near Buckingham Palace. While staying at The Stafford London, which was once owned by a former British nobleman, you can feel the Royal elegance from the properties design to a delivered service that is absolutely exceptional.
With 107 stunning rooms, one of the oldest and only 1920s American style cocktail bar in London, a 380 year old wine cellar with a Second World War museum, a private cobble courtyard, perfectly located right next to Buckingham Palace, and The Game Room restaurant that gives you perfected seasonal menus while staying committed to supporting local artisans including award winning family owned farms, we at Connections by Avra stand behind The Stafford London as one of our most recommended properties on our list.
Location is one of the most unique features of The Stafford London for many reasons. As mentioned above its located near Buckingham Palace. A 5-10 min walk and you are standing in front of The Royal residence. It's also located in close proximity to The Green Park, St. James Park, and London's Theater District. In addition, the Underground, London's main public transportation system is easily accessible and can take you anywhere in the city.
As impressive as the ease of access is to these must see attractions, we were mostly taken back with how private and intimate The Stafford London is considering its prime location. The Stafford London is located off the buzzing main city center and on a street that is tucked into a classic British style neighborhood. When you walk up to the hotel after a long day of travel or a day out in the city you feel like... you're home.
Upon our arrival, we were greeted with warm welcomes and the staff immediately took our luggage which was later delivered to our room. The front desk staff is very kind and even though our room was not ready, they escorted us to The Game Room restaurant and we sat next to a lovely warm fire and was offered coffee to enjoy as seen in the picture above.
Hotel Rooms and Accommodations
The Stafford London has a few styles of rooms that, depending on what you prefer, can give you unique options ranging from charmful Victorian style rooms in The Main House to fun contemporary rooms recently refurbished and designed by renowned designer, Alexandra Champalimaud in The Carriage House and Suites.
Each room is cleaned twice a day. When booking more than two nights in one of the suites, complimentary airport transfers are available. Guests enjoy 24 hour room service from The Game Room which includes a spectacular menu of teas. If you ever have wondered what kind of bed that is worthy of The Queen of England, The Stafford will satisfy this curiosity. The beds that you get to lay your head on are the same beds that the Queen slumbers in. We can confirm that getting out of a bed like this in the morning is a difficult task!
The Mews Suites are exclusive suites that are set in the courtyard across from the Carriage House. The Mews suits has its own private entrance. Guests commonly will book multiple suits for their family and The Stafford London is able to section off a wing of a floor to give you and your family the most privacy possible.
The Stafford London welcomes kids of all ages. If the adults wish to spend a night out in London, The Stafford London can arrange for nanny services so your little ones are well looked after. A benefit by booking through Connections by Avra is, a proud member of Virtuoso, children under 12 get complimentary meals in The Game Room.
Pets are welcomed at The Stafford London. They have some restrictions that are common among 5 star properties such size and type of animal. Overall, The Stafford London welcomes your pet as another important guest at the property.
The Carriage House sits separate from the main hotel. These 11 suites recently went through a multi-million pound refurbishment. This is a very historic section of the hotel dating back 380 years. The Grand II building was once owned by British nobleman and politician, Lord Francis Godolphin.
Each room has been carefully crafted to preserve the British elegance that The Stafford London represents but also gives a fun quirky twist. The Carriage house also has a three story multi room structure, known as The Gatehouse, that is perfect for guests that are planning to vacation with a longer stay or for a family. With a private entrance, The Gatehouse can comfortably accommodate six guests, it's a perfect home away from home.
Hotel Restaurants
When we asked The Stafford London what they thought was one of the most unique features that separates them from the rest; they mentioned the private cobblestone courtyard. With so many unique aspects of this regal property, it's hard to pick one thing but this courtyard is very unique. Considering the prime location, you will not find another 5 star property in London with a private courtyard like this. Guests can enjoy all dining and drink menus from the hotel in the courtyard and in the summer months, they have BBQs featuring the Big-Green Egg. This is a fabulous spot to escape the chaos of the city and enjoy a drink with great company.
Wine Cellar
For those that not only love tasting wine but also love the experience that is surrounded by wine, The Stafford London offers you a one of a kind experience. The cellar, in the hotel, dates back to the 17th century being built by Lord Francis Godolphin and now holds over 8,000 bottles of fine wines. As you can see from the picture above The Stafford London can host large parties with a custom dining menu. Connections by Avra can arrange your event if you're interested in hosting an exquisite night of wine tasting at The Stafford London.
Even if you're not hosting an event but wish to experience the wine cellar you will be excited to know The Stafford wine cellar is ran by a true legend in the wine world. World renowned Master Sommelier, Gino Nardella. Mr. Nardella offers over 40 years of experience and knowledge at The Stafford wine cellar. Its safe to say Mr. Nardella knows intimately every bottle of wine in his cellar. Enjoy a private candlelit tour with Mr. Nardella, as he walks guests through the entire collection and there to answer any questions. Perfect for any level of wine aficionado, wedding parties, family gathering or any special event.
If the cellar was not already special, you will be walking back in history by getting up close and personal with several items that were leftover from World War II.
Just as Master Sommelier, Gino Nardella has been a member of The Stafford London team for several decades, so has many of the other current teams members. Meeting housekeepers, bartenders, and concierge drivers, it was not uncommon to hear that they have been working at The Stafford London for 20, 30, or even 40 years. We believe that this is important to highlight because it has a direct effect on the quality of service and overall experience of guests. This is one of many reasons why the majority of their guests are repeat guests that regularly put their trust in The Stafford London while vacationing to the largest city in Europe.
The Game Room
The Game Room has a charming British design and is a perfect place to eat, drink, and socialize while enjoying classic British cuisine or a glass of fine chilled champagne from their Champagne Bar. The Game Room has a seasonal menu and also is committed to supporting local artisans including award-winning family owned farms.
A place to relax with informal dining, The Game Bird is open any time of the day. Enjoy afternoon tea at The Game Room with a splendid selection of cakes, pastries, finger sandwiches, and homemade scones. The mornings offer an absolutely delightful breakfast that may be just the right motivation for you to get out of those dreamy beds! On Sundays indulge in mouth watering roast that is carved for you on a trolley at your table.
The American Bar
The American bar is a classic bar that is a traditional American style cocktail bar that became famous in London and Paris during the 1920s and 30s. This bar is one of the longest living American Bars in London. Perfect for a small club atmosphere with intimate corners that stimulate conversation and laughter. Designed with rich mahogany wood, the warm and welcoming vibe has brought even the most famous into The American Bar.
Offering 12 signature cocktails that will delight anyone and dinner being served daily until 11:00 PM along with a superb selection of cigars to be enjoyed in the courtyard, you may start and end your night at The American Bar at The Stafford London.
Recommendations and Tips
Memorabilia is hung in every direction around the bar which is donated by patrons. I recommend to bring something to donate to The American Bar so you can add to its legendary atmosphere during your next visit! This is a perfect way to make sure when you leave you are always able to have a little part of you in toasting all those that gather in The American Bar.
The Stafford London is a perfect property for those that want to find a home away from home while enjoying a 5 star luxury experience. Located in a prime area of London and offering amenities that are truly exceptional. From the hotel room selection to a private a cobble courtyard, to a historic wine cellar, along with The American Bar and The Game Room, you will be impressed at every moment of your stay. We at Connections by Avra highly recommend The Stafford London.
Connections by Avra is proud to be a member of Virtuoso. The Stafford London is a property that we have a preferred personal relationship with. When you book your 2019 stay with Connections by Avra Travel Agents you will receive the following amenities:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability.
Full breakfast daily for up to 2 in-room guests, served in restaurant.
Complimentary lunch or dinner from a set menu in The Game Bird restaurant (excluding beverages, tax & gratuity) on one occasion during their stay.
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability.
Complimentary Wi-Fi.
Thank you for taking the time and discovering The Stafford London. For more details and further travel & vacation information on this stunning property please contact us through our website. We hope this helps in planning your next trip to the beautiful city of London.
Happy Travels,