The Sofitel St James hotel in London offers a prestige suite that costs £1,812.48 per night, more than many people earn in a month. The suite features a TOTO Japanese smart toilet that can be controlled via Bluetooth, allowing guests to adjust seat temperature and save preferences for future visits.
Location and History
Located on Waterloo Place in Westminster, the hotel is a 10-minute walk from Waterloo station. The building was formerly the headquarters of army banking agency Cox & Kings and later a Lloyds Bank before being converted into a five-star hotel in 2002. Original features include a bomb-proof safe that housed the King's stamp collection during World War II and a former bank vault that now serves as a multi-award-winning spa.
Suite Design and Amenities
The prestige suites are on the first floor due to the building's Grade II listed status, which restricts use of electric appliances on higher floors. Designed by French interiors architect Pierre-Yves Rochon, the suite features emerald carpets, curtains, and furniture. It includes a king-sized bed with a velvet cushioned headboard, a large mirror between the living area and bedroom, and a black-and-white tiled bathroom with a deep porcelain bathtub, walk-in rainfall shower, and double vanity basins. The green suite overlooks Pall Mall and offers a view of Banksy's new Blind Nationalism statue.
Dining Options
The hotel houses Wild Honey, a one Michelin star restaurant named England's Best Restaurant at the 2024 Culinary Awards. The more casual Wild Honey Bistrot serves starters from £11 to £24 and mains around £30. Signature cocktails include the St James spritz. Breakfast at the Bistrot features croissants and maple-banana pancakes made with seasonal, local produce.
Spa and Wellness
The spa includes a steam room and jacuzzi but no sauna or swimming pool. Treatments include a signature massage starting at £75 for 30 minutes and a deep tissue massage for £195 for 90 minutes. A deluxe hydrafacial costs £150.
Cost Breakdown
Standard rates for one night in mid-August: classic room £441.88, luxury room £634.81, studio suite £539.84, Suite 70 £2,232.37, Opera suite £2,442.31. The prestige suite costs £1,812.48 without breakfast, £2,188.93 with breakfast, and £2,628.59 for free cancellation. Michelin star dining at Wild Honey costs £98 for a three-course à la carte menu.
According to Isabel Fraser, the reviewer, 'I am quite certain that I will never darken the door of this glorious establishment again. But if you’ve got the cash, I would certainly recommend splashing it on a stay.'
