The Stafford London

Every year, for the past 12 years (minus COVID) we have celebrated my birthday by going to London and staying at the Stafford Hotel. The Stafford is not just “a place to stay,” - its the “jewel in the crown” and a major part of my birthday celebration. Located in a private alcove it is a quiet residence within a bustling city. Bordering on Green Park in Mayfair the Stafford is located in a wonderful area in London. A walkers paradise, Mayfair has beautiful shops, restaurants and is imbued with royal history. In addition, you can walk from the serene courtyard where the Stafford is located, through a well trodden tunnel to reach the Tube in less than 5 minutes. The Stafford has all of the amenities of a 5 star hotel.. We always stay in the main building with its typical English accoutrements including antiques. This year we were upgraded to a beautiful suite which was particularly perfect for us as my husband is an early riser and it allowed me to sleep later in the morning. The bathrooms are well equipped with a luxurious shower and tub and warm fluffy oversized towels and bathrobes. Housekeeping kept our room immaculate and were extremely attentive to our needs. As always to welcome us and help celebrate my birthday, there was a bottle of champagne, birthday cake and fresh bowl of fruit in our room. What a beautiful way to begin to celebrate my birthday! Although the physical accommodations are sumptuous what makes the Stafford unique when compared to other hotels is the people and the personal service. Union arrival we were greeted by Alex with his wonderful Scottish brogue and Nick in his traditional British bowler hat with a warm, welcome “Welcome Home!” Alex and Nick have been at the Stafford for years and it automatically made us feel indeed, we are home! Stepping over the threshold we were greeted by Robert and Andrew who both serve as the concierge. Both have an incredible fund of knowledge and are facile in getting us theater tickets and dinner reservations - even when restaurants initially stay there is no availability. During our stay we often went downstairs just to chat with them. The service and personal care at the Stafford is difficult to actually put into words. I would like to highlight two very special people. The first, is Doina the night manager. We encountered some difficulty related to our reservation and the cost of our stay. Doina was beyond wonderful. Our travel agent had made a mistake using previous rules and didn’t know that the Stafford had instituted new rules. Doina solved the dilemma in a professional, diplomatic and kind manner. In addition to doing her job, she was a pleasure to talk with. Often returning from a wonderful night at the theater or dinner we found ourselves sitting at her desk sharing our experiences of the day with her. The second person I would like to highlight is Alberto, our server at breakfast. He is charming, with a wonderful, welcoming smile and was extremely attentive to our needs. In addition, each morning at breakfast he would work on teaching me Italian. Other people who enhanced our stay included, Monica, PK, Chris, Alejandro and recently married Luca. The food at the Stafford is wonderful. The Stafford has a new chief, Michael Cain. Breakfasts are exceptional. There is a yogurt, home made granola and fruit dish that is both healthy, tasty and beautifully served. The French toast is delicious, and exquisitely presented. Chef Cain’s presentations are exceptional. We always save our bottle of champagne and bring it down for dinner on our last night and exchange it for a chilled bottle, and have dinner at the Stafford. This year we had the lobster salad and shared the Beef Wellington. Both were excellent. The desert soufflé was exceptional. As always, 10 day birthday celebration in London, enhanced by our stay at the Stafford was beyond wonderful. Perfectly Perfect… yet again…Next year our plan on staying at least two weeks!

Terrific hotel in a great location! We spent 4 nights at The Stafford, and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Our room was spacious and comfortable, and included robes and slippers. The staff is helpful and friendly. We enjoyed a nice breakfast in the restaurant, and 2 great dinners in the American Bar. The American Bar is lively, and the cocktails and food were great! I highly recommend the Stafford and would stay there again.

Visited for a weekend break and to see a show. The Stafford is an oasis of calm elegance situated perfectly in St James’s in the centre of bustling London. The bed was divine as was the room. The dressing gowns were so soft and snuggly and the bed was like a cloud. We both slept so well. The American bar food was excellent and the Sunday lunch in the Michael Caines restaurant was faultless. Best of all every single staff member we interacted with was professional, kind and welcoming especially Paul Whittle on the concierge team who made sure we had a wonderful time. Thank you to the GM and their fabulous staff heartfelt thanks, we will be back.

This was our second stay at The Stafford and it was just as great as our first. There are a number of aspects to love - practical ones such as its quiet location, no noisy street noise here; its ease of access to the Underground network; walkable to theatres, shopping and restaurants and then there’s its atmosphere. Think quiet, club-like, comfortable areas for the restaurant, now with the fantastic Michael Caines as Executive Chef, and of course, the iconic American Bar for cocktails to while away an hour after a busy day. The staff, attentive, always welcoming helped make our stay a home away from home. Our second visit confirmed that it will not be our last trip to this gem of a find in London.

I have been staying at the Stafford whenever I am in London for business or pleasure for over 30 years. It has always been my favorite hotel in the world. I love the service, ambiance, lovely rooms and bathrooms, and the perfect location. This latest trip was typical. The talented concierge team got me excellent restaurant reservations, cars, and tickets to sold out events! When one of the venues had a problem with the ticket scan printing, the team tracked me down and got substitute tickets to me—all with no hassle to me. The American Bar, available all day for snacks, is very comfortable and friendly. The restaurant is excellent.