Alfresco cocktails on a cold winters night in February – Have I gone mad? Not at all, I’m sat sipping a ‘Soho Sunset’whilst wrapped in a blanket with the warmth of outdoor heaters keeping me nice and snug as I perch high above the streets of London drinking in not only my cocktail but the spectacular views of the London skyline at night from The Rooftop on the 6thFloor of The Trafalgar St. James Hotel –Eye level with Nelson sitting atop his column, I almost feel I should offer him a sip of my cocktail! A stunning space that you can visit all year round, day or night, whether you’re staying at the hotel or not, but staying we were and what a treat we were in for.
The Trafalgar Suite, (now I felt I should become more friendly with Nelson) was to be our home for the night, a stunning space on two levels, decorated in a contemporary urban London style with a large window in the lounge area looking directly out onto TrafalgarSquare. A cluster of music artwork above the bed including a picture of Mick Jagger creates a great focal point as does the large plush red velvet bee cushions on the grey sofa. The bathroom features a walk in shower and bathtub, along with Molton Brown Toiletries (one of my favourites). Complimentary WiFi, snacks and soft drinks from the mini bar along with a Nespresso Coffee machine, make this the perfect retreat to return to after a busy day or night of enjoying all that London has to offer.
Initially opened in 2001 as The Trafalgar, this was Hilton’s first unbranded hotel in London. In 2017 It was completely refurbished and reopened as The Trafalgar St. James, part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, blending innovative, bold designs with excellent service making it an iconic London hotel poised on the edge of St. James, and Trafalgar Square and a stones throw from Soho, Mayfair and the West End.
The hotel’s all-day restaurant and grill, ‘The Trafalgar Dining Rooms is a chic relaxed space, Plush tan leather booths, dark denim walls, arch framed mirrors, and industrial black ironwork chandeliers, give it a slight art deco feel, the perfect place for us to enjoy dinner – We began with appetisers of hummus with crudités and smoked almonds followed byItalian cured beef with egg yolk and pecorino and aubergines stuffed with romesco, apple and coriander (definitely following the menus Mediterranean influence), – both a real delight to our tastebuds, and washed down perfectly with a glass of chilled Sancerre Rose. Mains were salmon with a chraimeh sauce, served with tender stem broccoli, and grilled calamari with chorizo and mint, the freshness of the ingredients were obvious in the combination of textures and tastes in these delicious dishes.Dessert was warm date & walnut cake with stem ginger ice cream, soft, flavoursome and a perfect end to a great evening.
Decision time – an after dinner drink at the bar? Or the pull of our suite and an indulgent bubble bath with an equally indulgent glass of champagne? The bubbles (on both counts) won!
After a blissful nights sleep, it was time for breakfast, served again in the Trafalgar Dining Rooms, but this time with a completely different vibe than the night before, think businessmen, yummy mummy’s, couples and families, a real busy buzz, with a help yourself breakfast bar buffet or a la carte menu option, that were both fresh, delicious and varied.
The Trafalgar St. James, an elegant sanctuary of style, a place to rest and play situated right in the heart of the hustle and bustle of St. James, coupled with the wonderful service they offer their guests, The Trafalgar St. James should be on everyone’s radar when planning a visit to the Capital.
BOOK IT
Prices start from £315 for a Trafalgar Queen Room based on two people sharing.
Prices start from £475 for The Trafalgar Suite based on two people sharing.
For more details or to book visit www.trafalgarstjames.com
