St. James's London, United Kingdom
Renovated
2020
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe HeritageOutside the door
The house
AccorNeoclassical banking landmark
Neoclassical banking grandeur meets Parisian flair, where velvet seating and vibrant pop art accents frame views of Waterloo Place.
“Within the hotel’s grand neoclassical exterior, you’ll find a far more playful side of luxury that retains the Sofitel brand’s French roots.”
What it’s good at
Notable
Pierre-Yves Rochon interiors pair Parisian elegance with 1970s pop accents, Pierre Paulin seating, and bold geometric detailing.
Notable
Attentive concierge care, signature MyBed sleep setups, and tailored dining from the on-site Michelin-starred kitchen.
Notable
A Grade II listed 1920s neoclassical bank headquarters with preserved subterranean vault architecture housing the spa.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
Forbes Four-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
the old Cox’s and King’s bank on the corner of Waterloo Place and Pall Mall ... is now the place to go in London for a little taste of Paris.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Waterloo Place sits outside, placing the lawns of St James's Park, heritage tailors, and West End theaters within easy walking distance.
The rooms
Interiors pair dark lacquered furniture with bold tartan carpets in electric blue, finished with bespoke headboards and marble baths.
The hammam and whirlpool
A mosaic-tiled whirlpool bath and aromatic steam rooms sit beneath the building's historic vaulted ceilings.
The spa
Treatment suites host restorative massages, bespoke facials, and an AlphaSphere multisensory relaxation chair.
The gym
The 24-hour fitness centre has stretching mats, exercise balls, and mirrored workout stations.
Dogs stay too.
Restaurant
Wild Honey St James
Chef Anthony Demetre prepares seasonal British bistronomy in a dining room of velvet banquettes and geometric chandeliers.
At the table
St James Bar mixes craft cocktails under dramatic halo lighting, and the outdoor terrace lines Waterloo Place.
How it began
Built in the 1920s on Crown Estate land, this neoclassical landmark originally served as the headquarters for Cox's and King's Bank.
Good to know
Stay here
Sofitel London St James
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London
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.