St. James' Court, A Taj Hotel

The hotel opened in 1902 and hosted guests of nearby Buckingham Palace in its early days. Unsurprisingly, an air of exclusivity and a touch of stuffiness pervade the property, which is separated from its luxurious neighboring hotel -- 51 Buckingham Gate -- by a stunning Victorian courtyard where guests can have cocktails and meals in the summertime. Ornate architectural detailing can be seen throughout, from carved friezes to the courtyard's exquisite marble fountain, and the entranceway is a breathtaking display, with wrought-iron doors leading into a vestibule with a gilded ceiling and chandeliers. Gilt mirrors, dark-wood moulding, and marble flooring throughout the lobby up the opulence level, while a more casual style defines the other common spaces. Some seating areas in the hallways, for example, are carpeted and cozy, with plush velvet chairs, leather couches, and sleek overhead lamps. The Cellar Room, where guests can taste fine champagnes, feels like the living room of an elegant home, with wood paneling, satin armchairs with jewel-tone cushions, glossy wood tables, and a flat-screen TV. Guests are largely well-heeled executives or tourists, including many couples. 

Situated in one of London's wealthiest neighborhoods, the hotel is just over five minutes on foot from Buckingham Palace. The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben are just over a 10-minute walk away, and guests can stroll to the Tate Gallery in about 20 minutes. Public transportation is easily accessible, with St. James Park Underground Station a five-minute walk away and Victoria Train Station within 10 minutes on foot. Heathrow is about 45 minutes away by car or an hour away on the Tube. 

Guests can choose to stay in Classic Rooms and Suites, which have a cozier style, or Executive Rooms and Suites, with more modern decor. All are carpeted and have dark-wood furnishings, and they're decorated in subdued palates of pale grays, blues, and beiges, with framed modern art on the walls. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, safes, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. Marble bathrooms have luxe toiletries, and either shower/tub combos or glass walk-in showers. Executive Rooms have desks and leather office chairs, while Executive Suites have separate living areas decorated in bolder prints and colors, as well as media hubs connected to the flat-screen TVs. Some guests have complained of minor maintenance issues in bathrooms, and some of the decor -- especially in Classic Rooms -- feels a little tired. Rear-facing rooms can be noisy.

The hotel shares some amenities -- including restaurants and spa/fitness facilities -- with a property across the courtyard. There are four restaurants, including Indian cuisine at Michelin-starred Quilon, British and pan-Asian fare at Bistro, modern Southern European dishes at Kona, and steaks and cocktails at Bank & Zander. The Hamptons Bar offers light meals, loads of cocktail options, and Royal Afternoon Tea service, while the Cellar Room serves seven different champagnes from the Laurent-Perrier Estate. The Wellness Centre has a 24-hour fitness center as well as custom spa services, saunas, and steam rooms. Business travelers have access to 17 meeting spaces, including board rooms and banquet facilities fully equipped with Wi-Fi and audiovisual technology; events can also be held in the St. James Courtyard, with its beautiful fountain and stunning friezes.