Trafalgar St. James Hotel Review

Stunning Skylines and Stylish Sophistication at The Trafalgar St. James

Alfresco cocktails on a sunny spring day, is there a better way to spend an afternoon? Especially when it’s not just the cocktails that are exceptional.

I’m perched high above the streets of London drinking in not only my cocktail but the far-reaching spectacular views of the London skyline from The Rooftop on the 7th Floor 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 Room, (now I felt I should become friendlier with Nelson) was to be our home for the night, a stunning space, decorated in a contemporary urban London style with a large window in the lounge area looking directly out onto Trafalgar Square. A cluster of music artwork above the bed including a picture of Mick Jagger creates a great focal point. The bathroom features a walk-in shower and bathtub, along with Molton Brown Toiletries (one of my favourites). Complimentary WIFI, 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 stone’s throw from Soho, Mayfair and the West End. The hotel’s Rockwell restaurant was closed during our stay (it’s only open for dinner Wednesday – Saturday), so we headed back up to The Rooftop for dinner, to not only devour delicious food but also more captivating views of the city’s skyline, that include Big Ben, The London eye, The Shard and Trafalgar Square.

Sipping on our perfectly crafted cocktails ‘Across the Equator’ a mix of Butterfly Pea Flower infused Tanqueray 10 Gin, Citric Acid, Rosemary Syrup and Pink Grapefruit Tonic, and ‘Aurora’ a blend of Spiced & Jamaican Rum, Winter Spice Liqueur, Aromatic Bitters, Lemon Juice and French Merlot as we sat under the outdoor heaters wrapped in blankets looking out into the twinkling sky of London was the perfect way to begin our dining experience.

We began with appetisers of Salt & Pepper Fried Squid served with aioli and lemon and Mushroom Sliders (three small buns filled with mushroom and melted cheese), both were a real delight to our taste buds, and were washed down perfectly with a glass of chilled Saint Sidoine Rose.

Mains were Grilled Salmon, served with sorrel cream and Gran Sardo Cheese Wheel & Linguine with Smoked Bacon, the freshness of the ingredients were obvious in the combination of textures and tastes in these delicious dishes.

Dessert was Pineapple Carpaccio with Coconut Sorbet, refreshing, light and a perfect end to a great evening.

After a blissful night’s sleep, it was time for breakfast, which was served in Rockwell. In here the botanical themed décor, high windows, tropical drapery and lush

green foliage gives the impression of a breath of fresh air, not an easy thing to do on a busy corner of Trafalgar Square! Back this up with an art deco feel, with fringed low-hanging lamps and petrol blue stools lining the bar and breakfast never felt so good.

We indulged in a help yourself breakfast bar buffet that included pastries, cheeses, fruit, fish, fresh bread and so much more. We opted for ‘Eggs Royale’ and ‘Avocado and Poached Eggs’ from the menu which just like everything during our visit to The Trafalgar St. James certainly didn’t disappoint. The Trafalgar St. James, is 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 £313 based on two people sharing.

For more details or to book visit www.trafalgarstjames.com

A CROATIAN EXPERIENCE WITH VALAMAR

With all UK travel restrictions now removed, it’s the perfect time to secure an unforgettable summer retreat to one of Europe’s most beautiful destinations – Croatia.

Guests can book ahead with confidence with Valamar’s flexible booking policy for 2022, offering fee-free amends and cancellations between two and seven days ahead of departure* to accommodate any last-minute changes of plans.

For those looking to discover Dubrovnik, Valamar offers a cluster of three hotel gems all set within the lush greenery of the Babin Kuk peninsula, just fifteen minutes from Dubrovnik’s historic Old Town.

5* Dubrovnik President Valamar Collection Hotel

Discover five-star luxury at this award-winning beachfront retreat that is situated on a blue-flag beach, ideal for those seeking spectacular blue sea views.

Setting the standard for luxury hotels, guests can enjoy luxurious rooms, elegant outdoor and indoor pools, a wellness centre, three restaurants and first-class service, including premium VLevel services and facilities.

Doubles from £100 per night.

4* Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel

Flanked by pine forests and white pebble beaches this hotel is renowned for its fusion of nature and state-of-theart facilities. Travellers will love the modern rooms and suites, as well as the Balance Spa, where wellness and relaxation take priority.

Creating memorable dining experiences are the hotel’s two restaurants: Momenti, which offers an impressive a la carte menu served up with stunning vistas of the Elaphiti Islands, and Mediterraneo which provides an extensive buffet selection of local and international dishes.

Guests will also be spoiled for choice when it comes to activities, with two pools, a range of on-site sports facilities, bicycle rental and the Valamar Experience Concierge which ensures everyone can make the most of their time in Dubrovnik.

Doubles from £75 per night.

4* Valamar Argosy Hotel

A stylish retreat, set in tranquil cultivated gardens that redefine wellness, with infinity pools and elegant wellness area ensuring guests can leave feeling refreshed and recharged.

Of course, being a Valamar hotel, the culinary offering ensures guests can enjoy a range of dishes, from local and international cuisines at its own restaurant to making the most of the Dine Around Service which provides access and select inclusions at Valamar’s sister hotels on the peninsula.

Doubles from £83 per night.

Celebrations for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee at Shangri-La The Shard, London

With views over the River Thames to the Tower of London, and its stunning new ‘Superbloom’ display this summer unveiling a sea of millions of wildflowers in its moat, Shangri-La The Shard, London is planning an equally colourful series of celebrations lasting from April until September in commemoration of Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

The hotel reveals its biggest décor transformation to date, unveiling a royal extravaganza in collaboration with McQueens Flowers.

When entering the hotel’s ground floor foyer, visitors will be welcomed by an immersive four-metre-tall sculpture paying homage to the Queen’s iconic stamp motif.

While waiting for your elevator-turned-royal chariot, marvel at an extraordinary contemporary photographic exhibition of the Queen and Royal Household by royal photographer Hugo Rittson-Thomas.

Upon arrival at the hotel’s reception area on level 35, you will be immersed in a story inspired by the Queen’s most iconic travels over her 70-year reign. At the check-in desk, discover a Kenyan safari tent inspired by Treetops, the hotel where Princess Elizabeth learnt of the passing of her father, King George VI, before travelling to an Australian scene reflecting Queen’s arrival into Sydney harbour in 1954, the first televised moment for the country. The royal tour will continue through the lobby with homages to the Queen’s journeys to Hong Kong, Canada and India through the years.

Elsewhere on level 35 there will be a display of glistening crown sculptures, royal photo opportunities with London’s skyline and iconic pop-art depictions of Her Royal Highness. TĪNG Lounge will be transformed into a fragrant English garden complete with a ceiling of hanging wisteria, accompanied by photography of colourful Coronation wildflower meadows by Hugo Rittson-Thomas.

Book a two-night Shangri-La Jubilee Celebration stay, and a new ticketing partnership with Historic Royal Palaces will unlock the gates to the Tower of London - home to the Crown Jewels - Kensington Palace or Hampton Court Palace, with private morning or evening tours available on request, a Jubilee cocktail served in the privacy of your room or suite on arrival, and from May, a limited edition packet of seeds specially created by the team behind the Tower of London’s ‘Superbloom’ display as special souvenir to take home and grow wildflowers inspired by the Tower in your own garden.

Skyline Jubilee Afternoon Tea will be served at TĪNG Lounge, featuring an extraordinary miniature chocolate and raspberry Shard building for two to share. A selection of finger sandwiches including beetroot salmon with dill crème fraiche, rye bread with pastrami and mustard and Burford Brown egg mayo and cress will be followed by savouries such as Mary rose and caviar and almond tart with marinated courgette and basil. Freshly baked sweet and savoury scones accompanied by strawberry jam and clotted cream will lead into a selection of delicious Jubilee themed desserts including ‘The Pearl of the Queen’ – a pearlescent tonka, vanilla and strawberry gateaux, and a crowned lime and blueberry ‘Jubilee tart’. Enjoy a glass of Nyetimber Classic Cuvée or Nyetimber Rosé for a taste of England’s vineyards, alongside a selection of Shangri-La and Camellia teas.

Sip a Jubilee Cocktail at GŎNG, the highest hotel bar in Western Europe, while watching the sun setting over London’s landmarks. Designed by GŎNG’s mixologists, the

cocktail is an Asian-inspired reinterpretation of the Queen’s favourite tipple, the Dubonnet. Featuring gin, violet and strawberry liqueur, a splash of blue curacao and Japanese Shōchū and decorated with a delicate flower, there’s no better way to mark this momentous occasion in an unforgettable setting.

BOOK IT

The Shangri-La Jubilee Celebration at Shangri-La The Shard, London is available from £990 per night based on two sharing a Premier Shard Room for two nights including breakfast, entrance tickets to either the Tower of London, Kensington Palace or Hampton Court Palace, an in-room Jubilee welcome cocktail, £70 dining credit for TĪNG Restaurant and access to the hotel’s wellness floor: Sky Pool, Sky Gym and Sky Sauna on level 52. Available now until 31st October.

For more information and to book, visit

www.shangri-la.com/en/london/shangrila

Skyline Jubilee Afternoon Tea is available now, costing £75 per person, including a glass of Nyetimber Classic Cuvée or Nyetimber Rosé, and £65 per person without.

For more information and to book, visit

www.ting-shangri-la.com