A WINTER RETREAT INTO TIMELESS LUXURY AT THE STAFFORD LONDON
By Monica Lofstrom
EGW Luxury Magazine | Winter 2025–2026 Feature
TRAVEL & ESCAPE
Where heritage whispers through quiet corridors and modern luxury rises gently to meet it.
There are places in the world where time lingers—where elegance feels less like an aesthetic and more like a living presence. In London, that place is The Stafford London, an iconic retreat tucked discreetly between the storied avenues of St James’s and the polished rhythm of Mayfair. Since 1912, this distinguished hotel has embodied a distinctly British interpretation of luxury—unhurried, intuitive, and refined without performance.
To linger here is to step inside a world shaped by legacy and softened by contemporary grace. Within walking distance lies the heart of historic London: Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, and the beloved institution, Fortnum & Mason. The West End’s theatres, Bond Street’s ateliers, and the shimmering storefronts of Regent Street and Knightsbridge all unfold just beyond its quiet threshold. Green Park, Hyde Park, and St James’s Park surround the hotel like an elegant frame—offering guests the luxury of serenity in the very core of the capital.
Across the Main House, the elegant all-suite Mews, and the historic Carriage House, The Stafford offers 106 rooms and suites, each uniquely dressed in sumptuous textiles, curated artwork, and polished detailing. Some rooms feature majestic four-poster beds, others the romance of sloped rooftops and views over London’s skyline. The Gatehouse—a private three-story townhouse—is the hotel’s hidden masterpiece: a serene, contemporary refuge ideal for extended stays. For the truly elevated traveler, the Penthouse Suite offers sweeping panoramic views and its own private rooftop terrace, a quiet perch above the movement of the city.
Thoughtful touches appear everywhere—Penhaligon’s bath amenities, Nespresso machines, and a discreetly placed gym in The Mews offering personal training upon request. These gestures, subtle yet intentional, define the essence of The Stafford: luxury that anticipates rather than announces.
History, too, moves gracefully through its hallways. The hotel’s most famous resident, Nancy Wake, the New Zealand–born French Resistance spy and one of the most decorated women of World War II, made The Stafford her home for many years. She famously began each day with a gin and tonic at The American Bar, where her barstool remains lovingly reserved. The Queen Mother herself slipped in and out of the hotel through underground passages once linked to St James’s Palace, preserving the quiet dignity she cherished.
Today, the spirit of these remarkable guests lingers—an intangible warmth woven into the property’s character, enriching every experience.
And then there is the food.
MICHAEL CAINES at The Stafford marks an extraordinary moment in the hotel’s history: Chef Michael Caines MBE, one of Britain’s most celebrated chefs, brings his signature modern European cuisine to London for the first time. Here, in a dining room infused with timeless elegance, contemporary culinary artistry meets British seasonal produce. Guests can expect new and exclusive creations alongside cherished dishes from Lympstone Manor, elevated by The Stafford’s own classic recipes reimagined with quiet sophistication.
The à la carte menu is refined yet intimate, offering an experience both indulgent and deeply considered. Afternoon tea—served beneath soft lighting, gilded details, and gentle conversation—is quintessentially British, a ritual The Stafford performs with effortless grace.
The American Bar remains one of the most iconic in London, a lively tribute to the cocktail culture of the 1920s and 30s. Memorabilia, artifacts, and signed photographs layer the walls and ceilings, each an echo of someone who passed through and left a story behind. The drinks—classic, contemporary, or completely bespoke—are accompanied by light bites and seasonal dishes served in the courtyard during warmer months. Bertie’s, the seasonal food and drink pop-up, offers fresh juices, healthy bites, and an inviting alfresco rhythm.
For lovers of wine, the hotel’s 400-year-old Wine Cellar is nothing short of legendary. Built by Lord Francis Godolphin and used as an air raid shelter during World War II, the cellar now houses a meticulously curated selection of over 600 wines. Its quiet chambers have become a coveted setting for intimate tastings, exclusive dinners, and events that linger long in memory. Additional private dining rooms throughout the hotel offer elegant spaces for celebrations, meetings, and gatherings, all supported by attentive, discreet staff.
The Stafford London is not simply a five-star hotel; it is a living expression of London’s past and present—heritage stitched seamlessly into modern luxury. It is romance for those who seek enchantment, serenity for those who seek rest, and an extraordinary setting for guests who crave an authentic London experience crafted with intention and heart.
To wander its hallways is to encounter the art of hospitality in its purest form. To stay is to be immersed in timelessness.
For more information on The Stafford London and its sister properties, visit The Stafford Collection.
Photography Provided by The Stafford London
The Stafford Collection | London, UK
