Why The Stafford London Is the City’s Best Hotel for History, Charm and Michelin-Star Dining

The Stafford London is the kind of hotel that doesn’t announce itself loudly. Tucked away in the heart of St James’s, it feels less like a grand hotel and more like a true hidden gem that has welcomed discerning travelers for over a century. That sense of unhurried, personal hospitality is exactly what makes it such a compelling choice for families.

With Michelin-starred dining, an award-winning afternoon tea, a legendary bar, spacious family rooms and suites, and an enviable location, The Stafford London is a hotel that rewards guests who take the time to discover it properly. As of 2026, it is officially London’s number one property. It was named the city’s top hotel in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards – high praise, and entirely deserved.

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How to Reach The Stafford London

The Stafford London sits in the heart of historic St James. The nearest Tube station is Green Park (Jubilee, Victoria, and Piccadilly lines). This is just a five-minute walk away, making connections across the city fast and straightforward. However, you must take the secret alleyway from Green Park to reach the hotel quickly. A map app will take you the long way around which is about 10-12 minutes.

If you’re arriving at Heathrow Airport, take the Piccadilly line directly to Green Park. It takes around 50 minutes with no changes required. From Gatwick, take the Gatwick Express to Victoria Station, then it’s a short taxi ride or 15-minute walk through St James’s Park. From London City Airport, take the Elizabeth line to Farringdon and then the Circle line to Green Park, and you’ll be there in under 45 minutes.

Tip: If you’re arriving with young children and luggage, a taxi or pre-booked transfer is worth considering. We had great success with WelcomePickups. The Stafford London also offers a luxury chauffeur service which takes the stress out of arriving and departing with a family in tow.

A Hotel With a Remarkable History

Part of what makes a stay at The Stafford London so memorable is that the building has stories to tell. Originally built as private residences in the 17th century, the property has been a hotel since 1912.

During World War II, The Stafford’s wine cellars served as a refuge for American and Canadian officers. This gave rise to the Better ‘Ole Club, a members’ group recognizing those who have made extraordinary contributions to the hotel, whose distinguished membership has included HRH the Prince of Wales. 

At the far end of the wine cellars, there’s a small museum of wartime artifacts, offering a fascinating glimpse into that era. 

More recently, the hotel entered a new chapter when Michelin-starred chef Michael Caines MBE joined as Culinary Strategist in March 2025. His restaurant opened in September of that year and brought one of Britain’s most celebrated kitchens to St James’s.

Accommodations at The Stafford London

The hotel is spread across three distinct buildings, each with its own character. This gives guests a choice that feels unusually personal for a luxury property of this caliber.

In the Main House, rooms are classically elegant. For families with younger children, these rooms offer twin bed configurations, and rollaway beds for children under 18 are free of charge. 

Cribs are also available at no extra cost, which is a thoughtful touch for families with very young travelers. (Note: rollaway beds cannot be accommodated in Classic rooms. If you need one, be sure to book a Deluxe or above.)

The Carriage House was originally built as horse stables for the nobility, and converted to luxury accommodation in the late 1990s. These have their own cobblestone courtyard and a slightly tucked-away atmosphere that families tend to love.

The Mews Suites are particularly well suited to families wanting space. This is where we stayed, and we enjoyed the generous living area and separation from the busyness of the hotel’s restaurant and bar.

We had a massive bathroom with a shower and soaking tub, and the room had a sofa bed. The flexibility of interconnecting options means there’s room for everyone to spread out after a long day of sightseeing.

Dining at The Stafford

MICHAEL CAINES at The Stafford

The arrival of MICHAEL CAINES at The Stafford was a milestone for the hotel and London fine dining. Michael Caines MBE, is one of Britain’s most decorated chefs. He redesigned the hotel’s dining offering around a menu rooted in seasonal British ingredients and modern European technique. The restaurant has since been awarded a Michelin Star.

Signature dishes include the Stafford Beef Wellington and Brixham Dover Sole. The menu changes seasonally, ensuring that what arrives on the plate reflects the very best of what’s currently available.

The dining room itself is refined but not stuffy and feels unexpectedly approachable for a Michelin-starred kitchen.

Tip: Book well in advance, particularly for weekend evenings and school holiday periods. Reservations can be made on the hotel’s website.

​Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea at The Stafford is served daily in the elegant hotel lounge. The menu balances classic elements with the kind of pastries you’d expect from a high-end kitchen. Younger guests can enjoy the Children’s Afternoon Tea, a kid-friendly version featuring sandwiches, scones, and pastries. 

Tip: Walk-ins are welcome for afternoon tea, but to guarantee your spot, booking ahead is strongly recommended.

The American Bar

Every guest needs to spend some time at Stafford’s American Bar, one of the longest-surviving American bars in London. Featured in The Times as one of London’s best hotel bars, it’s one of the American cocktail bars that flourished in London and Paris during the 1920s and 1930s. Believe me when I say, it has lost none of that atmosphere.

The walls are lined with memorabilia – baseball caps, ties, flags, and sports keepsakes left behind by generations of American guests. It’s one of those rare rooms that tells its story simply by existing, and older children will find it fascinating.

NOTE: Guests 17 and under are not permitted in the bar after 6pm Monday to Sunday. Plan your family visit for earlier in the day. The bar is open for all-day dining from noon.

Veuve Clicquot Courtyard 

In summer, the Veuve Clicquot Courtyard, an outdoor terrace between the main buildings, is one of the most charming places for a long lunch or afternoon cocktail. We enjoyed sitting here and enjoying a beverage on sunny afternoons.

The Staff: Service That Goes the Extra Mile

The staff at The Stafford London goes above and beyond when it comes to service. This is a hotel where no request feels like an imposition, and where the concierge team can truly transform a London trip.

The team can arrange child-friendly itineraries, secure theatre tickets, recommend nearby parks and playgrounds, and handle the logistics of traveling with children in a way that removes stress rather than adding to it.

Using The Stafford London as a Home Base

If you want to be in the heart of London, this is the place to be. You can easily combine sightseeing with proximity to the city’s green spaces and London’s iconic landmarks.

Within easy walking distance:

• Green Park –  right next doort; a peaceful, tree-lined royal park perfect for a break from touring
• St James’s Park – five minutes on foot; kids will enjoy the lake, pelicans, and postcard views of Buckingham Palace
• Buckingham Palace – short walk (under 10 minutes); the Changing of the Guard is free to watch
• Piccadilly and Fortnum & Mason – five to ten minutes; London’s most famous street, with world-class shopping and the iconic department store. Regent Street is also nearby and definitely worth a stroll, especially if visiting London with teens.
• Westminster Abbey – twenty minute walk; also close to Big Ben, Parliament, and the London Eye (across the River Thames)

A short Tube ride away:

• Natural History Museum – Victoria line to South Kensington (two stops); free entry and engaging for children of all ages
• Science Museum – same stop as Natural History Museum; perfect for curious kids and teenagers
• The National Gallery and Trafalgar Square – take the Jubilee line to Charing Cross, or it’s a pleasant 20-minute walk through the parks
• The British Museum – grab the Piccadilly line to Holborn; one of the world’s great museums, with free admission
• Tower of London and Tower Bridge – hop on the Circle line to Tower Hill; a half-day or full-day family adventure

Pro Tip: Green Park station gives you easy access to three of London’s most useful lines – the Jubilee, Victoria, and Piccadilly – making it one of the most versatile Tube connections in the city. With a family Oyster card or contactless payment, you can reach almost anywhere in central London in under 30 minutes.

Awards That Tell Their Own Story

The Stafford has had a remarkable run of recognition, and it’s worth understanding the different awards it has recently received.

Travel + Leisure World’s Best Hotels: London No.1 (2026) – One of the travel industry’s most meaningful honors because it is voted for entirely by readers. Hotels are judged on service, hospitality, food, location, and overall experience. Being named the best hotel in London reflects on guest experiences, and the fact that so many keep returning.

Michelin Star at MICHAEL CAINES at The Stafford – A Michelin Star for the restaurant, recognizing the quality and creativity of the culinary team and their commitment to showcasing exceptional seasonal British ingredients. 

Award of Excellence, Afternoon Tea Awards – Recognition of The Stafford as one of London’s leading destinations for afternoon tea. 

These awards paint a consistent picture: this is one of the finest luxury hotels in the world and it gets the fundamentals right for every guest, every time.

Why The Stafford London Belongs on Your London List

With a history that stretches back to the 17th century, a wartime wine cellar that doubles as a museum, Michelin-starred dining, an award-winning afternoon tea, one of London’s most storied bars, and a concierge team that treats family travel as a pleasure rather than a complication, it’s hard to find fault with The Stafford London.

For families looking for a London base that offers more than just a comfortable bed, The Stafford London is one of the most rewarding choices in the city.