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ITCM slept here

Kempinski’s Stafford Hotel is a hidden London gem

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Created on Friday, 17 February 2012 14:26
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Kempinski’s Stafford Hotel is a hidden London gem

The 5-star deluxe Stafford Hotel – a Kempinski property – is internationally popular, but everyone who uses it likes to think it is their own special London hideaway. It is in a secluded location off St James’s Street, between St James’s Palace and Piccadilly. It has the classic frontage of a town house, but it is much more than that. Behind the 67-room main building is a cobbled Blue Bell Yard with the two-storey 26-suite Stafford Mews along one side and the 12-suite black-and-white timber Carriage House on the other side. These annexes to the hotel formed part of the Royal Mews during the time when St James’s Palace was the monarch’s residence.

Beneath the main building is an extensive wine cellar that has been there for 360 years. It is the domain of Gino Nardella. He is one of the very few Master Sommeliers to be found in the UK and he presides over 18,000 bottles of wine with more than 800 labels.

The wine cellar, of course, has its own private dining area seating 14 people - or it can be used for a reception for up to 75. Glass in hand, guests can explore other attractions, for the cellars also house an intriguing museum of wartime souvenirs.

All three components have their own character, but, common to all, are the faultless service, the warm and welcoming hospitality and quality facilities.

It was no surprise, therefore, to hear that The Stafford was the venue chosen for Kempinski’s own Workshop. Representatives were there from as many as 23 different properties from 11 countries.

The ambiance of the hotel is one of relaxation and good taste. Breakfasting in the dining room is very much how it might have been when it was a wealthy family’s town house. There are five rooms where meetings and receptions can be held for up to 44 guests. Marble fireplaces, wooden panelling and corniced ceilings combine to create an elegant backdrop to any gathering.

The rooms and suites are equally as elegant, but they also offer the comfort of underfloor heating in the bathrooms, where guests find Molton Brown toiletries; satellite tv channels and Bose CD Radios; an IPod docking facility, keyboard and free Wi-Fi.

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