The Sanctuary House Hotel

The Sanctuary House Hotel is on the corner of one of the oldest streets in Westminster. The beautiful historic Victorian building is housed in what was once the home of the London Municipal Society in the early 1900s, as well as a book-publishing house. On the ground floor is a classic English pub that marries elegance with homey coziness. Ensconced in wood with wooden furnishings, floors, wainscoting, and a grand old bar at its center, the space is illuminated by light from the large windows lining its walls and chandeliers suspended from ceilings, which feature decorative molding. A popular spot with locals and guests alike, the atmosphere is friendly and inviting. The small but sunlit lobby, with traditional decor that includes wooden floors, wainscoting, and the front desk, sits above the pub. The cozy wooden furnishings couple with an Oriental rug and a tufted red leather couch and armchair. Large windows overlooking the street fill the space with natural light. The pale-teal walls are covered with a delicate shimmering leaf design, which extends to the hallways and staircases.

The hotel is located in the Westminster area of central London, a couple of blocks from the Thames River and a three-minute walk to St. James Park, a lovely green space with a lake. The property is situated on the corner of one of the oldest streets in Westminster, with many restaurants, cafes, and pubs in the area, and the St. James’s Park Underground station is down the street. This prime location is well-situated for sightseeing, as many of London’s top sights and attractions are within walking distance, including Buckingham Palace (a 10-minute walk), Big Ben (a six-minute walk), Westminster Abbey (a four-minute walk), and the London Eye (a 15-minute walk). The busy street corner location might, however, make for noise.

Rooms vary in size and decor, though all are pleasant and contemporary. Many include accent walls of patterned wallpaper that complements curtains, as well as the pillows and bedspreads that top crisp white bedding. Beds are framed in wooden headboards with built-in nightstands and lamps flanking both sides; Deluxe and Superior Rooms have chic, upholstered headboards and round nightstands with shiny metallic lamps. Old-fashioned rotary phones are an elegant touch that befit the historic property. Rooms are spacious, and all have small sitting areas and wooden work desks. Additionally, all rooms have flat-screen TVs with Sky channels, tea- and coffee-making facilities, electronic safes, and free Wi-Fi. Superior and Deluxe Rooms add mini-fridges and fluffy bathrobes and slippers. Bathrooms are small but clean and modern, with shower/tub combos with rainfall showerheads and a range of nice toiletries.

The ground-floor Sanctuary Pub is an inviting space that serves home-cooked pub classics such as fish and chips and deep-filled pies, and offers a wide selection of great beers and wine. Breakfast is available, though it is not included in the room rate, and the pub serves a weekly Sunday roast. Though there is no on-site fitness center, guests can use the fitness facilities and pool at nearby LA Fitness with a pass obtained from the front desk. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.