The Stafford London

The main building of The Stafford London comprises of three redbrick townhouse built in the 17th century and most famously occupied by Lord and Lady Lyttelton and their descendants -- and relations of Princess Diana -- until the mid-19th century. Quintessentially English-style interiors are suitably aristocratic with dark wood paneling and elegant antique furnishings, though with a breezy color scheme in pink pastel. A pretty, cobbled courtyard mews full of colorful flower boxes and neat potted shrubbery sits alongside two other sections of the hotel -- the Mews Suites and Carriage House -- which are former royal mews and stables of the nobility in the 18th century. The mood is high-class and sophisticated while, being relatively small compared to other five-pearl in the area and nicely tucked away, maintaining a relatively cozy and intimate ambience.

The hotel is located on a quiet road that runs parallel to Green Park in a particularly upmarket neighborhood of London one block from the renowned Ritz Hotel. Green Park Tube station is a three-minute walk away, as is the entrance to the park itself -- a popular green expanse in the warmer months. Iconic Piccadilly Circus and the theaters of the West End are also within walking distance -- about 10 minutes -- while Trafalgar Square is within 15 minutes on foot. Expect to pay a hefty sum to park on-site. 

The hotel's 107 rooms and suites follow the quintessentially English interior design with dark wood furnishings, homey patterned fabrics, and gilt-framed etchings. All rooms have free Wi-Fi and satellite TV as well as Nespresso coffeemakers and minibars with free soft drinks. Bathrooms are done in floor-to-ceiling gray marble and include Floris high-end toiletries and bathrobes -- though some bathrooms are on the small size and sub-par plumbing has been reported. The Mews Suites tend to lean a little more to the modern style of decor, while the Carriage House rooms, renovated in 2017, have a contemporary country house vibe. The Muse Master Suite includes a private balcony and working fireplace. Views mostly look out onto the street and neighboring rooftops. 

The hotel's fine dining restaurant -- The Game Bird -- serves a pricey breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as afternoon tea in elegant and particularly refined surroundings. The American Bar, however, provides a more informal space decorated with thousands of items of customer-donated memorabilia, everything from baseball caps to men's ties to photos of airplanes. Drinks can be enjoyed in the cobbled courtyard during warmer weather. Underneath the hotel is a four-century old wine cellar, also used for private dining and events, which includes a preserved bomb shelter with relics from WWII. Although a small gym can be found in the Mews building, there little else in the way of fitness or health facilities.