Crowne Plaza London St James, London

We loved our stay at the Crowne Plaza St. James. From the top-hatted doorman to the extremely comfortable bed, this hotel met or exceeded our expecations. The location was perfect for sightseeing; only a block to Buckingham Palace and the Tube station is only around the corner. The room had all the modern amenitites. Wired internet ran 14.99GBP/day or you could pay a fee to have unlimited internet and movies via the TV. We did not expect much with regard to customer service or room amenities, having heard about the normally tiny rooms in Britain and potentially rude service. This was not our experience. The clerks at the desk and concierge were extremely polite and helpful. The standard room we booked had plenty of room and the price was right! Our prepaid room was cheaper than anything we found anywhere on the internet. The hotel has a full gym and spa, but no jacuzzi or pool. You can borrow outlet adapters, but if your plug is large (like the one I use for my cell phone), you would be better off buying one before you arrive, as theirs have a ridge of plastic that prevents the larger sized plugs from being inserted all the way. We received a fresh supply of complimentary toilettries each day and the towel warming rack made getting out of the shower on those cold mornings a little more comforting. The only complaint I would have about our room is the size of the bath/shower. It was impossible to have a shower without the shower curtain touching you somewhere on your person at all times. The hotel would do well to invest in the curved shower curtains now popular in American hotel rooms. All in all, we had a lovely stay and would gladly stay there again.

My wife and I travel to London and stay in the city two – three times per year. We love the central / convenient location of the Crown Plaza, St. James and have had a number of positive experiences over the past 5 -6 years. This past visit, (22 – 24 September), was absolutely terrible. The problems began at check-in: - two very inexperienced young women (with no apparent supervision) at the check-in desk - our room (booked on their internet site) only had a double sized bed; despite the fact that the internet site referenced a “queen sized” bed - when we complained about the size of the bed and the mis-representation of the internet description, the front desk clerk told us “this happens all the time with Americans” (!!) - we were then moved to a room with two double beds pushed together (room 229) - while larger, this room was old, in a terrible state of repair (cracked tile, door), was very dirty (carpets stained, odd stains on the walls), was positioned on the property such that we couldn’t log on to the internet, was hot (…and the air conditioning didn’t work) - daily newspapers we ordered at check in didn’t arrive - “complementary” water bottle in room was already opened (creepy) and top replaced - on day of departure, we discovered we were only provided ONE TOWEL (for two people) - in addition, on day of departure, the apparent “supervisor” knocked repeatedly on our door asking “when we were going to leave” the hotel!!! - No member of the hotel staff was a native English speaker – which made communication difficult; and, I believe, was used by the hotel to avoid having to deal with our issues - (Conveniently) the front desk did not have any customer feedback forms; no customer feedback forms in the room either (surprise, surprise) - breakfast was incredibly expensive; poorly stocked; and as above, no member of staff spoke English – other than to ask repeatedly if we’d completed their room charge form !!! Absolutely the worst visit we’ve ever had to a Crown Plaza property.

just back from a weekend in london and stayed at this hotel. great location- westiminister, london eye etc are in walking distance. hotel staff exceptionally friendly. room decor is a little dated but clean and big enough for the 2 of us. would definitely be back as its a fantastic hotel for the price... however, didn't eat there as prices looked a little expensive - pretty much in line with the rest of london.

Like the other reviews, the location of this hotel could not have been better. Only 5 pds by taxi from Victoria Station, walking distance to Westminster Abby and Buckingham Palace. Several local pubs less than a block away. Rooms/hotel were old but very clean and roomy. Hallway carpet was threadbare and seam was torn. Biggest complaint was the cost of Breakfast at Bristo 51. For two the Buffett came to $60 USD, a bit much I think. Less than a block away at Gusto's a made to order for less than half.

Location of the hotel is fantastic - can walk to many London attractions. We went on a theatre break and felt that we were given a very poor standard double room - small, dingy and fairly scruffy. There was a light bulb out, a rip in the bedspread and there was no possibility of reading in bed as the lights were in the wrong place and too dim. In fact the first room we were given had only a single bed and we had so many problems with the key cards to our room that it quite spoilt our break. Breakfast was also very poor - the dining room was full and so we were taken past the kitchens to another room. Some of the food was cold and the buffet was not kept topped up. Overall a very disappointing stay at what is supposed to be a 4 star hotel.

Very impressive when you first walk into the reception area. Disappointed with the size of the standard double room, very dark and had to have the light on all the time but bathroom was a good size. Staff very courteous and helpful.

Comfortable and classy hotel - great breakfast but noisy room courtesy of noisy exractor fans rattling away from kitchens directly below our room - was bit like having someone with a vacuum cleaner hovering all night long directly outside of our window - completely unnacceptable for a hotel of this quality.

The number one reason to stay at this hotel is location! You can basically walk to any important point in London from there, it was great. You can walk to Westminster, Buckingham Palace, St James Park and Palace. You can walk to Piccidilly Circus, Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, the Portrait Gallery, a ton of places. That saves a ton on Taxi fare, so you are getting a little of the value back. The hotel itself was no more superior than a Thistle once you got past the fancy doorman. The staff were pleasant, but seemed agitated when asked questions. The rooms were nice, clean and comfy (the beds are fantastic), but I really feel I had just as nice of a stay in three star hotels before. Also if you are on a budget and this is a splurge for you, beware they will nickle and dime you to death, (after the exchange rate a breakfast comes out to 80 usd for two people, a bit crazy)

When we arrived, we were greeted by a doorman in a top hat. Just inside, we passed a staffed concierge desk with a helpful person at the ready. The lobby was welcoming, and the front desk staff was eager to accommodate. The standard rooms were spacious enough for my wife and I, and were clean and comfortable. The restaurant was first-rate, and the wait-staff were an international mix of true prorfessionals. Afternoon tea in the garden by the fountain is something everyone should try -- it is awesome being surrounded by the brick walls and beautiful gardens with a clear English sky above. When I booked rooms and paid in advance, I was able to secure a rate of �113/night for a room with a double bed. I felt that this was an outstanding value for the price. Caution: Don't drink the bottled water in the hotel room! Although it's on a table away from the mini-bar stuff, don't be lured into cracking the seal! It's one of those 'gotcha' things, at �2.69 or somewhere thereabout -- north of $5 US for a half-liter or less. Ouch! It's about a three-minute walk to Buckingham Palace. A very nice location, and a very nice hotel.

Just a few minutes walk to Buckingham Palace and St James underground station. Overall service was excellent. A little bit dissappointed because the price that I paid for this 4* was higher than Le Grand InterContinental Paris (5*). Nice courtyard at the back, anyway. Recommended.