The Stafford London: one of the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Hotels 2026 – timeless five-star luxury in historic St James’s with advantageous CountryClubuk Members’ rates

Fresh from being recognised among the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Hotels 2026, The Stafford remains one of London’s most gracious and discreet five-star addresses. Hidden away in historic St James’s Place, moments from Green Park, St James’s Palace and Piccadilly, this distinguished hotel has been welcoming royalty, statesmen, military leaders and discerning travellers for centuries. CountryClubuk Members have long appreciated its quiet elegance, exceptional personal service and wonderfully residential atmosphere, and we are delighted to welcome this much-loved hotel back to our collection.

If only the historic walls of the elegant Stafford Hotel in St James’s could talk. What extraordinary stories they would tell—of royal intrigue, wartime courage and discreet luxury spanning more than three centuries.

Standing quietly at Nos. 16-18 St James’s Place, The Stafford is far more than one of London’s finest hotels. It is part of the capital’s history. A hidden passageway from its remarkable wine cellars once led directly to St James’s Palace, allowing King Charles II to slip away unnoticed to enjoy evenings with his gambling companions and mistresses. Centuries later, during the Second World War, the same ancient cellars became a refuge during the Blitz and a discreet meeting place connected with Allied intelligence, while the hotel itself welcomed American and Canadian officers serving far from home. It was here that the celebrated Better ‘Ole Club was born, preserving a tradition of friendship and hospitality that continues today.

For all its royal associations and fascinating history, what makes The Stafford so special is its atmosphere. It has the warmth and comfort of a private country house, somehow transported into the very heart of St James’s. Multi-million-pound refurbishments have carefully preserved the character of the original buildings while introducing every modern comfort expected of one of London’s leading five-star hotels.

The principal guest rooms retain their timeless Edwardian elegance, beautifully furnished with fine fabrics, marble bathrooms and every thoughtful luxury. Across the cobbled courtyard, the charming Carriage House occupies converted 350-year-old stables, where exposed timber beams and original architectural features create one of London’s most distinctive places to stay. Meanwhile, the Stafford Mews offers spacious junior and master suites combining classic British style with contemporary comfort, creating an ideal London residence for longer stays.

Location is another of The Stafford’s enduring strengths. Green Park is moments away, while Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, Bond Street, Piccadilly, Mayfair and the Royal Academy of Arts are all within an easy stroll. Whether visiting London for theatre, opera, Wimbledon, Royal Ascot, Chelsea Flower Show, Christmas shopping or simply a relaxing weekend away, few addresses place guests so perfectly at the centre of the capital’s finest experiences.

Dining has long been one of The Stafford’s pleasures. The Game Bird celebrates classic British cuisine with confidence and style, while The American Bar remains one of London’s true institutions. Frequently recognised among the capital’s finest hotel bars, it serves expertly crafted Martinis and Manhattans in surroundings that have changed remarkably little over the decades. It is exactly the sort of place where conversations linger long into the evening.

Beneath the hotel lies one of its greatest treasures: the ancient wine cellars. Believed to date back more than 380 years, they house one of the most impressive hotel wine collections in London and provide a fascinating glimpse into the building’s extraordinary past. Wine tastings and private dinners held here are among the capital’s most memorable experiences.

There is a timeless quality about The Stafford that becomes increasingly rare in modern luxury hotels. While London constantly reinvents itself, this discreet St James’s address continues to offer something wonderfully reassuring: impeccable service delivered with genuine warmth, elegant surroundings without unnecessary formality and the unmistakable feeling of staying in a distinguished private residence rather than a large international hotel.

Perhaps that explains why The Stafford has once again been recognised among the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Hotels 2026. Awards such as these acknowledge not only beautiful surroundings but the consistently exceptional hospitality that guests remember long after they return home.

CountryClubuk Members have enjoyed staying at The Stafford for many years, and we are delighted to welcome this exceptional London hotel back into our collection. Its latest international recognition simply confirms what many of our Members have known for a long time—that The Stafford remains one of the capital’s truly outstanding places to stay.

Stay at The Stafford as a CountryClubuk Member

The Stafford is available to CountryClubuk Members at advantageous rates across a range of beautifully appointed rooms and suites, together with the personal service of our experienced Member Services team, who will be pleased to help you plan your stay in London.

Learn more about CountryClubuk Membership →

For reservations and Member enquiries, please contact Member Services on 020 7399 2960, or use the enquiry link below.

The Stafford London
16–18 St James’s Place
London SW1A 1NJ
Official website: https://www.thestaffordlondon.com

Check best rates and availability: enquire below.

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Check best rates and availability: inquire below:



PLEASE READ: CountryClubuk Club Rules and Terms and Conditions