St. James’ Court London, A Taj Hotel

First the good news. St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel, fitness has a compact Technogym-equipped fitness centre complete with a curated selection of cardio and strength machines. Now the bad news: it’s only for hotel guests. If you haven’t checked in, you’ll only be able to gaze at the treadmills, cross-trainers and yoga mats from afar.

But that just means you’ll have to get creative. Step outside and you’re moments from St James’s Park, perfect for a jog past swans and royal gardens. Or take a scenic walk to Hyde Park, Green Park, or even Kensington Palace if you’re feeling ambitious.

Cycling is a brilliant way to explore the city with a breeze in your hair. Just outside St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel, you’ll find several Santander Cycles docking stations, part of London’s public bike hire scheme. You can rent a bike from as little as £1.65 for 30 minutes, and the nearest docking point is just a short stroll away on Buckingham Gate or Victoria Street.

Whether you’re in the mood for Michelin-starred indulgence or a post-spa cocktail in a velvet armchair, the hotel’s restaurants and bars offer something for occasion. 

Start with Quilon, the hotel’s destination dining room. This Michelin-starred restaurant has been pioneering South-West coastal Indian cuisine since 2008, with a menu that’s bold, elegant and deeply flavourful. 

For something more playful, Kona serves themed afternoon teas that are as imaginative as they are delicious. Past menus have drawn inspiration from Shakespeare, Indian heritage and even Alice in Wonderland.

House of Ming brings a sophisticated twist to Chinese dining, with a menu rooted in Sichuan and Cantonese traditions. Meanwhile, TH@51 and its Courtyard offer a vibrant, multi-cuisine experience with dishes inspired by global culinary traditions. From breakfast to late-night bites, it’s a lively hub – especially when the Victorian fountain is flowing and the alfresco terrace is open!

For drinks and downtime after your day of decadence, The Hamptons Bar is your go-to. With gilt mirrors, high-backed chairs and a resident pianist on weekends, it’s a sophisticated spot for cocktails, tapas or a quiet cappuccino. 

Oh yes it does, and it was rated by The Telegraph as one of the best in London. A theatrical twist on the traditional, it's served with lashings of flair in Kona, the hotel’s elegant dining room. With themed menus like A Midsummer Night’s Dream or Indian Jasmine Afternoon Tea, each one a sensory journey through delicate savouries, whimsical patisserie and an entire menu of bespoke tea blends. 

Afternoon tea is available Wednesday to Sunday, with sittings at 12pm, 2pm and 4pm, and both vegetarian and vegan options are thoughtfully catered for. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just fancy a decadent finish to your spa day, this is a teatime experience that’s anything but ordinary.

Fancy turning your spa day into a proper London getaway? Then let the five-star pampering continue by booking into one of the hotel’s 329 rooms and suites. Whether you’re after a cosy bolthole or a suite fit for a Maharaja, each room combines classic British charm with Taj’s signature warmth and opulence. You’ll find plush beds, elegant interiors and luxurious touches, like Nespresso machines and fluffy robes.

Yes it is, with four specially designed accessible rooms. These rooms feature wider doorways, adapted bathrooms and all the modern amenities you’d expect from a five-star stay.

The hotel is equipped with step-free access, lifts to all floors and accessible public areas, including restaurants and lounges. J Wellness Circle has accessible changing rooms for both men and women. Treatment rooms are spacious and staff are trained to assist with care and discretion, ensuring that every guest can enjoy the full wellness experience.

Check-in for hotel guests starts at 3pm, and check-out is by 12pm – plenty of time to enjoy a leisurely breakfast. If you’re booked in for a spa day at J Wellness Circle, arrival times vary. Check your booking confirmation for full details, but you’ll want to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled treatment to allow time for a full consultation and to settle into the serene surroundings. 

St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel is tucked away on Buckingham Gate, right in the heart of central London. It’s a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace, with St. James’s Park just around the corner. You’re also within walking distance of Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.

The hotel’s location is a dream for both culture lovers and retail enthusiasts. Head to the Tate Britain for artistic inspiration, catch a show at the Victoria Palace Theatre, or take your credit card on an outing to Cardinal Place and Victoria Street. And with St. James’s Park Underground Station and Victoria Station both nearby, you’re perfectly connected to the rest of London, and beyond. 

While children under 16 can’t use the J Wellness Circle spa facilities, the St. James’ Court hotel is fabulously welcoming to little ones. Thanks to the Kids@Taj programme, children get their own check-in experience, complete with goodies, sketchbooks, postcards and even a mini passport to stamp at every Taj hotel they visit. 

There’s a dedicated kids’ menu, bedtime treats like giant cookies and hot chocolate, and concierge-curated adventures to places like Hamleys and Legoland. With family suites and a location just steps from Buckingham Palace, there’s plenty to keep your pint-sized explorers smiling.

Sorry, it isn’t. This five-star haven is all about pampering people, not pooches!