The Stafford London

The Stafford London is one of Mayfair's best-kept secrets, tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac behind St James's Palace. Despite its prestigious location — Green Park, Buckingham Palace and Fortnum & Mason are all within a five-minute walk — the hotel maintains a refreshingly unpretentious atmosphere, feeling more like a private members' club than a grand hotel.

The famous American Bar is a treasure trove of memorabilia, with every inch of wall and ceiling covered in artefacts donated by guests over the decades. The 380-bin wine cellar beneath the hotel hosts private dining events in medieval cellars dating back to the 1600s. Rooms are split between the main house, the Carriage House (converted 18th-century stables) and the Mews Suites. The West End theatres are a comfortable fifteen-minute walk through St James's.