I Stayed In London’s Coolest Themed Suite

Do you ever feel like you were born in the wrong era? Aesthetically, I’ve always felt a pull toward the 70s. There’s the bohemian fashion, the glossy waves, the experimental prints and, most importantly, the music. Whether you were born too late, or you want to revisit the cultural visual masterpiece that was 70s London, Sofitel London St James is offering an immersive stay in its brand new Suite 70 – and it’s one of the coolest hotel rooms I’ve ever seen. 

Suite 70

I’ve never seen so much orange in one space; it’s impossible to not feel an instant mood boost. It starts with an orange, brown and cream geometric circular wallpaper print in the first hallway, with a Brigitte Bardot print hanging next to a wood-framed mirror. The living room features a burnt orange textile-covered wall, vintage music artworks from David Bowie to Mick Jagger, a full-wall mirror in front of a curved orange sofa and, in front of the back wall, what appears to be an enormous vintage concert trunk. I open it to reveal the ‘Experience Bar’, its inner doors lined with vinyl records, containing all the usual hotel room bar essentials plus a retro orange lava lamp; another visual dopamine hit. There’s a saxophone in one corner and a vintage record player in the other, along with an extensive collection of 60s and 70s rock records. I stick on The Velvet Underground and continue my exploration. 

The bedroom brings more orange with its textured carpet and bed surround, plus another cheerful 70s-print wallpaper and, of course, a white and orange egg-chair for lounging in – or taking a selfie in to show off your stay (see above). The walk-in wardrobe is, of course, floor to ceiling orange, as is the bathroom, from its toilet to its 70s tiled bath. If it all sounds a bit too kitsch, somehow, it’s not. Parisian designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, whom I met at the unveiling a few weeks before checking in, doesn’t do kitsch. The suite is one of four new suite designs bringing Sofitel London St James back into the design conversation, and this, along with the (stunning, much more understated blush pink and cream) Opera Suite downstairs are the hotel’s flagship rooms. ‘I hope these rooms bring back the thrill and fun of the 70s icons,’ says Pierre-Yves Rochon, ‘that bold, playful energy, which spread throughout the era and made individuals feel that anything was possible’. 

And a stay in Suite 70 makes me feel like it’s possible I wasn’t born too late to live my 70s fantasy, after all. (Even if it’s only for 24 hours.) 

St James Bar

If you can drag yourself away from the Experience Bar and into an actual bar, St James Bar downstairs is also a hotel must-visit. In part, if not in full, its draw comes from the head bartender Juan, one of London’s most charming mixologists who mixes me up a trio of delicious tequila-based cocktails, including a refreshing twist on a Paloma and the signature Essence of Provence, a light concoction of Patrón Silver Tequila, Guava, Rosé Wine and Lillet Rosé. 

Wild Honey St James

The hotel’s other draw is its Michelin-starred restaurant Wild Honey St James, helmed by Anthony Demetre. In a gorgeous pale blue and cream setting by Jim Hamilton, I enjoy Sutton Hoo chicken with wild mushrooms and grilled spring cabbage lacquered with roast peanut butter, followed by the signature ‘custard’ dessert – unmissable. Other menu favourites include heritage beef, Cumbrian lamb, and Dorset crab, seasonal British produce cooked with classic French techniques. 

C&TH Key Notes

– What to eat: the full three courses at Wild Honey St James

– The drink order: Essence of Provence at St James Bar

– The breakfast order: scrambled eggs and smoked salmon – the eggs are perfection

– The room: Suite 70 – it’s one of a kind

– Don’t miss: the spacious spa – you can even book in with legendary facialist Su-Man 

The Last Word

Dopamine decor at its finest, Suite 70 at Sofitel St James is a design masterpiece, a time-machine, an instant mood-boost; it’s an absolute one-of-a-kind. 

BOOK 

Suites are available to book now at sofitelstjames.com | Rates start from £2,100 per night.