The Guardsman

It would be easy to walk past The Guardsman, set unobtrusively on a quiet Westminster street. However that would be an error! This hidden gem really needs to be experienced, whether you’re in town for a spot of sightseeing or Government business (it’s superbly situated for both). There’s a small reception manned by extremely helpful staff who will divert you through to the beautiful drawing room and library with a distinctly clubby feel (deep velvet sofas and classic yet contemporary styling) for check-in. This space is not limited to such boring tasks. It would be easy to while away several hours with a good book or even better indulging in one of The Guardsman’s signature afternoon teas (a serious treat that should not be missed — fabulous sandwiches, scones fresh from the oven, stunning little cakes and of course a glass of champers!). Upstairs you’ll find a small collection of rooms and suites which vary in finish but each has the same contemporary take on classic, elegant styling and each comes with smart marble bathrooms, and gorgeously chic black and gold accessories with hints of leather and wood. In larger spaces you’ll find shelves stacked with carefully chosen books which are cleverly placed in themed groups. The best come with expansive private terraces which are discreetly screened to ensure you’re not overlooked. Residences (one-, two- or three-bedroom apartments) which are ideal for longer stays or family groups have fully equipped kitchens and spacious living/dining area — a proper home from home. Downstairs (below the drawing room and library) there’s a lovely bar and restaurant, where the clubby feel continues with plenty of leather seating and marble topped bistro style tables. The food is mediterranean in style with a couple of pub-style crowd pleasers thrown in, and is delicious. Staff throughout the property are faultlessly cheerful and helpful. It’s a very well oiled team that delivers on so many levels — the personal touch is noticeable throughout. Come to this hidden little corner of London and you’ll find you’re a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace and so many other iconic sites, but equally close to the tube or rail network if you want to go further afield. It’s hard to emphasise quite how good this place is. My advice — book a stay and find out for yourself!

 

Written by Sarah Empson

• Restaurant
• The Dining Room is only open to residents and offers a frequently changing menu of classic British cusine
• Private chef / butler
• If you're staying in one of the residences, a private chef can be arranged
• Rooms with balcony/terrace
• Some of the residences come with a large private furnished terrace
• Private dining room
• Walking distance restaurants
• Fireplace
• Bar

• Lift
• Wifi
• Concierge
• Suites
• Sitting Room
• Child friendly

• Sights nearby
• It's a short walk to Buckingham Palace or the Houses of Parliament
• Designer Shopping
• London is awash with designer shopping opportunities

• Close to nightlife

Why do people love staying in your hotel?

Guests love to stay at The Guardsman for the personal and warm service from our team, providing them with the comfort and familiarity of a home, whilst receiving a truly tailored service, like in a private members’ club. If travelling for business, or a holiday, The Guardsman offers a luxurious and relaxing experience, so they can unwind after a long working day or sightseeing in the city.

Furthermore, our international guests love the hotel’s unmistakably British feel, with its contemporary, relaxed interiors which are complemented by a few carefully chosen, classic and sometimes quirky embellishments. The interiors befit the hotel’s prestigious Buckingham Gate address – just a short walk away from some of London’s most historic and prestigious landmarks, including The Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace.

What is there to do in the area or on site?

On site, guests can enjoy all day dining in The Dining Room, there’s no standard menus, or set hours. Our chefs work with the freshest, seasonal produce available, and it’s served when guests wish to sit down. There’s also The Bar, where guests can savor a classic or signature cocktail, or one of the 250 whiskies available. For a quintessentially British treat, we serve our award-winning Afternoon Tea in the hotel Drawing Room, Library or Dining Room, featuring dainty and delicious sweets, scones and sandwiches, all homemade from start to finish.

In the surrounding area, there’s many places of interest to visit, including the neighbourood of St James’s, home to some of the finest restaurants, bars and cafes, and its distinctive shopping district, Jermyn Street – the home of menswear, and one of the most fashionable and historic streets in London, said to have the most Royal Warrants of any single street in the country. Piccadilly is also nearby, home to Fortnum & Mason, Royal Academy of Arts, Fortnum & Mason’s, The Ritz, The Wolsey, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square and London’s West End Theatre District.

In terms of prestigious sites, Buckingham Palace is a short walk away, guests can see The Changing of The Guard on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays and The State Rooms are open every summer. There’s also Clarence House, Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, Tower of London and Big Ben, The London Eye and St James’s Park within walking distance.

What kind of breakfast do you offer?

For breakfast we have options for all tastes. The a la carte menu includes a traditional English breakfast with eggs, cooked as preferred – benedict, scrambled, omelet, royale or florentine, or guests can choose from our plant-based breakfast menu items, including avocado on toast, Canadian pancakes and more. There is also the option of a continental breakfast, and a light breakfast, which includes organic porridge, fruit and seasonal berries.

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally?

Our Dining Room is an exclusive spot, available only to hotel residents and their guests. Open all day and through the night, it’s a 24-hour dining destination, perfect for lazy brunches, pre-theatre suppers and late-night romantic dinners. There’s also the option of indulgence with our award-winning Afternoon Tea.

There are plenty of independent and Michelin-star restaurants nearby in St James’s, Picadilly or in Soho and Mayfair. Our team can help recommend options best suited to guests’ preferences and arrange reservations.

Which are your most popular room types, and why?

Our most popular rooms are our Deluxe Rooms, they are spacious, comfortable and feature views overlooking the rooftops of St James’s. They are equally suited to leisure or business stays, with a seating area and a working desk, sleek black and white marble bathrooms with walk-in showers, underfloor heating, bespoke toiletries and spacious wardrobe space. Amenities include a personal bar, Nespresso coffee, personal safe, integrated ceiling speakers and large flat screen televisions with Chromecast and integrated Wi-Fi. Some Deluxe Rooms have connecting options, perfect for a group of friends or families.

For long stays, guests tend to prefer our Residences, which offer the comfort and privacy of a guest’s own home. They comprise either one, two or three bedrooms, all with sumptuous living spaces, dining areas and either a kitchen or kitchenette. Some have spacious terraces, perfect for breakfasts outside in the summer.

What facilities do you have for children, and can you fit extra beds in your rooms?

We can add a crib into the rooms, and we also provide bathrobes, slippers, fun toiletries, a personalised welcome amenity and specially created menus for little ones. Many of our rooms are interconnecting, and some of our Residences have two or three bedrooms, providing perfect options for families.

What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers?

The Guardsman is an intimate, boutique hotel for those seeking a truly personalised level of service and the comfort of a home in the city. With our 53 rooms and six Residences and prime location amongst some of London’s most historic and prestigious landmarks, The Guardsman is a great place to stay for short- or long-term stays for both business and leisure. Finally, our eco conscious guests can rest easy as The Guardsman uses only 100% renewable energy for its operations, in addition to implementing other rigorous sustainability standards.