I did enjoy my stay at the Stafford Hotel. I cannot comment on it's comparison with others of the same quality, because I have not stayed at any of them. The location, just off St James was interesting and convenient. My single room, in the main building faced on the Mews 'alley-way' to the street and I never heard any street noise at all. The concierge services were excellent and I utilized many of them.

The service was good, especially in the American Bar, where, the staff were genial and after a drink, knew my preferences. The dining room was good, and twice I had the mid-day meal (Carved Roast Beef) from the trolley. At 25 BP plus, the 3 course lunch was not inexpensive. However, I paid more for lunch at Wilton's around the corner. Smoking and cigars are allowed in the Bar and other public places. As a non-smoker, my clothes were saturated after a day. I know they are closely watching the Irish ban on indoor smoking in public places. It can't come too soon for me.

My only issue was with housekeeping, which did not remove dead flowers or the rotting fruit from my initial welcome gifts. I was there 9 days and that should have been done. In addition, one day, I left the 'Do Not Disturb' sign on the door, went to lunch and found the room cleaned. The keeper said the 'boss' figured it was a mistake. It was not, and one sales slip (small and white) on the bed was lost in the linen, thereby preventing me from getting the VAT on a rather expensive piece of jewelry, to say nothing of not having a claim check or documentation.

That being said, I have re-booked for July and August and am contemplating a Christmas stay. But at $2-1BP, London is less of a bargain than after 9/11.

Jane in PHL
(Off-topic; the lively arts were wonderful and I had great opera, theater, and concerts)