Review of St. James's Hotel & Club , by Nadia Latif

The St James's Club used to be a rather exclusive Mayfair haunt, beloved of cigar-smoking gentlemen and a smattering of blue-blooded females. In its new incarnation, it has lost nothing of its exclusivity, expect that now it attracts more of the nouveau riche than it could possibly have been comfortable with before. This is a hotel for the new aristocracy. Its refurbishment has brought it bang up to date - and at considerable cost, if the handmade silk wallpaper is anything to go by.

Tucked away in a quiet cul-de-sac just off St James's Street, it can be a bit tricky to spot. Easier to locate are the Wolsley, Bond Street and Buckingham Palace, all of which are a short stroll away. It suits its preened and polished surroundings enormously - it is the perfect hideaway for socialites and the fashion-forward.

Only one year after opening its doors, Seven Park Place by William Drabble was awarded a coveted Michelin Star. William’s dishes are modern-French in style but made up of primarily British ingredients and he is passionate about using the best seasonal ingredients from specialist suppliers. Menus change regularly to accommodate the seasons whether it be asparagus in May, sea bass in July and white truffles in December. Guests travel from afar to sample William’s exquisite dishes in the stylish yet intimate dining room of St. James’s Hotel. William oversees all aspects of the dining concept at the hotel, including private dining, room service and the hotel’s more informal dining space, William’s Bar & Bistro

Each of the 60 rooms has been extensively renovated. They are luxe-contemporary in style, with lacquered black furniture and Murano chandeliers. Flatscreen televisions, iPod docking stations and DVD players feature in all rooms, and there's complimentary wifi throughout. The bathrooms are sybaritic, top-to-toe marble and polished natural stone.