Hotel review: The Prestige Suite at Sofitel London St James

From the mind of Paris-based interior architecture studio, Pierre-Yves Rochon (PYR), the Sofitel London St James‘ six new suites mark a confident evolution for the historic Westminster address, balancing reverence for heritage with a unique sense of playful opulence.

Occupying a Grade II-listed neoclassical building that once housed Cox’s & King’s bank, the suites stand as a dialogue between British tradition and French refinement. PYR, who originally shaped the hotel’s interiors in 2003, before returning for a refresh in the late 2010s, returned once again in 2025 with a vision for the suites that draws inspiration from London’s rebellious 1970s cultural moment while preserving the building’s Edwardian gravitas.

However, that retro-chic narrative now begins long before guests reach the suites themselves. In early 2025, the hotel’s St James’ lobby also underwent a considered redesign, carefully restoring the architectural identity of the former banking hall while establishing a visual and emotional prelude to the guest rooms above.

Red, long favoured by returning guests, was selected as the lobby’s dominant chromatic anchor, layered against the space’s preserved black-and-white architectural palette. Strategic accents of green enrich the composition, adding depth while echoing the tonal harmonies found throughout the suite collection. The spirit of the 1970s is introduced through carefully curated furniture pieces, most notably Pierre Paulin’s sculptural Ribbon armchairs, which inject a sense of fluidity and playful modernism into the neoclassical setting. The result is a lobby that feels simultaneously historic and forward-looking, acting as both architectural threshold and narrative prologue to the interiors beyond.

The four newly opened signature suites set the tone with expressive colour palettes that immediately define each space. During my stay, the experience centred on the deep Klein blue Prestige Suite. The saturated blue hue wraps across suede-padded wallcoverings and upholstery, creating an immersive, almost cocooning atmosphere that shifts character as natural light moves through the suite’s corner positioning. Morning light softens the palette into cooler, contemplative tones, while evening lighting intensifies the richness of colour, giving the space a more dramatic, lounge-like intimacy.

Prestige Suite | Image credit: Sofitel London St James

Rochon’s signature layering of texture is particularly effective here. Padded suede walls introduce warmth and acoustic softness, offset by a sculptural leather bedhead that anchors the sleeping area with architectural clarity. Bespoke marbled furniture pieces punctuate the suite, their veining echoing the tonal variations of the blue palette while functioning as statement design objects in their own right. A mirrored glass partition divides the living and bedroom zones, amplifying both natural and artificial light while adding a reflective glamour that expands the perceived scale of the suite.

The living space is deliberately arranged with a residential logic. A square seating arrangement centres the geometric space; shelving units house curated photography and design monographs alongside original modern artworks, lending the suite a gallery-like sensibility that reinforces its intellectual and cultural depth. The fully integrated bar area, complete with Nespresso and Smeg detailing, elevates everyday rituals into design moments, blurring the boundary between hospitality and private residence.

Functionality is seamlessly integrated into the design. Smart lighting and curtain controls respond intuitively to different moods throughout the suite, at the press of a button, while discreet wireless charging is incorporated into bedside and lounge surfaces. The marble bathroom continues the narrative of tactile luxury, with expansive stone surfaces, deep soaking bath and Diptyque amenities reinforcing a spa-like calm that feels both contemporary and timeless.

The forthcoming Flagship Suites promise distinct personalities. Suite 70 leans into the spirit of 1970s London, layering bold orange accents with design classics such as Arne Jacobsen’s Egg chair. A vinyl record player with curated albums and a musician’s trunk transformed into a minibar inject a playful, creative energy that feels like a tribute to the city’s avant-garde heritage.

By contrast, The Opera Suite adopts a calmer, more restrained atmosphere. Pale oak finishes, natural tones and meticulously tailored craftsmanship create a soothing, residential elegance. Its private bar, inspired by London’s discreet members’ clubs, adds a sense of intimate sophistication, transforming the suite into a serene urban retreat.

The Opera Suite | Image credit: Sofitel London St James

What distinguishes these suites is their commitment to storytelling over spectacle. Heritage references, including subtle nods to the building’s banking past, are woven throughout, while the broader experience connects naturally with the hotel’s wider offering, from Michelin-starred dining at Wild Honey St James to the refined social atmosphere of The Rose Lounge and St James Bar.

The result is a thoughtful redefinition of luxury hospitality. Rather than relying on grandeur alone, Sofitel London St James’ new suites prioritise atmosphere, cultural resonance and emotional connection. The blue Prestige Suite, in particular, captures Pierre-Yves Rochon’s vision with striking clarity – an interior that feels both immersive and intellectually composed, reflecting London’s layered creative identity while remaining unmistakably Parisian in its refinement.

Main image credit: Sofitel London St James