Is The Trafalgar St. James Worth Staying? My Honest Review

If you’re planning a trip to London and thinking about staying right in the heart of it all, you might be wondering: Is The Trafalgar St. James worth it?

Well, after my recent stay (and as someone over 60 who needs a little more comfort and less chaos when traveling), I’ve got a lot to share — and it’s all straight from the heart (and my well-worn travel journal!).

Let’s dive right in.

First Impressions

As soon as I pulled up in front of The Trafalgar St. James London, part of the Curio Collection, I felt a little jolt of excitement.

It’s hard to miss — right on the Trafalgar Square roundabout, within easy walking distance to places like St James’ Park, Buckingham Palace, and the National Gallery. It’s honestly a great spot if you want to be near everything without needing to hop in and out of taxis all day (my knees were already thanking me).

Yes, there’s usually a mass of people around — London is always buzzing — but the hotel felt like a peaceful, classy little retreat tucked into the heart of all the action.

The staff was incredibly attentive and helped us right away with our luggage (and we had a lot of it!). The lobby felt very welcoming and comfortable.

There are chairs near the reservation desk, as well as by the restaurant area—which is just to the right when you walk in the front door. There’s also a convenient side entrance, perfect if you’re getting picked up by an Uber or taxi.

Check-in was smooth too. No fumbling with personal cards or struggling to find some verification code buried in an email. It was swipe, sign, smile — just the way I like it.

If you can, ask for a room facing Trafalgar Square — the view is pure magic, and it’s the kind of thing you really savor more when you’re a little older and can appreciate the moment.

Breakfast

You’ve got two lovely options for breakfast here—and if you’re indecisive like me, you’ll just do both. You can order à la carte like you would at a cozy little bistro, or wander over to their buffet which is a delicious spread of hot and cold dishes.

I noticed they really do cater to both local tastes and international visitors.

This buffet was a feast. There were juicy sausages, smoked salmon perfectly cooked eggs, creamy yogurts, beans, grilled veggies, waffles, pancakes—and honestly, so much more. Oh, and they had three kinds of juice to choose from (grapefruit, apple, orange) which felt like a little touch of luxury in the morning.

The service? Warm and attentive without being overbearing. The staff greeted us with smiles and the kind of ease that made me feel like I was already a regular. They asked if we wanted coffee right away—speciality coffee, of course—or tea. And before I knew it, a piping hot cup of Nespresso was in my hand, with that heavenly coffee smell curling into the air.

I had eggs cooked just the way I like them, a side of smoked salmon, buttery croissants, and fresh fruit that tasted like it was hand-picked from one of the majestic nature preserves you hear about in travel shows.

My husband went for a full English—bacon, sausage, baked beans, the works. It was hearty and hit the spot. We lingered. We savored. It was the kind of breakfast where no one checks their phone and you just enjoy being there.

The Room

Now, at my age, comfort matters a whole lot more. I’m not trying to “rough it” to save a few dollars. I want a hotel room that feels welcoming and lets me rest my feet after a long day exploring.

The room at The Trafalgar St. James was beautiful — cozy but with plenty of space to stretch out. The bed was heavenly, the linens were soft, and everything was designed for ease. Even the door locks were simple to use (no fancy tech puzzles when you’re tired!).

We had a nice view overlooking the busy street below. Right across from the hotel is Canada House, home to the High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom. It sits proudly on Trafalgar Square and is hard to miss with its grand neoclassical architecture—tall columns, elegant stonework, and big, beautiful windows that give it a timeless, stately look.

There was a bus stop just outside, which added to the lively street view. I had such a good time sipping my coffee by the window, just people-watching. Folks were catching buses, jogging, riding bikes, or simply strolling by.

Espresso Machine

Okay, let’s talk about the espresso machine in the room. It looked fancy—sleek, modern, and ready to fuel my mornings. But the truth is… I had no idea how to use it.

After pushing buttons, flipping things open, and staring at it like it might make coffee on its own if I looked at it hard enough—I gave in and called the front desk. They were super helpful and walked me through it step by step. Once I got the hang of it, it became my best friend every evening. It made a strong, rich cup of espresso, and the smell alone was enough to wake me up gently (a must when you’re over 60 and jet lag still has its claws in you). It was relaxing to have after the end of a busy touring day.

Besides the espresso machine, the room had a lot of thoughtful touches that made the stay extra comfortable:

• A minibar stocked with drinks and snacks (though we mostly just looked at it and said, “Oof, hotel prices!”).
• Robes and slippers—because at this age, soft things matter.
• Plenty of outlets (including USB ports) so we could charge our phones, watch, and tablet without playing plug roulette. Don’t forget to bring your adapter. Their plugs are different from the U.S. Check out my Youtube video to see what I used.
• A safe for storing passports and cards.
• A big TV with just enough channels to unwind after a long day, though we were usually too tired to watch more than 15 minutes.
• Full-size toiletries—no tiny bottles to fumble with, just nice quality shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion.

The espresso machine may have started off as a mystery, but in the end, it became one of my favorite little luxuries. Sometimes the best travel moments come from learning something new—even if it’s just how to make a decent cup of coffee without blowing up the machine!

It’s one of those scenes that feels like a movie—full of life, movement, and a little touch of old-world charm.

Bathroom

The walk-in shower at The Trafalgar St. James was modern and easy to use—something I really appreciated. It had a sleek glass door with a sturdy handle and a towel bar right on the front, which came in handy for hanging my washcloth. Inside, the walls were lined with dark, glossy subway tiles that gave it a clean, spa-like feel.

The best part? The water pressure was strong, and the temperature stayed perfectly hot (none of that lukewarm surprise halfway through). There were three wall-mounted dispensers for shampoo, conditioner, and body wash—full, labeled, and ready to go. And the handheld showerhead made it easy to adjust things without any struggle. At my age, those little touches make all the difference.

The sink setup was just as thoughtful. It had a deep, rectangular basin with a smooth, glossy finish that felt both modern and practical. The chrome faucet was mounted to the wall—sleek and easy to use, even when my hands were tired from a long day of sightseeing.

There was plenty of space for washing up without splashing everywhere, and the overall design made the bathroom feel more like a boutique hotel than a busy city spot. It’s those clean lines and smart setups that I really notice and appreciate now that I’m over 60. Comfort and ease are everything when traveling!

If you can, ask for a room facing Trafalgar Square — the view is beautiful and it’s the kind of thing you really savor more when you’re a little older and can appreciate the moment.

The Rooftop Bar

We didn’t go up to the Rooftop Bar for drinks—we just wanted to snap a few photos and soak in the view. And let me tell you, breathtaking doesn’t even begin to cover it.

From up there, London stretches out in all directions. You can see Downing Street, the constant swirl of people in Trafalgar Square, and the tops of those iconic buildings you’ve only ever seen in movies. It felt like standing on a postcard. We caught the city right at that golden-hour glow—people walking, buses zipping by, and the occasional press photographer catching action shots below.

Even without ordering a single thing, the experience was totally worth it. If you’re staying at the hotel—or even just stopping by—go up there. Bring your camera. Bring your curiosity. The view alone is enough to make your whole trip feel unforgettable.

How It Benefits Travelers Over 60

Now, here’s the part that really sealed the deal for me:
The Trafalgar St. James is super friendly for older travelers.

• Location: You can walk to so many major sights without needing to deal with tubes, buses, or expensive taxis — which is important if you don’t want to wear yourself out.
• Comfort: From the plush beds to the quiet rooms, everything feels tailored for guests who prioritize true relaxation over “hip” design trends.
• Accessibility: There are elevators everywhere, and the hallways and rooms are easy to navigate (even if your knees or back are feeling the London miles).
• Atmosphere: It’s upscale but not pretentious. You can enjoy a glass of wine at the bar, a slow breakfast at the Trafalgar Dining Room, and not feel rushed or out of place — unlike some trendy hotels where you feel like the “oldie” in the room.

One Small Hiccup: The Elevator Situation

Now, just to keep things real—one of the elevators was out of service during our stay. But honestly, it didn’t cause any problems for us. We never had to wait long, and the working elevator ran smoothly. It was never packed with people either, which was a nice surprise considering how busy London can get.

As someone over 60, I definitely pay attention to things like wait times and how crowded spaces feel. But this wasn’t an issue at all. Still, if you’re traveling with a large group or during a super busy time, it’s something to keep in mind. Hopefully, they’ll have it back up and running soon!

Dinner at the Hotel

One evening, we were just too worn out to go exploring for dinner. You know those days—your feet ache, your back’s saying “enough,” and the idea of figuring out where to eat sounds like a full-time job. So we decided to just eat at the Trafalgar Dining Room, the hotel’s on-site restaurant.

The menu leans more toward small plates—it definitely feels like they cater to the after-work or pre-theatre crowd grabbing a bite with their cocktail. But don’t let the words “mini meals” fool you. The food was delicious and surprisingly filling.

I ordered a slider, some green peppers, and fries. Now, I thought I was getting just a tiny slider, but this thing was a nice size—juicy, flavorful, and definitely not just a snack. I’m so glad I didn’t go for two, because that one was more than enough to fill me up without feeling heavy.

If you’re over 60 like me and want a lighter but satisfying option after a long day of sightseeing, this was perfect. Plus, being able to just walk downstairs and relax in a quiet setting made it that much better.

What’s Nearby

You’re right in the thick of London’s most important and valuable part of our community. A few highlights:

• St James’ Park
• Buckingham Palace
• The National Gallery
• The Royal Courts of Justice — especially buzzing lately with debates over the Public Order Act, jail sentences, and series of recent court cases about climate protests and high record temperatures.

You’ll also spot nods to history everywhere — from Charles Darwin’s grave nearby to nods to Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers at the galleries.

You might even catch sight of activists protesting about fossil fuel projects, North Sea drilling, or shouting about government policy and successive days of climate pollution protests. That’s London: historic and modern, elegant and rebellious — all rolled into one.

We walked past a lot of great places to eat during our stay. One day, we even wandered through Chinatown and Soho, both just a short walk from the hotel. If you’re up for exploring, there are tons of restaurants, bakeries, cafés, and pubs in the area—everything from quick bites to fancy dinners. So if you’re not too tired and want to eat like a local, you’ve got plenty of delicious options nearby.

Final Words

Would I stay at The Trafalgar St. James again as someone over 60? In a heartbeat. It’s the perfect blend of location, comfort, class, and easy accessibility — exactly what you want when you’re old enough to know that dragging heavy suitcases across half the city is not a vacation.

At the end of the day, we returned to our room to find delicious chocolates left on our pillows—such a thoughtful touch. It made the room feel extra welcoming as we settled in for the night. After a long day of walking and sightseeing, that little treat was the perfect way to unwind and recharge for the next adventure.

So what do you think? Would you stay at The Trafalgar St. James next time you’re in London? Let’s chat in the comments!