Last Updated on May 15, 2026 by dancinginhighheelsft
Tucked discreetly away on Vandon Street, just moments from Buckingham Palace, The Guardsman feels very much like one of London’s best-kept secrets. Opened in 2020 as a discreet addition to the capital’s luxury hotel scene, the hotel occupies a handsome grey-brick building in the heart of St James’s — a neighbourhood shaped by centuries of political and royal history, with Wellington Barracks, Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace all within easy walking distance.
You could quite easily walk past without noticing it. The entrance is intentionally understated, marked only by elegant brass latticework across the ground-floor windows — more reminiscent of a private members’ club than a traditional five-star hotel. That sense of discretion continues throughout the property, which was designed to combine the personalised atmosphere of a club with the flexibility and comfort of a luxury residence.
Inside, the reception area is intimate rather than imposing, opening into a beautifully designed Drawing Room filled with enveloping sofas, curated artwork, warm lighting and shelves lined with books. It is the sort of space that immediately encourages you to slow down. A striking spiral staircase descends to the lower-ground Dining Room, reserved exclusively for guests and their invitees, reinforcing the hotel’s distinctly private feel.
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The Room
One of the hotel’s more thoughtful details is that each of its 53 rooms and six residences is named after a prominent female parliamentarian, including Margaret Bondfield and Nancy Astor — a subtle nod to St James’s and Westminster’s long political history. The naming scheme feels particularly fitting given the hotel’s proximity to Caxton Hall, once an important gathering place for the suffragette movement. Alongside the guest rooms, these residences are available in one-, two- and three-bedroom layouts, each designed as a sophisticated London pied-à-terre complete with fully fitted kitchens, dining areas and apartment-style living spaces.
For our stay, we checked into the two-bedroom Bondfield Residence, named after Margaret Bondfield, Britain’s first female Cabinet Minister. Positioned on the sixth floor, the residence felt far more like a private London apartment than a hotel suite. The expansive open-plan living area combined a comfortable sitting room, dining space and fully equipped kitchen, creating an atmosphere that felt genuinely residential rather than overtly hotel-like. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors opened onto a secluded private terrace — a rare luxury in central London, and an especially peaceful spot in the evening.
The master bedroom overlooked quiet Vandon Street through floor-to-ceiling windows and featured an en-suite bathroom complete with a freestanding roll-top bath, walk-in shower, Christophe Robin toiletries, and underfloor heating. The second bedroom felt no less considered, with its own en-suite shower room and queen-sized bed. Throughout the residence, interiors balanced contemporary British design with understated elegance, while playful touches — including a charming King Pugsley soft toy waiting on the bed and adorable dog-shaped door-stoppers in each bedroom — added warmth and personality to the space.
A collection of welcome amenities had also been arranged for our arrival, including a handwritten card, a bottle of Perrier-Jouët Champagne, and a beautifully presented platter of macarons, chocolate-covered strawberries and brownies — all of which immediately set the tone for the stay.
Charlotte, naturally, was equally well looked after. The Guardsman is notably dog-friendly, and the amenities prepared for her felt genuinely thoughtful: dog bowls, a bag of treats, and a bottle of Posh Pooch “wine” for dogs. I’ve always thought a hotel’s attitude towards four-legged guests says a great deal about its wider approach to hospitality, and The Guardsman struck the balance perfectly — welcoming dogs not only within its luxury residences, but also throughout the hotel’s public spaces, including the restaurant.
The Food
Dinner was served downstairs in the Dining Room, an intimate Art Deco-inspired space layered with dark wood panelling, brass accents and softly lit artwork that gave the restaurant a distinctly club-like atmosphere. The menu focuses on seasonal British produce served without unnecessary formality. I started with the tempura king prawns, which were delicately crisp and light, before moving on to a hearty rib-eye steak served with peppercorn sauce.
The following morning, we opted for in-room dining breakfast to make the most of the residence. Breakfast included a perfectly prepared omelette, boiled eggs and Guardsmen — the hotel’s playful take on eggs and soldiers — alongside pastries, and fresh juices— a generous and comforting start to the day before heading back out into the city.
Getting There
Location-wise, few hotels are positioned more conveniently for exploring central London. St James’s Park Underground Station is barely a two-minute walk away, providing direct access to the District and Circle lines, while Victoria Station can easily be reached on foot for Gatwick Express services, national rail connections and the Victoria Underground line. The hotel is also within walking distance of Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and St James’s Park, making it an ideal base for exploring some of London’s most historic neighbourhoods.
For those seeking a more discreet luxury stay in London — one that combines the privacy of a residence with the service of a boutique hotel — The Guardsman offers a quietly compelling alternative to many of the capital’s larger five-star properties.
With thanks to The Guardsman Hotel for hosting us.
If you’re planning a wider UK stay with your dog, I’ve also rounded up my favourite stays in this guide to the best dog-friendly hotels across the UK.
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- My stay at The Guardsman Hotel was complimentary; however, all views and photographs are entirely my own.
