London: Crowne Plaza St. James (October 2002)

My spouse and I spent three nights at the Crowne Plaza London St. James Buckingham Gate in early October 2002. The Crowne Plaza London St.James has a rich history, built in 1897 when it provided exclusive services for visiting aristocrats and nobles. Today it is a beautifully renovated Victorian building, housing elegantly styled bedrooms and luxury apartments. Adjacent to the Crowne Plaza London St.James is 51 Buckingham Gate, which is under the same ownership and management. This comprises 82 suites and apartments with all the comforts and facilities of your own home, but which also benefit from full five-star hotel services. Additionally, the hotel offers an award-winning courtyard garden and health club and spa. Close to Buckingham Palace, The Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and Victoria Station, the hotel is well positioned for business and leisure needs. The hotel boasts three excellent restaurants. Bistro 51 provides British and European cuisine, the Michelin Starred Indian restaurant Quilon serves south coastal Indian cuisine, and Bank Westminster has a modern British menu. Victoria and St. James's Park Tube stations are conveniently located nearby, allowing easy access to the airports and all areas of London. Victoria Station is also served by mainline rail services, including an express train to Gatwick Airport and regular services to the Channel ports. Waterloo Station and the Eurostar are ten minutes away by taxi or Tube. The area is also well-served by buses from Victoria Street or Victoria Station. In addition, a nationwide network of coaches runs from Victoria Coach Station in Buckingham Palace.