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Home  >  Blog • Review  >  Guest is God at the Taj 51 Buckingham Gate

Guest is God at the Taj 51 Buckingham Gate

Trish Burgess Posted on19/09/201429/06/2017 hotel, London, Reviews 31 Comments

Guest is God. For those of you who have been watching the recent BBC series, Hotel India, about the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai, you will appreciate the lengths the staff go to, to ensure their guests have an exceptional stay.

Looking for somewhere to stay in London recently, we came across the Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences, part of the same group as the illustrious Taj in India. We rather fancied experiencing this hospitality for ourselves so took advantage of a discounted last minute break with Late Rooms, only to discover that the hotel’s own website had an even better offer which included breakfast. A lesson learned.

The Taj 51 is a beautifully appointed hotel located near Buckingham Palace; very close to St James’s Park and Victoria underground stations. Porters spotted us as soon as we turned into the courtyard from the main street, checking our names off their list and ushering us to reception. We were treated with the utmost courtesy yet with a warmth and friendliness which made us feel at home.

Taj 51 buckingham gate exterior
The exterior of the Taj 51 Buckingham Gate

All the rooms in the hotel are suites and designed to interconnect to accommodate large families or VIPs and their entourage. Dougie and I opted for the Junior Suite, an entry level room in the newly refurbished Kings Suites. As we were shown around, it soon became apparent this definitely wasn’t a Junior Suite. Space is usually at a premium in London hotels but our accommodation was vast. We had been upgraded to a one-bedroomed deluxe suite but that description does little to explain how spacious and utterly gorgeous it was.

Take a look at the short video below and consider that Dougie proclaimed he could happily sell up our home and retire here indefinitely. A large bedroom, a dressing room (yes, a walk-in dressing room, in central London), a bathroom you could party in (with a tub), an extra loo, fully fitted kitchen and a living room/dining room which oozed comfort and style. Apologies for the appearance of my husband at the end of the clip, but I had to put him somewhere and he wasn’t for shifting….

Full marks for the accommodation but what else does the Taj 51 have to offer? There are several dining options as the hotel is located next to its sister hotel, St James’ Court. We could have opted for the Michelin starred Quilon restaurant for some seriously good Indian fare or the sophisticated but bright Bistro. In the end, we plumped for Bank as it had a conservatory overlooking the Taj’s courtyard and its bar, Zander, boasts London’s longest bar and some rather delicious cocktails.

But before we got to Bank, we stopped by the hotel’s  library for what was my favourite aspect of our stay at the Taj. Every evening, from 6.30 to 8.30pm, guests of Taj 51 are invited to the library for complimentary drinks and canapes. Finding a cosy corner with a comfy sofa, we ordered a couple of Bombay Sapphire G&Ts and sat back to enjoy them with a plate of canapes and a bowl of mixed nuts. The atmosphere was very relaxed, the waiter service so friendly and welcoming, I was tempted to kick off my shoes and put my feet up. I resisted but we were so chilled that we found ourselves chatting to the couple at the next table. They were staying at the Taj for their wedding anniversary, had also been upgraded and were thoroughly enjoying the attentive service and free gin. After our second drink the atmosphere was most convivial but dinner beckoned. We just managed one course at Bank – plus a cocktail – but there was a real buzz about the place: I would recommend it. We promised ourselves another trip to the library on the second night where we were offered Champagne to ring the changes from the gin. I liked this. A lot.

How else can I tempt you to go? Breakfast the next morning was civilised, unlike many a hotel buffet bun fight, and the food lovingly prepared and beautifully presented by courteous, efficient staff.

If you love a spa or fitness centre, that’s provided too, although we didn’t try them. If you want to bring children then they are more than welcome. Yes, it’s a luxury hotel but if you can afford it and your children would appreciate being treated like little princes and princesses then the Kids@Taj programme will appeal. Rucksacks filled with activity books, passports, crayons and a Taj teddy dressed as a Queen’s Guard are just the start. Mini bathrobes, slippers, baby bath products and customised dining menus plus a baking lesson with the hotel’s chef. The attentive service received by adults is extended to every child.

We have tried many hotels in London over the years but the Taj 51 is now my favourite. A little more than we have paid before but you do get so much for your money, considering the size and quality of the rooms, plus the superb service. For a special occasion or just because you want to feel special, choose the Taj.

To give you some idea about costs, the published rack rate for a Kings Junior Suite is £780 per night but there are discounted rates on the website. We paid £240 per night but were upgraded to a one-bedroomed deluxe suite where the published rate is normally £1020 a night. It’s certainly worth keeping an eye on any offers to be had and, if they have availability, upgrades may be possible. 
20/09/14

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31 Comments

  1. Sarah Ebner Reply
    19/09/2014 at 3:11 pm

    This sounds absolutely gorgeous – love the idea of complimentary drinks and canapes! We really liked the St Ermin hotel – probably our favourite place in London to have stayed in – but this sounds like it would run it very close!

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      20/09/2014 at 8:10 am

      The complimentary drinks and nibbles were the icing on the cake – such a great way to welcome guests.
      We walked past St Ermin's Hotel – I stayed there many years ago. Will have to try it out and compare!

  2. Jay Reply
    19/09/2014 at 6:06 pm

    Oh it looks and sounds stunning, so much space in a London hotel. Although I think Sky Sports and a sofa would put paid to any evening out for my hubby!

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      20/09/2014 at 8:11 am

      Ha! Mine was very content there: he had to be persuaded to move.

  3. BavarianSojourn Reply
    20/09/2014 at 3:20 pm

    I am addicted to Hotel India, I really want to go there! Love the Taj, it looks beautiful! Would love to visit! 🙂

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      22/09/2014 at 9:26 am

      It's fascinating programme isn't it – the guests, the dedicated staff, all the little details and wow, the view! This Taj was pretty special too: we didn't have the view but everything else was wonderful.

  4. libby Reply
    21/09/2014 at 8:07 am

    We are watching Hotel India too…really fascinating. Your London break sounds great…with gin and champagne and nibbles…whats not to like??

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      22/09/2014 at 9:26 am

      A fabulous hotel yet the simple pleasure of a complimentary G&T and I'm sold!

  5. Older Mum Reply
    21/09/2014 at 9:17 am

    That hotel looks like a wonderful stay and you clearly really enjoyed yourself. It's so lovely when the customer service is of such a high standard. The courtyard looks stunning! X

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      22/09/2014 at 9:27 am

      The courtyard is so unexpected – you walk in off a normal London street and are transported to another world.

  6. Funky Wellies Reply
    21/09/2014 at 11:50 am

    Hard to believe this hotel is in London when you look at your exterior photos! The "room" looks gorgeous and Dougie does seem pretty much at home… 😉 xx

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      22/09/2014 at 9:28 am

      It felt very continental. Dougie didn't want to leave and is already planning our next stay – he says it's worth it.

  7. Sarah Reply
    22/09/2014 at 7:34 am

    It looks terrific! And the exterior is marvellously exotic. What a treasure of a place.

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      22/09/2014 at 9:29 am

      Exotic is the perfect word for it – the flowers, fountains – just beautiful. Now we don't need an extra room for Rory, we can afford it (if there are offers available!)

    • Sarah Reply
      23/09/2014 at 8:29 am

      There's always a silver lining. 🙂

  8. Mums do travel Reply
    23/09/2014 at 9:37 am

    What a gorgeous hotel, and I love the idea of evening f=drinks in the library.

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      23/09/2014 at 2:21 pm

      I think that's a typo but am laughing at the idea of evening f=drinks! You bet they were 🙂

  9. Older Single Mum Reply
    23/09/2014 at 11:27 am

    Goodness – sounds like you found a real gem, if not a huge great diamond in central London! Those colours are glorious – love the sound of it all!

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      23/09/2014 at 2:22 pm

      Indeed, a massive sparkling diamond. Well worth a splurge 🙂

  10. Jenography.net Reply
    23/09/2014 at 2:27 pm

    I've looked round the Taj but never stayed. I'm with everyone else — the complimentary drinks are such a good idea. I think it adds to a communal convivial feel that allows you to strike up conversation with another couple.

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      23/09/2014 at 2:33 pm

      It's such a simple idea but so effective. We had such a laugh with the other couple, chatted again the next morning at breakfast – so unusual for us!

  11. Lucy Campbell Reply
    23/09/2014 at 2:48 pm

    I recognise that hotel – LOVE IT Lx

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      24/09/2014 at 6:55 am

      Did you visit with the Family Travel Think Tank? Gorgeous, isn't it.

  12. About Last Weekend Reply
    23/09/2014 at 6:26 pm

    What a cool place with so much personality. Love anything with an indian flavour. I have to say the hotels we've stayed at in london have been very average. This last one (we stayed two nights) we had some Russian yelling at each all night next door. Well I just said to kevin, hopefully we will wake in the morning but if not, see you on the other side.

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      24/09/2014 at 6:57 am

      You never know who your neighbours might be. I remember a scary bloke in a neighbouring room in Cyprus: could hear him shouting and swearing on the phone. Thankfully we seemed to have such a huge pad at the Taj, I don't think our neighbours would have been close enough to annoy us – plus all the guests were charming.

  13. BavarianSojourn Reply
    24/09/2014 at 5:48 pm

    I am hoping to pop home for a trip soon, and will most definitely be looking at this hotel, sans enfants of course! 😀 xx

  14. Carolin Reply
    24/09/2014 at 6:17 pm

    Wow, this is really impressive and I love the calm and relaxing interior design. Looks like a wonderful place and so so spacious.

  15. Sim @ SimsLife.co.uk Reply
    24/09/2014 at 9:21 pm

    I have loved watching Hotel India on BBC1 – would love to go out there one day… best start saving up for the £9,000 a night suite! The Taj 51 looks awesome though! 🙂 x

  16. Emma Reply
    25/09/2014 at 9:37 am

    Wow, you lucky things 🙂

  17. kid GL loves Reply
    25/09/2014 at 9:44 am

    The Mothers say – Wow – this looks fabulous. Thoroughly deserved too. Popping over from BritMums carnival

  18. Pingback: Review: St James' Court, A Taj Hotel, London - Mum's Gone To ...

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