The Stafford is a five star hotel in St James's Place. Built in the 17th century CE, its wine cellars may well be the oldest in London. During WWII they served as an air raid shelter for U.S. and Canadian servicemen. Today there is an informal museum celebrating this period
Later the hotel became a sister company of the Cunard Line which strengthened its U.S. connections.
One of the most interesting aspects is the mews to the rear of the hotel. It contains the original horse stables which have been converted into rooms. Each named after a famous race horse.