SOFITEL, ST JAMES
Cleanliness ~ 10/10
Relaxation Factor ~ 9/10
Treatment ~ 9/10
Customer Service ~ 9.5/10
Facilities ~ 9/10
Grand Total ~ 9.3/10
The Highs
- Customer service. The lady who took my booking (Olena) was very helpful and gave me a guided tour of the spa before I booked a treatment. On the day, service was pleasant and attentive but in a discrete way. That goes for the general assistance as well as the therapists.
- Environment. It was cosy, clean, luxurious and very peaceful (you don't feel as if you're in a hotel full of guests at all).
- Location. Excellent central London location, within walking distance of Piccadilly Circus tube. There is also a great bar within the hotel - again, fantastic service.
The Lows
None. Seriously! I can't even complain about the price which wasn't bad at all for central London.
In-Betweens
- Afternoon tea. This is a lovely concept (and tasty!) but it would've been nicer if they had had smaller tables and more cosier seating. It's served at a very large table where there are other guests sat nearby too. Thankfully we had our tea at the start of the treatment rather than the end otherwise it may not have been such a relaxing finish.
Overall, I really enjoyed my experience at this spa. For anyone who's looking for quiet relaxation it's ideal. They don't have a pool or fitness room as it's really just designed to cater for a few guests at a time which definitely helps create a peaceful and intimate environment. I paid £155
for two people which included afternoon tea (sandwiches, cakes, and of course, tea!), a 60 minute treatment (we opted for the full body massages),
private access to a jacuzzi and steam room for an hour.
Would I go again? Yes, definitely - it's pricey but for an occasional treat it's worth it.
Cleanliness ~ 10/10
Relaxation Factor ~ 6/10
Treatment ~ 7/10
Customer Service ~ 5/10
Facilities ~ 6/10
Grand Total ~ 6.8/10
The Highs
- Location. Just a few minutes walk from Covent Garden tube station (Piccadilly Line).
- Treatment. The aromatherapy massage wasn't particularly fragrant, but it was relaxing and the therapist was pleasant enough i.e. she explained what went where and actually gave me a decent amount of time to sort myself out and get ready rather than barging in 3 seconds after leaving me.
- Hygiene. All very clean and spotless.
- Relaxing lounge area with low lighting, comfy chairs and candles.
The Lows
- Poor customer service. Things got off to a bad start when I noticed that the receptionist that I was in the queue to talk to was making absolutely no eye contact whatsoever with the two ladies that she was serving. Still, I gave her my best smile in the hope of coaxing some life out of her but no, she mumbled a few instructions about a form and pushed it towards me. 'Err, can I have a pen, please?' at which she looked a bit offended. She then asked if I'd like to use the changing facilities (no, I like getting changed out in the open!!). Having shown me the way, she vanished after a quick demo of how the locker worked.
- All the ambiance of a trip to the gym.
In-Betweens
- Facilities. A bigger changing room is needed for the size of the spa. There were dryers and showers. No disposable slippers.
Overall, while the back massage I had was decent enough, it just wasn't a 'spa' experience for me - I didn't get off to a good start because of the customer service I received upon arrival and unfortunately that affected the rest of my visit.
Would I go again? I don't really have a choice as they charged me twice for the treatment so I'm going back to get a refund!!
