Hidden away just a three minute walk from Buckingham Palace is a hotel property with a rather different offering. Combining all the facilities and convenience of a luxury hotel with the space and exclusivity of a private home, 51 Buckingham Gate, Taj Suites and Residences, offers 86 contemporary suites from one to nine bedrooms, all with separate living room, fully- equipped kitchens and luxurious bathrooms. These ‘suites’ are more ‘private apartments’, and are positioned around a secluded courtyard garden – a rarity in central London.

Built at the turn of the century, the hotel first opened its gates for paying guests in 1902. Formerly known as the St James Court Hotel, the building offered a home away from home for the nobility and landed gentry when in town. However, 51 Buckingham Gate recently celebrated its 10th anniversary as a Taj property, with ongoing renovations transforming their suites into luxury residences.

The jewel in the crown of this project is an exciting collaboration between two TATA-owned companies, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces and Jaguar. Integrating different forms of design – interiors and automobiles – the Jaguar Suite takes its name from the eponymous world-class luxury car brand. Consisting of 11 rooms – including two bedrooms, three bathrooms, dining room, kitchen and office – the beautiful suite showcases specially-commissioned auto-inspired artwork and displays that borrow vital design elements from the legendary 1960s E-type and the modern C-X75 models. Spanning 1,832 feet, the rooms are designed with materials from which the cars are crafted – fine leather, sturdy metal and high gloss veneer. A sleek wood panelled door, clean-fuel fireplace reminiscent of the Jaguar hallmark rear window and the brand’s custom-made wall-paper are all timelessly classic, much like the two brands that have redefined luxury. Even appealing to those who aren’t auto-fans, the Jaguar Suite is an absolute pleasure to stay in and at the height of five-star luxury, it’s certainly one of the most luxurious places to stay in town. And if this isn’t enough, guests even have the latest chauffeur driven Jaguar at their disposal during the stay. Ideal for those requiring discretion, guests require key cards to use the lift, which in turn only provides access to the floor of their room.

However, for those needing even more space, 51 Buckingham Gate can also convert two full floors into private space, offering nine bedrooms and extensive living areas, connected via an internal staircase – arguably one of the largest suites in the capital – the Prime Minister’s Floor.

With the hotel’s restaurant recently awarded a Michelin star, 51 Buckingham Gate offers an ideal home away from home experience for the discerning traveller or a family who likes to travel together.

At £5,100 a night, a stay at the Jaguar Suite includes a chauffeur-driven Jaguar throughout your stay, 24-hour butler service, breakfast, unlimited private bar and complimentary internet.