You don’t expect to see a deep pink, neo-Gothic, turreted hotel in one of London’s smartest districts, but if it’s good enough for Kate Winslet it’s good enough for me.

This striking edifice used to be a members-only club, but recently opened as a boutique hotel, where new guests mix with old money, checking in for theatre breaks, and walkable shopping — great for the January sales — in Bond Street and Knightsbridge.

The hotel has 56 rooms and 12 suites, many of which have their own terraces, plus a penthouse with a party deck for 60 people, which is where Robert Redford stays when he’s in town. Once past the pink, the interior is surprisingly restrained, with lots of blond wood panelling, quietly efficient staff and exuberant displays of fresh flowers.

We slept in Room 412, where Winslet is a regular, and loved the conservatory, with rattan furniture and doors leading on to a flower-decked terrace, overlooking the former stable block, now a row of mews cottages festooned with hanging baskets. Our terrace, incidentally was big enough to host a dinner party.

The bed was vast and comfortable, the bathroom a grey marble and chrome, Art Deco-style affair, and there were two televisions and a powerful hairdryer. The air conditioning was a bit noisy, however.

The bar is surprisingly modern, with a young clientele, and we were impressed with the canapés and the reasonably priced drinks. There’s also a striking Pommery room for private dinner parties.

We had plaice and chips, which was excellent, and a very good hamburger. The wallpaper in the small restaurant is 1960s retro and James Bondish — which is just as well, since Sean Connery regularly pops in for a martini and an Aberdeen Angus steak with Michael Caine. He and Caine were among the founders of this place, which is why it’s so popular with thespians, including Sir John Mills, who is a great favourite with the staff.

With large rooms, a convenient setting, a fitness room and sauna and reasonable rates, it’s probably best to go before it’s properly discovered.

Bottom line: B&B doubles from £145.

Sampling the fare: Dinner about £90 for two, wine included.

Need to know: St James’s Club (020-7629 7688, www.stjamesclubandhotel.co.uk ), 7-8 Park Place, London SW1.

Room: 8 out of 10.

Food: 8 out of 10.

Service: 9 out of 10.

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