Had a 3 night stay a few rainy weekends ago, but it was still lovely, and near shopping and restaurants. Just had to use the hotel umbrellas or taxis. Room was great; we had an executive suite, with a separate living room. Decor is warm and interesting; a nice change from slick and sleek. A modern look wouldn't suit the building. Bright white bathroom with heated floor had both tub and rainhead shower (with a glass door, not curtain like some have commented). It was nice to have a huge stack of towels, and plentiful hooks and bars to hang them on (often strangely lacking in hotels). Opening the heavy drapes in the room lets the heat circulate better, but there are still blackout blinds on the windows to allow a nice long sleep in the morning.
If you book through a Virtuoso travel agent you get a lot of perks: free full breakfast each morning, $50 dinner credit at XO (very good, and you can bring your bottle of wine back to your room), 2 welcome cocktails at bar (also yummy) and a spa credit. We made use of them all.
Couples massage was great, in a very nice stone walled room, with extremely comfy massage tables and warm cozy blankets. Still got appointment although we booked only the day before for a weekend afternoon. Gym was small but functional.
Staff was friendly, helpful and prompt.

My husband and I have just returned from a weekend break at the Hotel St James to celebrate my birthday. I chose this hotel due to its rating on Trip Advisor and for its proximity to the historic area of the city. The hotel is aesthetically prettier and more historic than the other hotels. The other major chain hotels are all ugly, concrete towers thrown up in a less discerning era.
I was prepared to pay a little more for this as I like to treat myself from time to time. The ambience in the hotel was classic and made me feel special. I loved the library and enjoyed sitting by the fire after being outside in the chilly November weather.
Our room was rather disappointing, although I suppose it was one of the cheaper rooms. It was dark, small and cold, we fiddled with the thermostat but it didnt change the heat. Turns out the room temperatures are managed by a computer in the office and it showed the room as being within their acceptable level, so we were lumbered. The windows of the hotel were dirty and even opening the blinds didn't help light the room.
The bed was small and low and the decor was not to my taste, I mean, leopard print carpet .... really ?
Luckily the bathroom, in comparison was luxurious, with lovely heated marble floors. although only one small vanity basin and no bath. The shower was nice and large but with a cheap shower curtain which allowed water to escape onto the marble floor if you didn't arrange the shower. Nice Molton Brown products and lots of lovely towels.
For any woman of a certain age a little tip here, after having had my hair cut and styled for the trip I stepped into the shower and pulled the wrong shower dial. It was the rain shower instead of the body shower and I was drenched from far above and hair ruined !!! Totally my fault .... but should have had a video camera there to record my reaction !!
Room service was very expensive, so we went out for breakfast and I missed having my tea to start the day. Nice hotel staff and the room was well looked after by the chambermaids. The bar staff were a little more haughty and we were left sitting for a little too long for our night cap.

A truly sensuous pleasure. Outstanding friendly and well-groomed staff. Courteous. Loved the cool phone in room where you can control the lights Small gym. Wonderful massage treatments. Deep tissue massage was just that. Beautiful appointed rooms. Shower only in room but what a delight. XO restaurant is romantic and great wine selections. Love the warmth of this hotel.

Very disappointing! The room was very small and dark. Light bulbs were out making it even darker. Reading was impossible. The thermostat was broken and our stay was unbearably HOT! Management was not responsive. We were not offered assistance with our luggage by the staff as we struggled with the steep, entrance steps. The Concierge was disinterested and gave us misinformation on more than one occasion.