Intrigue and Elegance at St. Ermin’s Hotel, London
St. Ermin’s Hotel in London is a four-star hidden gem nestled in the heart of London’s borough of Westminster. It’s one of those places that delivers beyond its alluring charm, elegance, and comfort. St. Ermin’s Hotel’s style is cosmopolitan and modern luxury mingling with Art Deco and contemporary styles. The hotel is ideal for a diverse set including those on business or pleasure, romantic getaways, and even for family trips. And you might not know it, but there is history and intrigue all around from the moment you enter. You’ll be steeped in British history. Artifacts of its storied espionage history are tastefully displayed throughout its interiors among other curated decor, adding a unique and exciting element of adventure. The warm hospitality, top-notch amenities, dining experiences, stylish atmosphere, and location make St. Ermin’s an exceptional London hotel choice.
Location
Convenience is a major benefit as a guest at St. Ermin’s with walkability featured highly. Its location on unassuming Caxton Street in bustling Westminster offers many of the classic London treasures such as Big Ben, the River Thames, and St. James Park. But with St. Ermin’s remote feel, you might never know it’s in the heart of it all. St. James Station is right around the corner, offering convenient connections to London’s elaborate Underground. And historic Victoria Station is a connection away from regional rail travel and airports. Buckingham Palace is west of St. James Park while The Imperial War Museums are just east. The National Gallery at popular Trafalgar Square is just an approximately twenty-minute walk.
Atmosphere and Decor
St. Ermin’s exterior features a late-Victorian architectural style along one of England’s 19th-century mansion blocks. The gated property boasts lush gardens beyond the vine-covered trellis and into the courtyard. Historians suggest the structure was built upon an ancient monastery named after St. Ermin. The hotel opened in 1899 after substantial refurbishing with lavishly ornate interiors done by theater designer J.P. Briggs. Interestingly, the hotel was one of the first to install telephones in each room which perhaps played a role in it becoming a clandestine meeting place for WWII spies and Winston Churchill himself.
Today, after a recent facelift or two, the elegant lobby entrance stuns instantly with its warm chandeliers, grand staircase, and blending of Rococo with plush Art Deco ambience. Splashes of fresh flora were a colorful delight. Even the compact old-school elevator had charm factor. Fascinating memorabilia from the hotel’s WWII heritage of espionage are showcased, so it is encouraged to explore the property. Repurposed wood and Vivienne Westwood wallpaper flowed together seamlessly. Of the 331 rooms and 40+ suites, some overlook the property’s former carriageway as well as the terrace bar which is adjacent to elegant lounges and special event rooms on the second-floor where afternoon tea is served. The rooftop apiary is a unique attraction, too.
Rooms
My spacious family room suite was a peaceful retreat after a day of sightseeing, and it proved nicely quiet after a night out. The black-out curtains drawn over the over-sized windows above the courtyard are very effective. Spacious and immaculately clean with a marble double bath, the mix of classic and contemporary elements provided ample comfort. And I made use of the thoughtful lighting and adjustable temperature options. Modern tech amenities including multiple ports, HD TV, and Wi-Fi were at the ready. The bedding and crisp linens ensured a restful night’s sleep. Little touches, like the high-quality toiletries from London-based White Company, complimentary coffee and tea, plus a large kettle and a fridge brought the comforts of home when opting for a little hotel downtime. Turn-down service offered a little sweetness to the evening. Fully equipped accessible rooms are available at the hotel as well.
Service
The thoughtful, attentive service given by St. Ermin’s staff was a pillar of the entire stay. A friendly, genuine attitude from the get-go assured me that the staff were committed to ensuring a pleasant experience. From special requests at the front desk to the housekeeping team, the outgoing concierge, and bellhops, the service was impeccable. The concierge was particularly helpful, providing excellent tips, shortcuts, and insights.
Dining
The hotel’s dining options are top-notch. The Caxton Grill offers a delightful array of mostly modern European dishes with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients including sustainably-minded items when possible. In addition to its classics, seasonal and unexpected offerings are also offered on an everchanging daily menu. A range of today’s diets were uncompromisingly accommodated. Mid-range and high-quality, with a stylish, ambient, and unfettered atmosphere, Caxton’s attentive staff delivered with a comfortable pace. The selection of wine and cocktails, notably the gin libations, was impressive.
The afternoon tea looked like a lovely classic experience. Alas, I will find out for myself next time. The popular add-on buffet breakfast was a sprawling array of most anything one would need or want to get the day started. Nightcaps at the ambient Caxton Bar where Churchill, WWII Special Ops agents, M16 spies, and even Noel Coward & Bond imbibed were to die for. True story.
Amenities
St. Ermin’s provides a range of amenities that cater to both business and leisure guests, including robes and slippers. The well-equipped gym is available 24/7 for those keeping up with a fitness routine. Additionally, the available Wi-Fi is fast and reliable, plus the multiple lounges and business center offer power connections.
Highly Recommended in the Neighborhood
The Churchill War Rooms is a perfect complement to a stay at St. Ermin’s. Where else can one get such an immersive experience in one of the most pivotal times in history? As Churchill was anticipating England’s inevitable entry into WWII fighting, he did indeed use St. Ermin’s Hotel as a covert meeting place as the war rooms were being discreetly prepared way beneath what is now the Imperial Museum. A visit brings guests into the very rooms, exactly how they were left shortly after D-Day after being used for five extremely intense years. Recorded genuine audio, machinery, artifacts, life-size, and a glimpse of the entire complex that functioned discreetly down below is frozen in time for visitors to experience. The Cabinet met here 115 times, including during the blitz. Walking through the actual tunnels, marveling at the maps and plans of the command center, and getting a sense of the whole secret world was unforgettable. It is a real must for any visit to London and makes for an especially nuanced stay at the nearby St. Ermin’s Hotel.
St. Ermin’s Hotel 2 Caxton Street, SW1H 0QW, London SW1H 0QW reservations@sterminshotel.co.uk +44 (0)207 222 7888
