- With Buckingham Palace at its doorstep, this hotel has the royal touch
Accor will launch its MGallery hotel collection in the UK in April when St.Ermin's in St. James London re-opens following an extensive £30 million transformation and restoration.
Formerly known as Jolly St. Ermins Hotel, the perfectly located hotel (within walking distance of Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament) has had a 'jolly good' upgrade, with the hotel's former Victorian grandeur restored, while also introducing the latest innovations in room technology and guest comforts.
When guests arrive at St. Ermin's Hotel's tree-line courtyard, they are not just entering a luxury hotel they are revisiting history. St Ermin's is built upon the site of a 15th century chapel dedicated to St. Ermin (a derivation of St. Armel.) In mid to late 19th century, Westminster underwent great changes and expansion, resulting in the creation of St. Ermin's Mansions in 1889, the building that now forms the basis of St. Ermin's Hotel.
In 1899, the mansions were converted into a hotel, involving the redesign of the interiors. This work was undertaken by the famous Victorian theatre designer J.P. Briggs, who created a dramatic collection of reception rooms, including a majestic lobby featuring a white stone staircase, carved balustrade and crystal chandeliers. Even then, the owners of St. Ermin's understood that modern technology enhanced the guest experience, with the installation of telephones in all bedrooms, rather than an antiquated bell system.
St. Ermin's has continued to play an important part in London's history, with 1950's spy Guy Burgess rumoured to have used one of Whitehall's network of tunnels to smuggle important documents from the Foreign Office to St. Ermin's Hotel.
The hotel's dramatic façade and inspirational interiors reflect a long and interesting history that will enter a new era from next month when it debuts Accor's MGallery label in the UK.
The hotel's 331 spacious rooms and suites offer spacious accommodations with crisp bed linens, sumptuous soft furnishings and inviting bathrooms with indulgent White Company products.
St. Ermin's signature restaurant The Caxton Grill serves modern European food in relaxed and genial surroundings. With the installation of the innovative Josper Grill, The Caxton Grill will be leading the way in this new exciting method of grilling meat and fish. The Caxton Bar and The Caxton Terrace, with views overlooking the lush courtyard, are ideal for drinks and light snacks, while St. Ermin's Lobby and Library are the perfect havens from the bustling London streets to partake of freshly brewed coffee, a glass of wine, or St. Ermin's classic Afternoon Tea.
Distinctly London package:
Enjoy the best of the capital for £220.00 per person over a two-day weekend break.
• Two nights bed and breakfast in a Superior room
• Tickets for two people to a top West End Show
• The St. Ermin's classic Afternoon Tea for two people
• Your own City Walking Guide, to help you discover those hidden away gems
• Complimentary London Map
• London guidebook – 'Independent London'
Bookings: via travel agents or via www.sterminshotel.co.uk