Tom W.
Yelp
First opened as a hotel in 1899, the St. Ermine hotel is as much an important historical factor and physical work of art as it is a lodging facility. The property has no proper gift shop, but there are items for sale. Notably among them is a book titled House of Spies, which chronicles how British intelligence services used the hotel as a base of strategic planning. Among other luminaries, Winston Churchill was a regular patron enjoying champagne in the comfortably appointed Caxton Bar.
Upon arriving at the courtyard entrance, one is struck by the beautiful plantings lining both sides of the drive and the hotel's stunning façade. Expect to be greeted both warmly and efficiently by a doorman clad in black formal attire and wearing a smart bowler. As befits his post, the doorman possesses a wealth of information about the hotel and the area in general. The similarly attired concierge staff (sans bowler) is situated to your left as you enter. A slight bit further on is the front desk, where legendary British efficiency is on full display, served with impeccably professional friendliness.
A display near the ground floor elevator lobby showcases numerous wartime artifacts, including uniform, spy paraphernalia, a handbook for clandestine activities, etc.
A cheery, complimentary wine service is presented Monday - Thursday afternoons. Guests have an opportunity to meet and converse over free flowing white and red wines, complemented with assorted hors d'oeuvres.
A staircase leads to a mezzanine quite breathtaking for its beauty. Ceiling, pillars and walls are adorned with brilliant white, ornately cast plasterwork. An outdoor patio extends toward Caxton Road, creating a comfortable bower for enjoying an afternoon glass of wine or cocktail.
As a former hotelier of many years, I could not help perusing the property's meeting space. Situated on the ground and 1st levels, the 14 event spaces and 9 breakout rooms, encompassing 8,460 total sq. ft. are conveniently accessible and usefully flexible. Unsurprisingly, event spaces reflect the same ornate elegance as the lobby and mezzanine in general.
On the 3rd floor guests can view the hotel's bee terrace, which is home to 350k (or so) bees nesting in hotels of their own and providing honey to the kitchen. A rooftop garden similarly provides fresh fruit and vegetables.
Guestroom floor hallways are charmingly labyrinthine and impeccably maintained. Guest rooms are comfortable, equipped with the usual amenities, including refrigerators stocked with complimentary water and candy bars. Of particular note are the bathroom's large, white, downy-soft and densely napped towels.
In short, the St. Ermin's hotel affords guests and visitors a historically important, artistically graceful and welcoming experience. Would we return? In a heartbeat!