UK staycation Spoil yourself with a touch of luxury on a city hotel break near the palace
WHERE IS IT?
St Ermin’s Hotel, in Caxton Street, Westminster, is walking distance from Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament as well as Westminster Abbey. St James’s Park tube station is steps away.
HISTORY
Due to its location, St Ermin’s has a wealth of connections to the spy community - agents and even double agents. It was used by officers of the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS or MI6) and famous and infamous names who frequented the bar and the corridors include Ian Fleming, Kim Philby and Guy Burgess. Noel Coward came to meetings here, as well as member of the notorious Cambridge Five spy ring, Anthony Blunt. Sir Winston Churchill is known to have enjoyed a glass of Champagne or two in the hotel’s Caxton Bar and in 1940 the SOE (Special Operations Executive) was formed and plotted covert actions during the Second World War. Double agent and eventual defector Guy Burgess frequently met his Russian counterpart at the hotel to hand over top-secret government files in the Caxton Bar.
THE BUILDING AND ROOMS
The stunning interiors of the Grade II-listed hotel hit home most forcefully as you enter the grand lobby with its sweeping staircase, balcony, and sumptuous Rococo plasterwork. There are 331 spacious rooms, including 41 suites. I was especially impressed by the recently restyled family suite I stayed in. My companion and I each had a Queen bed and our own bathroom and TV with dividing doors if we wanted privacy. There’s also a sofa bed. Two newly-refurbished family suites also have added extras for kids such as teepees.
ON THE MENU
The Caxton Grill prides itself on using top-quality and seasonal produce smoked on the Josper Grill in kitchens used for filming Masterchef. We enjoyed a delicious meal with imaginative flavours. Great selection of steaks. Mains between £25£40. Make sure you enjoy a cocktail or two in the lobby lounge before you tuck in. Try one inspired by The Cambridge Five spies such as Hicks aka Guy Burgess (£15) or a collection inspired by Churchill, who liked a drink! Alcohol-free cocktails are also
available.
ACTIVITIES NEARBY
Visit The Churchill War Rooms, Peter Pan Gardens in Kensington Gardens and St James’s Park; watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, stroll or take a boat ride along the River Thames, look around free museums, not to mention shopping. We chose Fortnum and Mason and Harrods. Where else when only the best will do?
FUN FACTS
There’s a Division Bell in the lobby that once called MPs back to the Commons and it’s rumoured there might be a secret tunnel under the building leading to the Houses of Parliament. Check out the hotel’s collection of wartime items and historical information just off the lobby.
The Bee & Bee Hotel outside a third-floor corridor is a kids’ favourite as is the chance for youngsters to be a Spy For The Day with themed activities. St Ermin’s has a Kids’ Concierge and even a Canine Concierge to make sure everyone has the best stay possible.