History, Intrigue & Exceptional Hospitality: Why St. Ermin’s Hotel Is London’s Best-Kept Secret

St. Ermin’s Hotel in London might be one of the best spots for a family vacation in London. Part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, this stunning Victorian gem is steeped in history and ideally positioned for exploring one of my favorite cities in the world. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or someone who appreciates a luxurious home away from home, St. Ermin’s is sure to deliver.

Tucked away at the end of a pretty, tree-lined courtyard, the hotel feels like a well-kept secret while sitting in the heart of London. Families will love the prime location, comfortable rooms, and extraordinary service.

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something we have recommended. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!

How to Reach St. Ermin’s Hotel

St. Ermin’s sits at 2 Caxton Street in Westminster, just steps from St. James’s Park Tube Station (District and Circle lines). This makes it extremely easy to reach just about any corner of London without ever taking a cab.

If you fly into Heathrow Airport, you can take the Elizabeth line to Bond Street and change to the Circle line, getting you to the hotel in under an hour. From Gatwick, the Gatwick Express to Victoria Station means you’re just a 10-minute walk or a two-minute taxi ride.

Tip: If you’re traveling with a lot of luggage, we recommend using Welcome Pickups for a pre-booked transfer.

Accommodations at St. Ermin’s

With 331 guest rooms and suites, St. Ermin’s offers options to suit every type of traveler. A superior double is quite cozy and perfect for 1 or 2 people. The deluxe guest rooms come with either a double bed or two double beds.

If you want more space (or are traveling as a family of 3), consider booking an executive room. Some of these overlook the front drive and entrance of the hotel. They have a small living room area and provide a comfortable and peaceful space for a small family.

If your family has 4 or 5 people, St. Ermin’s Hotel offers family rooms (Apart-rooms) with two queen beds, 2 bathrooms, and a daybed. 

For those needing more space, the hotel’s suites overlook either the courtyard or the London skyline. Every room has premium finishes, comfortable beds, and all the amenities you’d expect from a luxury hotel.

Pro Tip: Request a courtyard-facing room for the quietest stay and the most charming views. 

The Hotel’s Unique Intelligence History

One of the things that attracted me to St Ermin’s was its rich history. Not only is the property a Grade II listed building, but it’s a place where secrets were kept, and history was made.

During World War I, the hotel was a hospital for soldiers returning from the front. By 1938, the government had established the headquarters of MI6’s Section D (a unit responsible for guerrilla warfare operations) inside St Ermin’s.

When World War 2 broke out, Churchill’s Special Operations Executive (SOE) occupied an entire floor where they were tasked with conducting espionage, sabotage, and reconnaissance in occupied Europe. Such a crazy history!

In the lobby, there’s a display with artifacts from this time period. Some of the highlights include pilot boots with a knife hidden inside. If the pilots had to bail, they could use the knife to cut the boot shafts and turn the shoes into a regular pair.

Other gadgets included books with hidden compartments and everyday objects that doubled as spy gear. Many of these items were created by Charles Fraser-Smith, who was supposedly the inspiration for Q in Ian Fleming’s James Bond novels.

Also, don’t miss the silk scarf covered in code that agents used to communicate with the home office. You can find this next to the elevator adjacent to the hotel restaurant.

Dining at St. Ermin’s

The dining experience at St. Ermin’s exceeds expectations for a hotel, and the food is simply outstanding. 

Caxton Grill

St. Ermin’s signature restaurant is the award-winning Caxton Grill, a beautiful restaurant overlooking the hotel’s leafy courtyard garden. The menu features modern European food, with an emphasis on seasonal British ingredients.

What I loved was that many of the ingredients came from the hotel’s rooftop kitchen garden. For dinner, I had the seared Scottish scallops with a cauliflower purée (divine) and the heritage beef onglet steak. The steak was outstanding, and I guarantee you will not be disappointed. Don’t miss the hotel’s creative cocktails. I had a blood orange and grapefruit gin and tonic that I still dream about.

Tip: Book the Caxton Grill in advance, especially for dinner on weekends. Reservations can be made through the hotel’s website or via OpenTable.

The Morning Buffet

Every morning, the hotel offers a spectacular breakfast spread that includes everything you could ever want. If you have picky kids, do not worry, as they are sure to find something.

There are pastries, yogurt, cereal, meat and cheese, an abundance of fruit, eggs, and juice. You can also ask for made-to-order eggs, French toast, waffles, and more. This is the perfect breakfast to kick off your day of sightseeing. 

Tip: Try to arrive before 9:00 AM because things get busier as the morning goes on. 

The Terrace

If you find yourself visiting during the warmer months, don’t miss an opportunity to enjoy cocktails, fine wines, sushi, and small plates in an unforgettable setting. The Terrace overlooks the hotel’s front drive, and this cozy spot is reminiscent of an elegant English garden. Perfect for an afternoon drink or a quick bite to eat.

Afternoon Tea

Traditional afternoon tea is served daily in the Tea Lounge, and it’s one of the most beautiful rooms in the hotel. Children are invited to join in the fun. High tea is the perfect way to rest tired feet after a morning of sightseeing.

The Staff: Service That Goes Above and Beyond

What truly sets St. Ermin’s apart is its people. From the moment you arrive, the staff demonstrates a warm hospitality that you simply cannot fake. No ask is too big for the front desk staff, and they are willing to accommodate any request (within moderation, of course).

The housekeeping and front-of-house teams are unobtrusive, and everything seems to operate seamlessly. This is truly a hotel where the people are as much a part of the experience as the gorgeous building they work in.

Using St. Ermin’s as a Home Base for Exploring London

St. Ermin’s central location in Westminster is one of its greatest assets. You will have easy access to many of London’s major attractions. Many are within easy walking distance or a very short Tube ride, which makes it an ideal base from which to explore the city.

Within walking distance (under 20 minutes):

• Westminster Abbey – One of the world’s greatest churches, the coronation site of British monarchs, and the resting place of kings, queens, poets, and scientists. About an 8-minute walk.
• Houses of Parliament and Big Ben – The iconic clock tower and the seat of British government. Approximately 12 minutes on foot. Take the bridge over the River Thames for a better point of view.
• Buckingham Palace – The official residence of the King of England. A pleasant 15-minute stroll through St. James’s Park. Go early if you want to see the Changing of the Guard.
• St. James’s Park – London’s oldest royal park, with a beautiful lake, pelicans, and stunning views of Buckingham Palace. A short walk from the hotel.
• 10 Downing Street – The Prime Minister’s residence is just around the corner, a reminder of why this neighborhood was so appealing to intelligence officers.

A short Tube, walk, or bus ride away:

• The British Museum – World-class collection of history, art, and culture.
• The National Gallery and Trafalgar Square – Two stops from St. James’s Park tube station, or a scenic 25-minute walk.
• Hyde Park – One of the city’s 8 royal parks. Reachable in 25 minutes.
• Tower of London and Tower Bridge – Take the Circle line to Tower Hill.
• South Kensington Museums (V&A, Natural History, Science) – District line, about 20 minutes.
• Covent Garden and the West End – For theatre, shopping, and dining, easily reachable by Tube.

The hotel’s proximity to St. James’s Park Tube station (District and Circle lines) means that essentially the whole of central London is within a 30-minute journey. For a city as large and complex as London, this location can’t be beat.

Pro Tip: Pick up an Oyster card or use contactless payment for London’s Tube and buses. It’s cheaper than buying individual tickets.

Why St. Ermin’s Hotel Is the Perfect London Base

London has no shortage of magnificent hotels, but St. Ermin’s occupies a category of its own. It offers the grandeur and history of a great Victorian property, but also the personal warmth of a smaller, independent hotel.

The spy history alone makes it a fascinating place to stay. Add in the award-winning Caxton Grill (with its extraordinary steak and scallops), the massive morning buffet, The Terrace with its bespoke cocktails, and a staff that goes above and beyond, and you have something truly exceptional.

St. Ermin’s is not merely a place to sleep; it’s an extraordinary home away from home.