St Ermin’s Hotel in Westminster proved a hit with this family on a break to London
What is it?
St Ermin’s Hotel is a grand and classic London hotel which balances its history with a relaxed attitude to children.
Where is it?
This hotel is ideally situated in the heart of Westminster, between Parliament and Buckingham Palace, right opposite New Scotland Yard. The area feels very safe and quiet in the evenings so there’s no noise to wake the little ones.
Is it family friendly?
Yes, the staff enjoy children being around, breakfast is relaxed, the outside entrance has a little green space and the Budding Bonds themed package offering a treasure hunt for youngsters is a nice touch (see more under highlights).
The hotel’s budding Bond’s package
The rooms
We stayed in a lovely family suite at St Ermin’s which boasted two big beds and the added bonus of two bathrooms. It was nicely decorated and a good size for London where hotel rooms are usually on the small side.
It had a large TV and sofa for relaxing on.
Food and drink
Breakfast is very tasty but the real treat was an afternoon tea. The sandwiches and cakes are beautifully presented and our children loved the experience. There is champagne for the adults and on a warm day you can eat outside on the balcony overlooking the wonderful entrance to the hotel.
The Caxton Grill is the restaurant for evening meals, it is quite formal but lighter bites (perhaps better suited to children) can be eaten at the Caxton Bar next door.
The bartender will even mix a child’s cocktail which certainly impressed our son.
Nearby
It is walking distance to Buckingham Palace, St James’ Park, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, the Southbank. There are plenty of restaurants on the main road towards Victoria, about a five minute walk from the hotel.
Our highlights
*The Bond theme. This hotel is where MI6 were based during World War Two and the 007 package is a perk for budding James Bonds. Staff handed our son a sheet with clues to solve around the hotel. It’s a great way to explore – the staff really embrace it, pretending to be security officers if you ask them for help – and when you’ve finished you get a couple of special prizes.
The hotel interior
*The entrance. It gives a real wow factor for children and adults thanks to the tree lined entrance and grand staircase next to reception.
*The history lesson. St Ermin’s housed MI6 during World War Two and more recently it was the venue where Boris Johnson amazed the country by pulling out of the race to become Prime Minister.
*Exploring. The hotel is large with plenty of nooks and crannies, an old library and corridors to venture into. Our children enjoyed exploring such an historic building.
Address
St Ermin’s Hotel, 2 Caxton Street, Westminster, London, SW1H 0QW.
How to book
This is a brilliantly-located and child-friendly hotel in the heart of London. For more information and room rates visit their website St Ermin’s
We stayed as guests of St Ermin’s for this review. All views are our own.