St. Ermins Hotel Londons greatest treasures are its staff. Queen Elizabeth conference room is nearby too. During the 1950sand 60s St Ermins was again at the heart of an undercover operation this time for the Russians during the Cold War. Kids can get in on the fun, too. All rights reserved. Traces of our secret past can be seen within the hotel such as an original SOE silk, printed with secret coded messages that hangs in our lobby and a special display of original WW11 SOE field equipment. It is probably no coincidence that the hotels proximity to the Houses of Parliament has put St. Ermins centre stage in Westminsters colourful past, present and no doubt future. Expect attention to detail and a warm and hospitable staff ready to cater to your needs. Cocktails are served in the bar, restaurant, guest rooms, most lobby areas, and mezzanine. Such conversions were not uncommon. Spy vs. spy, trench coats, fedora hats, and carefully guarded briefcases. The hotel soon became the place to meet and discuss intelligence information. Culinary Travel No request is a problem; no guest is a stranger. Documents suggest that starting in March 1938 it became the gathering place of spies from the headquarters of SIS's Section D, headed by the Australian George Taylor. St. Ermins recognises that guests do not want a prescriptive approach to eating and drinking and offer a range of menus and options to suit your individual taste. The Caxton Bar and Grill offers a pleasant place to wine and dine on European food. St. Ermin's Hotel Victoria, London, England View on a map 8 10 Telegraph expert rating The lobby looks as though someone has gone mad with an icing gun, for J P Brigg's 1899 plasterwork is. St. Ermin's knows that happy children make for relaxed grown ups, so we've created a Kids Concierge service, dedicated to keeping children entertained and adults reassured. None of these practices influence our reporting, but we believe in full disclosure. Mod cons include a minibar, hairdryer, ironing board, flat-screen TVs and even dressing gowns and slippers. Getting there is via the winding staircase passing that aforementioned secret door. In 1889 St Ermin's Mansions were built and as the hotel's website explains, these formed the basis of St Ermin's Hotel. Spy vs. spy, trench coats, fedora hats, and carefully guarded briefcases. Explore the quiet, narrow back streets on the edge of St. James Park, where youll find some of Londons most elegant homes. What better place for a relaxing drink after such speeches than the hotel? St. Ermin's Hotel was, at this time, the home base for secret British spies and the wartime intelligence communityyet guests staying there had no idea. Caxton Street, London SW1H 0QW, United Kingdom. As a result of that change, the St. Ermins Mansions were created in 1899 by E.T. St Ermin's City of Spies Tour: Espionage in London. Our freshly baked scones are warm and soft, and served with clotted cream, and homemade jam. This was run partly by MI6. Alongside a herb garden, they grow tomatoes, squash, pumpkin, spring onions, French beans, potatoes, olives, clementines, apples, plums, raspberries and blackberries. Then its off to our super-comfortable beds, where no doubt our little one is dreaming of all things spy-related! Photo by Mary Charlebois. Even those who do not have a penchant for that kind of cake would surely admit the stunning nature of a winding staircase, curvaceous shapes and intricate designs. My source told me (actually it was the lovely lady at reception) that there is a secret tunnel to the Houses of Parliament from a door located just under the grand staircase. St. Ermins history display shares some early spy secrets. He didnt give up. In summer, the Terrace is open. If youre a history buff, conspiracy theorist, or mystery lover, a stay at St. Ermins is a must. [9], In 1965, a replica of Westminster Hall was created in the hotel's ballroom to allow soldiers to rehearse their movements for the funeral of Winston Churchill.[10]. At the hotel's Caxton Bar, enjoy a vodka martini . There are hundreds of buildings in London inextricably linked to monumental moments in the world of espionage and intelligence, perhaps none more than St. Ermins Hotel. St. Ermin's is built upon the site of a 15th century chapel dedicated to St. Ermin (thus the name!). Phoenix by Julie Dee Suman | Apr 30, 2023 | Pennsylvania, Travel. Copper Among the more famous personnel known to have worked from offices in the building are Kim Philby, Guy Burgess, Laurence Grand, H. Montgomery Hyde and Eric Maschwitz. St. Ermins Suite Bedroom. Summer Travel We are no longer accepting comments on this article. St. Ermin's Hotel is perfectly placed near St. James Park, so it's very much central for all of your before and after sightseeing needs, but it's tucked away in it's own little oasis so you don't feel as if you're in the middle of the hustle and bustle. Listen whenever, and wherever you get your podcasts. There is no denying the drama, no doubt, purposefully created by theatre designer J P Briggs. An entire floor of St Ermin's was used as the headquarters of Winston Churchill's Secret Army during World War Two - and MI6 was two floors above. Just south of Tothill Street was the Great Almonry, dating from the 13th century and from where alms were distributed. He clocked up a few miracles, including making spring water appear by banging his staff on the ground. And it was also the focal point for Peter Matthews' book, House Of Spies: St Ermin's Hotel. Verdict: St Ermin's Hotel is as beautiful as it is intriguing with a history that merits its own museum. Warm dcor that creates a sense of calm and repose, a welcoming and homely environment for guests and locals to meet after work or visitors to take a well earned break whilst exploring the city. Full-size toiletries are by the White Company. Its said London is the spy capital of the world. The site of the hotel itself, west of the Almonry, was then occupied by a chapel dedicated to St Ermin though both the Almonry and that chapel appear to have been demolished from around the 16th century and no trace of either now remains. Art and furnishings reflect the hotels history. Especially those tall ones with ornate, decorative icing. In 1896, the building was purchased with the intention of converting it into a hotel, and by 1899, the change of use was complete. The clandestine unit carried out covert missions during World War II from their official headquartersan entire floor of St. Erminswhile MI6 (formally known as the Secret Intelligence Service) was stationed two floors above. Family suites at St. Ermin's Hotel - Autograph Collection, cost from 459 per room, per night. Clandestine meetings, letter drops, coded messages, undercover activities. Ian Fleming and Noel Coward were to be found in the hotels Caxton Bar - where Churchill sipped Champagne. Think of it as a gallery or museum. The St. Ermin's Hotel, nestled in the heart of London, is in the center of the city's vibrant business, leisure and government landmarks. All rights reserved. Secret agents arent the only group using St. Ermins for an auxiliary office. These stories and more are detailed in House of Spies by Peter Matthews. A Children's tea is available on request throughout the school holidays and every weekend. Banquets & Meetings. However, if you really want to track down where the real spies met go no further than St. Ermins Hotel, just a short walk from the Houses of Parliament. St. Ermins Hotel London Served as Churchills Auxiliary Office, Making an Entrance at St. Ermins Hotel London, Extraordinary Staff at St. Ermins Hotel London, Things to Do In and Around St. Ermins Hotel, What to Expect When You Stay at St. Ermins Hotel in London, Articles Related to St. Ermins Hotel London, When You Visit St. Ermins Hotel in London, St. Ermins Hotel London: Historic London Hotel with a Stealthy Past, Making the Most of Londons Traditional Food Scene, Tips to Make the Most of a Short Trip to London, Exploring the Real Downtown Abbey: Highclere Castle, London: What You Need to Know Before You Go, The Super Bowl of Flower Showsthe Philadelphia Flower Show, Art-Focused Things to Do in Lindsborg, Kansas, Exploring Culture and Art in Central Oregon, St. Jamess Park for watching the ducks with an ice cream cone, Dig into St. Ermins history with the UK intelligence services from WWI to the present, Award-winning Caxton Bar and Grill onsite, 3rd-floor terrace beehives are home to over 300,000 Buckfast Bees and Londons only Bee & Bee hotel, Family stay packages including Budding Bond spy kits, Afternoon Tea served in the Tea Lounge for kids and adults, Family Suites with reserve-ahead infant and toddler necessities. In the ramp up to World War II, the British government knew it needed a place to call home for wartime operations. During the 1930s the hotel and the building at 2 Caxton Street were used by officers of the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS or MI6) located close by at 54 Broadway to meet agents and is well documented from March 1938 as the headquarters first of SIS's Section D, headed by Australian George Taylor and then as home of the SOE, working under "Statistical Research Department" cover. St. Ermin's Hotel, Autograph Collection Hotel Caxton Street 2, London, United Kingdom Excellent Based on 666 reviews 9.1 $72 Cheapest rate per night 1 room, 2 guests Wed 3/15 Wed 3/22 17 more St. Ermin's Hotel, Autograph Collection deals from $85 Best Deals for St. Ermin's Hotel, Autograph Collection Maris, our waiter for the evening offered his wine pairings which we enjoyed very much. The International Spy Museum is an independent nonprofit organization. Southwest Romantic Destinations February 3, 2015. These are the images that come to mind when thinking of espionage. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. Coastal Towns Located on a quiet street in Westminster, London, St. Ermins is close to business, leisure, and government landmarks. Like the rest of the hotel, it's a magnificent affair. In 2006, former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko, then working for British intelligence, met with two fellow Russians at this hotel in Londons upscale Mayfair. This tunnel is said to be located under the grand staircase in the Lobby and runs directly to The House of Commons. Following a change of ownership in 2010 the hotel has again undergone substantial refurbishment. With easy navigation and broad coverage of everything from eat and drink to product reviews, this site is a feast for travelers. They have a small, very sharp knife tucked into the top of one of the boots. Conclude the tour at the St. Ermin's Hotel, former headquarter of MI6. Cocktails Four MPs also attended: Denis Howell, John Golding, Denis Healey, and Giles Radice. Shopping A room of any type at St. Ermins Hotel London is an immersion in spacious luxury. Culinary Architectural Digest may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. There are delicious dishes on the menu such as roasted Jerusalem artichoke served with pickled pear, chicory and nutritional yeast, burrata served with blood orange dressing, poppy seed croutons, and rib-eye steak with braised shallots, cod with a mussel sauce and roast sweet potatoes. The entrance leads to a sweeping staircase with a beautiful chandelier, and intricate original plasterwork. Perfectly balancing the right amount of glitz and glamour with down-to-earth, freshly painted old-school charm. Now 563 on Tripadvisor: St. Ermin's Hotel, Autograph Collection, London. Our daughter loves the chocolate beehive with chocolate bee and biscuit. Of course, there is the Full English breakfast, a variety of cooked egg dishes and cereals. Its said a tunnel runs underneath the lobbys twin staircase leading to Westminster a few blocks away. I was recently sitting on a bench in the Centre Pompidou in Paris and, on a whim, decided to take a quick flight to London. If the pilot was shot down, the knife could be used to cut along a perforation around the ankle, so the boots become an ordinary pair of brogues. St. Ermin's Hotel, Autograph Collection. The hotel was a favorite meeting spot for several Secret Intelligence Service officers in the 1930s and was later the birthplace of the Special Operations Executive, whom Winston Churchill wanted to set Europe ablaze during World War II. When children complete their spy activity books, they're handed a secret spy pass for a special mocktail in the Caxton Bar (above), where spies used to meet. After having tea with the men, Litvinenko fell ill and was admitted to a local hospital, where he died of radiation poisoning days later. London is home to some of the fanciest hotels in the world with the most famous histories. Bristling with intelligence officers such as Ian Fleming and Nel Coward, the hotel was initially revealed by the notorious double agent Arthur Owens, code named SNOW, to be a covert base for the Secret Intelligence Service's Section D, before three gloomy . It was locked I checked. [12] Shortly before the war the hotel was the venue for guerrilla warfare classes run partly by MI6, and among those working for 'King and Country' within that group at the time was Nol Coward, as well as art expert and member of the Cambridge Five spy ring, Anthony Blunt. During World War II and after, MI6 used these floors as their base, welcoming senior personnel and infamous double agentslike Guy Burgess and Kim Philby, both of whom worked for the secret service but were also Russian spies. We verify luxury. At check-in they receive a top-secret spy packet just for them, with ultra-secret code red clearance, which takes them on a historical tour of the hotel and includes a trivia game. St. Ermin's Hotel A chic London hotel with a covert past VERIFIED LUXURY Learn How We Inspect We are the only independent, global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and ocean cruise ships. St. Ermins Hotel has sat at the middle of British secret intelligence since the 1930s. An entire floor of St Ermin's was used as the headquarters by Churchill's Secret Army, during World War Two - and MI6 was stationed two floors above, The St Ermin's Hotel lobby, pictured in 1908. In 1899, the mansion blocks were finally converted into a hotel, the new owners embarked on a major refurbishment, involving the redesign of the interiors. The 311 rooms are far more modern than the entrance would suggest. MI5 and other clandestine tenants have left the building. | A Division Bell hangs in our Lobby, a bell rung to signal MPs that they had only eight minutes to get to the House of Commons to vote for or against a resolution. From the moment you arrive, they see to your every need. [4] The hotel is owned by the family of Tei-Fu Chen, founder of Sunrider International. Among its many secret activities, the SOE printed special coded messages on silk (today, an original remnant can be found hanging in the lobby). Pros: Location, grandeur, facilities for children, exquisite food, the history. Being close to Parliament a voting or Division Bell is still located in the hotel that was once used to tell MPs to return to vote and get back across Parliament Square. St. Ermin's installed what it calls London's first "Bee & Bee" hotel on its third floor terracea multi-hive arrangement that hosts more than 350,000 Buckfast honeybees. Restaurants Known as Little Sweden USA, Lindsborg, Kansas, is a small town filled with creative spirit. The spacious area is beautifully, and comfortably, decorated, with twin double beds, two stunning marble bathrooms and a lounge area with sofas and chill-out chairs. The burial ground it stood around still partly survives as gardens fronting Victoria Street. Cocktail Recipes My bedroom, suite 601 has a living room that leads to the bedroom and an ensuite bathroom with two sinks, a wetroom complete with a free-standing bath and a separate toilet. The hotels restaurant, 1212, is named for the original address of Scotland Yard. The multi-national and highly professional group takes your comfort seriously. International Spy Museum 2023, Spy Celebrates African Americans in Espionage. Photography is one of the biggest reasons she travels. Its back to our lovely room to watch a movie, before we enjoy a sumptuous dinner at the relaxed Caxton Grill. Theres plenty to take in nearby that appeals to the kids, including the Natural History Museum (pictured), The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is just a stone's throw from the hotel. 2023 Smithsonian Magazine This 4-star St. Ermin'S Hotel, Autograph Collection is located in the heart of London, next to parks. The concierge spent almost an hour with me trying to activate the card I purchased for local cell service. Served in relaxed and stylish surroundings, St. Ermins afternoon tea includes a selection of sweet and savoury treats inspired by seasonal ingredients from the hotel's very own rooftop kitchen garden. Intelligence officers Ian Fleming and Noel Coward were often seen thereand according to Matthews book, Winston Churchill likely devised, over a couple glasses of champagne, the notion to have a Special Operations Executive there during the Second World War. The designers rehabilitated the distinctive Art Nouveau/Rococo white plaster dcor throughout the hotel. Readers can re-experiences places once visited long ago or find new discoveries. Even the likes of Noel Coward worked there. The hotel adds that a secret tunnel is said to be located under the grand staircase and could be used by MPs to reach the Commons in double-quick time. Travel Tips The extensive, carefully curated collection is an alluring part of your visit. Like all great divas, 4-Star St. Ermins Hotel London knows the value of a grand entrance. Jennifer Billock is an award-winning writer, bestselling author, and editor. With the majority of Londons top historical attractions on the doorstep and its close proximity to St. Jamess and Victoria stations; St. Ermins is the ideal destination for both business and leisure travellers. Jennifer Billock It is a memorable place. Copyright 2023 by AxiomThemes. They had 8 minutes to accomplish their walk to Parliament but after a few drinks, I am not sure they many would have always made it in time! You can even still enjoy a Vesper today, hand-crafted by Alessandro Palazzi, Dukes famed barman, and live a bit of the spy lifestyle yourself. Both the bar and restaurant use herbs, fruit, and vegetables from the rooftop garden and lovely honey from the third-floor apiary. Small Towns The St. James Tube Station is less than 500 feet from the St. Ermins front door. The hotel was also used by MI6, the British secret service, as a safe house for informants. We head to the Tea Lounge where we're booked in for afternoon tea. This department was comprised of demolition agents who would eat and drink in the bar, then head upstairs to plot against Germany. Terms of Use These bells were all located in what is known as the Westminster Bubble - within eight minutes fast walk back to the Houses of Parliament. The hotel is as impressive on paper as it is in the flesh. The surrounding pedestrian-friendly neighborhood has pubs, restaurants, and shopping. Documents suggest that starting in March 1938 it became the gathering place of spies from the headquarters of SISs Section D, headed by the Australian George Taylor. An entire floor of St Ermin's was used as the. The hotels exceptional location from the seat of government and Whitehall was only a few hundred meters north of Parliament Square. The main, central entrance had four steps up to the automatic doors leading into the lobby but if you're pulling a plethora of suitcases, head to the left side of the driveway, as the ramp there deposited you right at the check-in desk. Inspired by England's indelible history and informed by its dynamic present, St. Ermin's Hotel, Autograph Collection is a luxury destination amid the best of central London. Family rooms mean the kids can come too. Its served with mushy peas. They are delightful. The lobbys twin staircases are said to hide a secret tunnel. From World War I until the early 2000s, central London hotels have been used by spies and other intelligence agents to discreetly carry out their work, as well as provide cover for the royal family and other high-ranking officials across the continent. Perhaps thats why I was so wowed when I walked into St Ermins Hotel. The boots youll see are British RAF pilots boots. Caxton Street, London SW1H 0QW, United Kingdom. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The infusions, meanwhile, are from the award-winning The Tea Makers of London. You immediately escape the city noise when you make your way to St. Ermins Hotel in London. Theres free wi-fi, a gym and all-around sensational service. Briggs remodelled the far end of the courtyard, creating a neo-Baroque space with raised verandah leading into a double-height foyer dominated by an undulating balcony at gallery level, accessed via a double staircase. In addition to his duties as a security manager, Stephen is known as St. Ermins unofficial historian. In the Hollywood films, spy James Bond would meet his boss M mostly in and around central London. Hundreds of years later, Henry VII came to revere this refugee saint and believed that St Ermin saved his ship during a storm off the coast of northern France in 1483. Each has two bedrooms and two baths. Photo by Mary Charlebois. She has begun tackling video the last few yearssomething describes as the perfect skill for an OCD person such as herself. The hotel was a favorite meeting spot for several Secret Intelligence Service officers in the 1930s and was later the birthplace There is no better place to enjoy a G&T on a hot, London summer afternoon. By 1869 it was rebuilt on a larger scale as Christ Church and demolished in the 1950s following bomb damage. I literally booked St. Ermins Hotel while descending the art gallerys escalator. Pacific Northwest St Ermin's Hotel London: Region: England UK City: London Caxton Street, London SW1H 0QW, UK When: Afternoon tea is served daily between 1pm and 5pm. Stephen Duffy currently serves as the Night Security Manager at St. Ermins Hotel in London. This historic London hotel is the birthplace of modern espionage. Hotel was HQ of secret service in WW2m there's a doorway in the lobby leading to a tunnel that connects to the Houses of Parliament. The menu offers well-executed popular dishes such as roast salmon and rib-eye steak with perfect tripled cooked chips as well as some delicious wines and cocktails. In the mid to late 19th century, Westminster underwent great changes and expansion, resulting in the creation of St. Ermins Mansions by E.T. Family Travel The gorgeous St James park is a few minutes away passing Downing Street and the Horse Guards Parade, Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament Churchill War Rooms and the London Eye. In the 1950s, Guy Burgess, a part of the Cambridge Five, handed over state secrets to a Russian operative in St. Ermins Caxton Bar. Theres nothing I love more than a hotel with a past. The subtitle, St Ermins Hotel, the London Base of British Espionage, says it all. From 66 / person. He created Special Operations Executive (SOE) within the hotel walls, also called Churchills Secret Army.. As was Winston Churchills Special Operations Executive. [15] It is part of Marriott Hotels' Autograph Collection.[4]. Nothing could be better than fresh English Peas cooked with mint and thyme. Fish n Chips in the Claxton Bar, St. Ermins Hotel London. The hotel is located a mere few steps from St James tube station. To quote Tim Fordham-Moss the PR Director We would expect so. In 1899, the mansion blocks were finally converted into a hotel, the new owners embarked on a major refurbishment, involving . Well, at least as far as we can tell youotherwise, its classified information. Here are the best by Kathy Condon | Apr 26, 2023 | Hotels and Resorts, North America, Oregon, Pet-Friendly Travel, Travel, United States. St. Ermins was returned to her luxurious 1920s glory. These superb properties offer a truly refined getaway. Approximate tour duration is 3 hours. Enjoy the quintessential British tradition, London Afternoon Tea. Cookie Policy The hotels Caxton Bar was used regularly by SIS, MI5, and Naval Intelligence Division case officers to meet their agents. Add a glass of bubbly to make it a distinctive afternoon. The striking Grade II-listed Victorian red-brick building towers on either side of us as we walk along to the main entrance, which is fringed by lush green grass and pretty blooms in myriad hues. Family-friendly, dog-friendly with attentive service, fine dining, lovely libations, absolute comfortand no listening devicescomplement every stay at St Ermins. And drama is part of this glorious hotels history. A suite of rooms in the hotel were taken by the Women's Automobile and Sports Association as their club and headquarters from 1929. The hotel has a driveway straddled by lush flora that leads to its Victorian facade where you can begin to see the intricacies as you approach. The Division Bell is used to signal an imminent vote in the House of Parliament. Fast forward to 2010, and we find the St. Ermin's under new ownership and proudly displaying it's original grandeur after an extensive 30 million refurbishment. Nathan Masters. St Ermins is one of those locations. 15 spaces inclusing outside terraces. Liz, Thank you, Liz. Upon chicking in, children receive an intriguing St. Ermin's Secret Agent Package with a top-secret briefing to test their observational and sleuthing skills around the hotel. Over the years it has played local to some of Westminsters most influential. You feel as though you are in the hall of a grand house rather than a hotel lobby. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. One of the best of these is visiting the Bee and Bee Hotel on the third-floor terrace to watch bees making honey. Fascinating place! Wine Tasting. Hall and form the basis of what is now St. Ermin's Hotel. Copyright @2023 THOT Information Services, LLC dba Wander With Wonder. The residential population of Westminster rose appreciably from the 17th century, partly illustrated by the construction of St Margaret Chapel, originally known as The New Chapell, immediately to the south of the hotel site in 1636 and where English astronomer Thomas Street was buried in 1689. After the war, the hotel became associated with more spying shenanigans, with double agent and eventual defector Guy Burgess 'heavily rumoured' to have used the Caxton Bar, where Churchill enjoyed glasses of Champagne, to meet spies from Russia and hand over secret government files. Great service is guaranteed here. I felt like I was standing inside a layered cake. Luxury Travel ~Mark Birdsall, Founder and Editor, Eye Spy Intelligence Magazine, St. Ermins London. Enjoy the quintessential British tradition, London Afternoon Tea. There she delves into art, music, food, libations, architecture, museums, parks, well-curated tours, history, agriculture, and the unexpected in micro-towns and big cities, domestically and internationally. Sitting in a grand lobby imagining all the secrets the walls could share arouses my inner-romantic novelist. Revealed: More than a quarter of Britons have never been Do not sell or share my personal information. Their home? Have you ever stayed in a spy hotel? We head out of the hotel to explore the local area - theres plenty to take in that appeals to the kids: the Peter Pan Gardens in Kensington Gardens; London Transport Museum; the Changing of the Guard; Natural History Museum, and Hamleys. St James's Park underground station opened in 1868. Serving a range of drinks and light meals Caxton Bar is a perfect meeting spot for guests and locals alike. There are artefacts, art, books and memorabilia at every corner, with plenty of things to discover and discover about its history. The staff uses the skills of an air traffic controller to orchestrate autos, guests, and bags. It is also close to Parliament Square and it is so worth spending an hour sauntering around the square to check out the amazing statues of including Winston Churchill, Mandela and Gandhi and Abraham Lincoln. Find the travel option that best suits you. A post shared by The Travel Magazine (@travelmagazine). Images Courtesy of St. Ermin's Hotel St. Ermin's Hotel 2 Caxton St. London, SW1H 0QW, United Kingdom 44-20-7222-7888 www.sterminshotel.co.uk Nightlife Tool Kit Alesund, Norway's Living History Also rumored are a set of tunnels called the Q-Whitehall network; these are a set of underground communication passages in and around the area of Whitehall. From March 1938, SIS used the hotel as their Section D headquarters, subsequently SOE made However, you can always count on Wander With Wonder to report with honesty and integrity on those places we believe offer wonderful opportunities for our readers. This resulted in the St Ermin's Mansions, created by E.T Hall in 1899, which forms the basis of St Ermin's Hotel. [5] Mansion blocks (high-status, serviced apartments) were first seen in Victoria Street, London, in the 1850s and remain a feature of the area today. In the hotel lobby hangs a Division Bell, which used to be rung to alert MPs that they had just eight minutes to get to the House of Commons to cast their vote. Even those who work in the closed world of secrets must have a base of operations, and what better place to hide in plain sight than the iconic and elegant St. Ermins Hotel, espionage writer and editor Mark Birdsall wrote in the foreword to House of Spies, a book by Peter Matthews about the espionage connection to the hotel.