We’re the only independent, global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas, and ocean cruise ships. We’re like the gold standard for discerning travelers, providing a clear and unbiased picture of what to expect from these high-end establishments.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- We Don’t Just Talk the Talk, We Walk the Walk: Our highly trained inspectors personally visit every property we rate, meticulously assessing them against up to 900 objective criteria. We’re talking two-night minimum stays to really get a feel for the place.
- Integrity is Our Guiding Star: You won’t find any bought-and-paid-for ratings here. We’re completely independent, and our ratings are solely earned through our rigorous inspection process.
- Your Experience, Our Priority: Our global team of anonymous inspectors blend seamlessly into the background, ensuring they experience the property just like any other guest.
- Service is King: While we evaluate both service and facilities, our Star Rating system places a strong emphasis on service. After all, how you feel at a hotel, restaurant, or spa is what truly sticks with you.
- A Legacy of Excellence: We’ve been around since 1958 as Mobil Travel Guide, and we’re the creators of the original Five-Star rating system for the hospitality industry. We’ve been leading the way in defining luxury for decades.
From Secret Missions to Modern Luxury: St. Ermin’s Hotel, London
St. Ermin’s Hotel in London is a true gem, a blend of historical charm and contemporary comfort. From the outside, it’s a classic British beauty, with its red brick exterior and tree-lined courtyard. But step inside and you’re transported into a world of whimsical elegance. White, sinuous rococo plasterwork flows through the lobby, inviting you to sink into deep-purple chesterfield sofas or explore the collection of teapots, carved wooden chairs, and modern sculptures.
But St. Ermin’s is more than just beautiful décor—it’s a living testament to history. This London hotel has a covert past, having served as the secret headquarters of Winston Churchill’s Special Operations Executive during World War II. British intelligence agency MI6 also set up camp here, and rumor has it a secret tunnel connects the lobby to the Palace of Westminster.
While the spy stories are thrilling, St. Ermin’s also offers a wealth of luxurious amenities for guests who prefer to relax and indulge.
- Gourmet Dining: Enjoy 24-hour in-room dining, with delicious options ranging from hearty English breakfasts to late-night housemade pizzas.
- Tasteful Ambiance: The Caxton Grill offers a continental breakfast spread, an alfresco dining terrace with courtyard views, and afternoon tea in the library.
- Prime Location: Situated near St. James’s Park, the hotel is ideally located in London’s city center, within walking distance of Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace.
- Business Ready: St. Ermin’s boasts a dedicated business center with 15 separate meeting and event spaces, equipped with state-of-the-art technology.
- A Sweet Surprise: On the roof, you’ll find a colony of bees, providing the hotel with honey for breakfast and afternoon tea.
- Tech-Savvy: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, though the signal strength can vary depending on your location.
- Fitness Focus: The hotel’s well-equipped gym is discreetly hidden away but offers 24-hour access, featuring Precor treadmills, bikes, cross-trainers, and free weights.
- Luxury Accommodations: Each room, from the Superior Room to the View Deluxe Suite, features a state-of-the-art LG Pro:Centric 37-inch LCD wide-screen television.
- Local Charm: The hotel sources its bath products from The White Company, a renowned London homeware and fragrance firm.
- Thoughtful Touches: Rooms are equipped with a large kettle, a selection of teas, a coffeemaker with freshly ground beans, and a neutral color palette accented with pops of leaf green and tomato red.
- Elegant Heritage: The hotel was originally a late-19th-century mansion converted by the renowned Victorian theater designer J.P. Briggs, resulting in dramatic reception rooms with intricate white plasterwork.
- Sophisticated Style: This design heritage is evident in the spacious rooms and suites, decorated with global textures and calming colors.
- Grand Lobby: The lobby boasts lofty ceilings, fine chandeliers, and exquisite plasterwork.
- Versatile Spaces: The Caxton Grill restaurant features a fresh and contemporary interior, while the conference rooms range from historic ballrooms to modern workspaces.
St. Ermin’s Hotel is a unique blend of history, elegance, and modern luxury. It’s a place where you can experience the best of London, from its rich past to its vibrant present.