Details of St Ermin's Hotel refurb released

Amerimar are planning a sympathetic restoration of the Grade II listed Victorian landmark property, which is close to St James’s Park, before it re-opens in April 2011

This is Amerimar's first venture in Europe, following the launch of US properties including The Hutton in Nashville (www.huttonhotel.com) and Hotel Derek in Houston (www.hotelderek.com)

Retaining its classic architecture, evocative Art Nouveau styling and Rococo plasterwork, the St Ermin’s is being given a distinctive, modern and highly textural look and feel by LA-based designer, Dayna Lee of Powerstrip Studio. Offering guests a contemporary version of ‘The Grand Tour’ that infused the English great house style, hand picked antiques and collectables sit together with modern pieces to provide a warm, sophisticated London welcome. 

The original courtyard garden, reconstructed and replanted, provides a dramatic sense of arrival before entering the beautiful historic lobby complete with sweeping staircases, theatrical balconies, open fireplaces.

The lobby leads through mellow lounge and library areas, to the Caxton Bar, outdoor terrace and the extended, new 70-cover restaurant, Caxton Grill and private dining room.

“I took great inspiration from Christopher Dresser – a truly visionary C19th British botanist and designer who was very influential when the St Ermin’s was first built,” commented Dayna Lee.

Dresser travelled extensively and brought many influences, particularly from the Far and Middle East, back to England. He designed extensively, producing ground-breaking, exquisite work from fabric to wall coverings to teapots; many of his designs are still used today. 

“The colour palette is compelling – I would describe the textiles as exuberant and they adorn furnishings from many continents across many ages.  Against textured, softy neutral backdrops, garden greens surround accents from multiple cultures,” she concluded.

Amerimar have extended the hotel with the addition of 56 rooms following the purchase of the adjoining offices – restoring the complete ‘horseshoe’ of the original mansion block.  Guest rooms have been thoughtfully reconfigured to offer business and leisure visitors a vibrant, comfortable stay in the heart of the City of Westminster. Whilst all 331 rooms are spacious, high ceilinged and exceptionally well-equipped, the hotel offers 40 individually styled suites and 18 family rooms, which include two Queen sized beds, an additional guest sofa bed and two full-sized bathrooms.

Private celebrations, wedding parties and business gatherings of various shapes and sizes are well served by 15 distinct spaces including the romantic and opulent Crystal Ballroom.

“Our aim throughout is to allow the quirky and characterful aspects of The St Ermin’s to shine through - she has quite a colourful past – whilst bringing her right up to date in terms of design, comfort and service for our guests”, commented McHugh.

www.amerimar.com