Introduction I was thrilled to receive a notification from St Ermin’s Hotel, London that I had won a one night stay (with breakfast), with Afternoon Tea for four included, courtesy of seatplans . This was a very pleasant surprise, and the timing coincided with a trip to London to mark my wife’s birthday and our wedding anniversary. An exchange of emails with the hotel and arrangements were in place.� St.Ermin’s Hotel is part of Marriott’s Autograph collection, and is located close to Victoria Station. What is normally a very short taxi ride is a little more complex due to a large amount of building work in the area. If travelling with� hand luggage, it is worth considering taking the Underground to St.James’s which is almost beside the hotel.� � � � It is a beautiful building, just off Caxton Street, and uniformed doormen immediately appear to open the taxi door, carry luggage into the reception area and extend a very warm welcome.� � The reception staff were equally welcoming and gave us an outline of mealtimes, facilities, etc. Very shortly we were in our room. Decorated in a mixture of light green, beige and light brown it is very relaxing. The bathroom was very well appointed with � White Company toiletries.� � We had arranged for my sister-in-law and her husband to join us for Afternoon Tea. This is served in a mezzanine overlooking the entrance foyer, and has several quiet corners for guests. I presented a copy of my confirmation email to the host, who immediately offered champagne in seeing that this was in his words “a special event”. What a nice gesture, and one made with exquisite style.� This is the afternoon tea menu:� � � Winter Afternoon Tea MenuFreshly baked scones� - Plain & fruit scones with clotted cream and a selection of jamsSavoury bitesRoast turkey and cranberry sandwich with stuffingSmoked mackerel pâté with horseradish cream and cucumber Beetroot & goats’ cheese tart with balsamic caviarTruffled egg mayonnaise rollSweet treats� Banana bread with salted caramel and banana crispCoffee choux bunMini yule logPear & ginger mousse with redcurrantsMincemeat macaronMulled wine cream with chestnut and cinnamon mille feuille� The quality, the presentation and the service was superb. As each course was served, each individual item was described to us. Each of us thoroughly enjoyed the experience.� On returning to our room, we were taken aback to find a bottle of prosecco with a note of congratulations from the hotel management.� Other lovely touches in the room included a turndown service, with slippers on a mat beside the bed. A chocolate bee adorned each pillow. This pays homage to the hotels bee garden (on the third floor).The bed was very comfortable, and we had a very good night’s sleep.� Breakfast was a very high standard, and included a vast range of breads, pastries, cold cuts, fruits, and a very good quality tea.� This was one of our most enjoyable hotel stays, and from the moment we arrived in the St.Ermin’s hotel, each and every member of staff we encountered made us feel welcome. That this service standard was extended to us on what was a non-revenue stay is all the more remarkable.The hotel’s location is excellent, with good access to all transport links.� � Would we recommend St.Ermin’s: Yes� Would we return to St.Ermins: Yes